Garland vs Houston: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Garland, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garland, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,841▲ | $84,283 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.35▲ | $40.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,628▲ | $60,496 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,366▲ | $60,496 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,316▲ | $135,718 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,454▲ | $189,031 |
| Total Employed | 43 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Garland, TX offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Garland and Houston is $49,558 (58.80%). Garland's median is -0.24% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garland spans $129,826,Houston spans $128,535. Garland 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, Garland ($139,418 effective) pays 63.15% 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 Garland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,841/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($207,454)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,418)
- ✓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 Garland grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
Garland, TX
$127,695 (2024) → $129,691 (2025)
Houston, TX
$96,750 (2019) → $81,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garland, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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