Actuary.
Portland.
$129,000
median salary, 6% above the national average
$97,000 to $171,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a Actuary offer in Portland, OR, here is the reality: $97,000 to $171,000, with $129,000 as the midpoint. 6% above the national average. Exam progress is the single most predictive salary factor for actuaries. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $116,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$84,000
to $103,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$110,000
to $135,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$142,000
to $168,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$161,000
to $200,000
Salary trend
+4% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $37,000 to the total package.
Base
$129,000
Equity
$21,000
Bonus
$13,000
Signing
$3,000
Estimated total: $166,000
How Portland compares
Portland, OR
$129,000
Cost of living: 10% above average
National Average
$122,000
Portland is $7,000 above
Actuary salary by city
Salary by role in Portland
What you should know
Here is what the Actuary market actually looks like in Portland. Portland's tech scene is anchored by Intel's semiconductor campus and a strong cluster of sportswear and creative companies including Nike and Adidas. The city attracts professionals who value work life balance and sustainability. Salaries are moderate compared to Seattle, but the lower cost of living makes Portland a solid value proposition. Exam progress is the single most predictive salary factor for actuaries. Each passed SOA or CAS exam adds approximately $5,000 to $15,000 in base salary. Fully credentialed fellows earn 40 to 60% more than entry-level associates. Consulting actuaries typically earn more than insurance company actuaries at equivalent experience levels.
Entry-level actuarial analysts with zero to two exams earn $65,000 to $85,000. Associates (ASA) earn $90,000 to $120,000. Fellows (FSA/FCAS) reach $130,000 to $180,000. Chief actuaries and actuarial directors earn $175,000 to $280,000. Consulting principals can exceed $350,000. In Portland, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Exam bonuses of $2,000 to $5,000 per passed exam are standard, plus paid study time (typically 100 to 200 hours). Annual bonuses of 10 to 20% are common. Consulting firms offer higher variable pay. Many employers cover exam fees, study materials, and raise base salary with each credential milestone. And on the tax side: oregon has no sales tax, but state income tax rates climb to 9.9%. Portland adds a local arts tax and metro supportive housing tax. Factor these into your net pay calculations. When someone quotes you $129,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Highlight your willingness to work hybrid in Portland's tech campuses. Intel, Nike, and other major employers reward in person collaboration with higher compensation bands. The range for Actuarys in Portland runs from $97,000 to $171,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A AI Video Production Specialist in Portland earns $128,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Portland is Chief AI Officer at $344,000
Common questions.
Actuary salary in other cities
Other salaries in Portland
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