Houston vs Austin: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Houston, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,283 | $126,472▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.52 | $60.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,496 | $76,420▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,496 | $89,196▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,718 | $185,316▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,031 | $198,227▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Austin is $42,189 (50.06%). Austin's median is -5.73% 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,Austin spans $121,807. Houston 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, Austin ($128,966 effective) pays 50.92% 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 Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,472/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,227)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,966)
- ✓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 24.3% growth in Austin over the same period.
Houston, TX
$96,750 (2019) → $81,670 (2025)
Austin, TX
$98,630 (2019) → $122,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Houston or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Austin?
Should I relocate from Houston to Austin as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Houston vs Austin?
Related Comparisons
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