Friendswood vs Houston: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Friendswood, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Friendswood, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,495▲ | $84,283 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.86▲ | $40.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,932▲ | $60,496 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,643▲ | $60,496 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,354▲ | $135,718 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,967▲ | $189,031 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Friendswood, TX offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Friendswood and Houston is $40,212 (47.71%). Friendswood's median is -7.20% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Friendswood spans $111,035,Houston spans $128,535. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Friendswood ($129,682 effective) pays 51.76% more than Houston ($85,455 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Friendswood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,495/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($192,967)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,682)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Friendswood grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
Friendswood, TX
$118,779 (2024) → $120,635 (2025)
Houston, TX
$96,750 (2019) → $81,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Friendswood, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Friendswood or Houston?
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Should I relocate from Friendswood to Houston as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Friendswood vs Houston?
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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
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