Senior Actuary Salary in Portland, OR: $183,913 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Portland, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $183,913/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Portland's price premium (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $174,456 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the salary potential for experienced actuaries in Portland, Oregon is notably attractive, with top earners—those in the 90th percentile—commanding impressive annual compensation reaching $183,913. This figure, positioned just below the national top earnings median of $134,160, underscores the robust market for seasoned professionals within this city. The median annual salary of $133,231 reflects a significant disparity from top-tier salaries, illustrating the premium placed on extensive experience and specialized expertise. To attain these coveted compensation levels, actuaries often pursue advanced certifications, such as Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS), alongside a demonstrated track record in high-demand areas of actuarial practice.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portland
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Portland earn between $173,861 and $183,913 per year (2026 est.). This $98,391 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Portland median of $133,231 sits 0.69% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Portland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,231 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,861 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $183,913 | $221,983 |
In Portland, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 38.04% 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 Oregon
OR actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $133,231 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 $173,861–$183,913 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 Oregon 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 #36 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $183,913).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Portland ($183,913) is 9.12% below the Oregon average P90 ($202,368).
2019 BLS Actual
$193,530
2025 BLS Actual
$178,210
2026 Current Est.
$183,913
2019–2027 Growth
+-1.9%
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 | $193,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $175,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $166,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $170,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $178,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $183,913 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,798 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Portland saw their compensation grow -7.9% from $193,530 in 2019 to $178,210 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 $189,798 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
Specializations within the actuarial field are critical drivers of senior compensation in Portland, with roles in life and annuity, health, property and casualty (P&C), and enterprise risk management particularly well-remunerated. Employers differ in their compensation packages; life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife tend to offer competitive salaries for FSAs, while consulting firms like Mercer and Aon are known for premium pay for advanced credentials. Achieving the senior status necessary for enhanced pay often entails navigating the ASA-to-FSA pathway, which can span five to eight years. Each passed exam in this process typically results in a pay increase of $3,000 to $8,000, incentivizing progression. Additionally, actuaries with expertise in data science and predictive analytics are increasingly sought after, reflecting market demands. Non-salary compensation, including bonuses for exam achievements and extensive study benefit packages, frequently enhance the total reward for senior actuaries focusing their careers in Portland, OR.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Portland in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Portland?
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?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 $178,210 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