Actuary Pay

Dallas vs Pasadena: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Dallas, TX and Pasadena, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$131,776
$63.35/hr
Pasadena, TX
$83,181
$39.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXPasadena, TX
Median Salary$131,776$83,181
Hourly Rate$63.35$39.99
Entry Level (P10)$78,865$51,141
25th Percentile$92,591$62,672
75th Percentile$163,974$106,472
Top Earner (P90)$198,753$128,931
Total Employed51032
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($131,776) and Pasadena ($83,181) actuary salaries.DallasPasadenaMedian Salary$131,776$83,181Entry Level (P10)$78,865$51,141Top Earner (P90)$198,753$128,931US Median $134,160

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pasadena.

The salary gap between Dallas and Pasadena is $48,595 (58.42%). Dallas's median is -1.78% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $119,888,Pasadena spans $77,790. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$78,865
P25$92,591
Median$131,776
P75$163,974
P90 (Top)$198,753
Pasadena
P10 (Entry)$51,141
P25$62,672
Median$83,181
P75$106,472
P90 (Top)$128,931

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($127,826 effective) pays 47.53% more than Pasadena ($86,647 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $131,776
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $127,826
Pasadena
Nominal: $83,181
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $86,647

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($131,776/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($198,753)
  • Larger job market (510 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,826)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Pasadena if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Dallas grew 21.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -34.2% growth in Pasadena over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+21.0%

$105,500 (2019) → $127,690 (2025)

Pasadena, TX

+-34.2%

$122,485 (2024) → $80,602 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Dallas or Pasadena?

Dallas has a higher median actuary salary at $131,776/year, compared to Pasadena at $83,181/year — a difference of $48,595 (58.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Pasadena?

Dallas actuarys earn $63.35/hr while Pasadena hygienists earn $39.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Pasadena as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Pasadena. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $127,826, Pasadena = $86,647), job availability (510 vs 32 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Dallas vs Pasadena?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $78,865 in Dallas and $51,141 in Pasadena. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% 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 Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov