Senior Actuary Salary in Portland, ME: $171,539 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Portland, ME — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $171,539/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Portland's price premium (BEA RPP 101.9, 2% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $168,410 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Portland, ME offers a competitive environment for seasoned actuaries, particularly those reaching the upper echelon of their profession. With a median annual salary projected at $142,643 for 2026, experienced actuaries can expect to see significant rewards as they advance in their careers. The top earners, falling within the 90th percentile, can command salaries as high as $171,539. This not only highlights the salary gap between median income and the highest earners but also underscores the experience premium associated with senior-level roles. Achieving such a top actuary salary in Portland requires strategic career moves, specialization in high-demand areas, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, including passing advanced actuarial exams.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portland
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Portland earn between $142,643 and $171,539 per year (2026 est.). This $80,217 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Portland median of $142,643 sits 6.32% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Portland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $142,643 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,643 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $171,539 | $221,983 |
In Portland, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 20.26% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Portland
Advanced Certifications in Maine
ME actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $142,643 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Portland employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Portland command premium compensation, often reaching the $142,643–$171,539 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Portland metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Portland with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Maine who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Portland
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPortland ranks #10 of 10 Maine cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $171,539).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Portland ($171,539) is 6.73% below the Maine average P90 ($183,925).
2019 BLS Actual
$138,820
2025 BLS Actual
$166,220
2026 Current Est.
$171,539
2019–2027 Growth
+27.5%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $166,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $205,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $174,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $171,539 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,028 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Portland saw their compensation grow 19.7% from $138,820 in 2019 to $166,220 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $177,028 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Portland
Regional dynamics further shape the compensation landscape for senior actuaries in Portland. Diverse specializations—ranging from life and annuity to health, property & casualty (P&C), enterprise risk management (ERM), and predictive analytics—carry significant premium pay, reflecting the evolving market demands. Differences in employer types also influence compensation; for instance, actuaries in consulting firms like Mercer or Aon often earn more than their counterparts at life insurance companies or health insurers such as Cigna and Anthem. The commitment to further education, including obtaining credentials like ASA and FSA, remains a key factor in compensation progression. Moreover, considering the pay gradient between consulting and insurance firms, actuaries aiming for top compensation should not overlook leadership paths that transition from actuarial analyst to managing actuary or chief actuary while pursuing fellowship credentials that can enhance their marketability significantly.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Portland in 2026?
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What certifications boost actuary salary in Portland?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Portland?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Portland?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $166,220 for actuaries in the Portland metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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