Houston vs Richardson: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Houston, TX and Richardson, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Richardson, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,283 | $130,388▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.52 | $62.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,496 | $75,625▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,496 | $100,631▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,718 | $166,897▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,031 | $202,102▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Richardson, TX offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Richardson is $46,105 (54.70%). Richardson's median is -2.81% 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,Richardson spans $126,477. 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, Richardson ($135,821 effective) pays 58.94% 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 Richardson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,388/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,102)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,821)
- ✓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 Richardson over the same period.
Houston, TX
$96,750 (2019) → $81,670 (2025)
Richardson, TX
$124,402 (2024) → $126,345 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Richardson, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Houston or Richardson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Richardson?
Should I relocate from Houston to Richardson as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Houston vs Richardson?
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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