Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Medford, OR: $84,129 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Medford, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,129 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,997 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,456) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates considering a career in actuarial science in Medford, Oregon, the starting point can initially appear modest, with entry-level salaries around $84,129. However, this base pay provides a foundation for significant growth, as actuaries typically see sharp advancements in their salaries within the first few years of their careers. When comparing this entry-level salary against the city's median annual salary of $134,456, it's clear that there’s a substantial gap. Nonetheless, with a strategic approach, graduates can work their way through various stages—ranging from P25 salaries at $102,274 to eventually hitting the median. Given the city's projected growth rate of 3.20%, Medford stands out as a favorable market for new actuaries, offering both a competitive salary and opportunities for career advancement.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
Entry-level actuarys in Medford, OR typically start between $84,129 and $102,274 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,278 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,456 — 0.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Oregon of $58,000 represents just 68.94% of the starting actuary pay ($84,129/year) in Medford. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $84,129 to $102,274, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Medford, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Medford is $124,278 ( 147.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,129, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,407.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,295
2025 BLS Actual
$81,520
2026 Current Est.
$84,129
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,295 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,509 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,635 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,454 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,752 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,129 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,821 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, OR grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,295 in 2019 to $81,520 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,821. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Medford
In Medford, potential employers for recent graduates include larger life and health insurance companies as well as consulting firms that specialize in actuarial services. Organizations like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual are known for recruiting new grads through structured internship programs and exam support, which can greatly enhance entry-level actuary pay in Oregon. Credentials like a bachelor's degree in mathematics or actuarial science, alongside passing initial actuarial exams and obtaining VEE credits, can also elevate starting salaries significantly. Typically, each passed exam can add between $3,000 and $8,000 to a base salary, making exam progression vital for those in their first few years. Candidates aiming for consulting roles with firms like Milliman or Mercer will observe that obtaining the FSA designation commands a premium—reflecting the complex demands and higher stakes associated with such positions. With realistic salary growth expectations, motivated actuaries in Medford can achieve substantial financial rewards within their early-career phases.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov