Houston vs Amarillo: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Houston, TX and Amarillo, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Amarillo, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,283 | $133,321▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.52 | $64.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,496 | $77,326▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,496 | $95,991▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,718 | $170,650▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,031 | $206,648▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 52 |
Verdict
Amarillo, TX offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Amarillo is $49,038 (58.18%). Amarillo's median is -0.63% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $128,535,Amarillo spans $129,322. Amarillo 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, Amarillo ($138,876 effective) pays 62.51% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Amarillo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,321/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,648)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,876)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Houston grew -15.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Amarillo over the same period.
Houston, TX
$96,750 (2019) → $81,670 (2025)
Amarillo, TX
$127,199 (2024) → $129,187 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Amarillo, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Houston or Amarillo?
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Should I relocate from Houston to Amarillo as a actuary?
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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