Portland vs Albany: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Portland, OR and Albany, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Albany, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,657 | $63,662▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.13 | $30.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,262▲ | $38,757 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,355▲ | $48,692 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,742▲ | $77,141 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,893▲ | $118,850 |
| Total Employed | 3,690▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Portland and Albany are closely matched on overall insurance agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Portland and Albany is $1,005 (1.60%). Albany's median is -1.33% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $84,631,Albany spans $80,093. Portland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($62,353 effective) pays 4.91% more than Portland ($59,435 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,893)
- ✓Larger job market (3,690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,662/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,353)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Portland grew -5.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.1% growth in Albany over the same period.
Portland, OR
$63,710 (2019) → $60,480 (2025)
Albany, OR
$39,880 (2019) → $61,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Albany, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Portland or Albany?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Albany?
Should I relocate from Portland to Albany as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Portland vs Albany?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov