Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Bastrop, TX: $77,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Bastrop, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,691 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bastrop's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,928 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,008) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new entrants to the actuarial field in Bastrop, Texas can expect an entry-level actuary salary starting around $77,691, making it essential for recent graduates to have realistic salary expectations. This figure signifies a notable gap from the city's median salary of $123,008, spanning several years of growth as individuals progress in their careers. As their experience accrues, entry-level actuaries could potentially see their salaries rise through the 25th percentile ($93,364) and eventually approach the median, indicating a strong growth trajectory in the early years of their careers. Given the strong job market and competitive starting salaries in this area, Bastrop presents a favorable opportunity for new grads seeking to launch their actuarial careers.
New graduates aiming for actuarial positions in Bastrop can find opportunities with major life insurance companies like Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual, which actively recruit students from actuarial programs for entry-level roles. These firms often provide structured setups that include dedicated time for exam preparation, a crucial perk when pursuing necessary credentials like the ASA designation. Additionally, health insurance companies and consulting firms such as Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW are eager to hire entry-level actuaries, especially those with ASA or ACAS credentials, as these positions typically feature higher base salaries. The pursuit of actuarial credentials significantly impacts pay, with each exam passed generally adding $3,000 to $8,000 to the base salary. For early-career actuaries in Texas, developing predictive analytics and data science skills can further enhance their marketability, ensuring they stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Starting salaries may grow steadily in the first three years, especially for those who demonstrate a commitment to passing exams and pursuing additional educational opportunities.
About the Bastrop Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bastrop
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bastrop
Entry-level actuarys in Bastrop, TX typically start between $77,691 and $93,364 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,972 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,008 — 8.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Texas of $52,000 represents just 66.93% of the starting actuary pay ($77,691/year) in Bastrop. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bastrop
- 1Research the Bastrop market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,691 to $93,364, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bastrop, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bastrop for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bastrop's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Bastrop is $112,972 ( 145.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,691, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,663.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,146
2025 BLS Actual
$75,282
2026 Current Est.
$77,691
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Bastrop (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,146 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,613 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,757 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,225 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,356 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,282 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,177 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Bastrop, TX grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,146 in 2019 to $75,282 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,177. New graduates entering the Bastrop job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bastrop metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
More salary data for Bastrop, 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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bastrop. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bastrop is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov