Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Denton, TX: $78,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Denton, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,256 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Denton's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,517 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,068) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level actuary salary in Denton, Texas, is projected at a starting point of $78,256, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $128,068. New graduates should consider this gap as they set their career expectations; although entry-level roles may initially seem modest, there is a clear trajectory for growth as experience is gained. Over the first few years, salaries can improve to approximately $96,127 at the 25th percentile, and as actuaries develop skills and credentials, they can reach the median. Given Denton's relatively solid salary outlook and a moderate cost of living index of 96, it remains an attractive market for new actuaries looking to embark on their careers in this field.
About the Denton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Denton
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 Denton
Entry-level actuarys in Denton, TX typically start between $78,256 and $96,127 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,249 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,068 — 4.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Texas of $52,000 represents just 66.45% of the starting actuary pay ($78,256/year) in Denton. 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 Denton
- 1Research the Denton market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $78,256 to $96,127, 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 Denton, 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 Denton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Denton'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 Denton is $120,249 ( 153.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,256, experienced hygienists can earn up to $198,505.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,597
2025 BLS Actual
$75,829
2026 Current Est.
$78,256
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Denton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,597 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,726 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,053 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,926 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,760 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Denton, TX grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,597 in 2019 to $75,829 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,760. New graduates entering the Denton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denton 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.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Denton
When considering employment opportunities in Denton, new graduates will find a mix of potential employers, including large life insurers such as Prudential and MetLife, which actively recruit through campus connections and often provide structured study programs for actuarial exams. Health insurance companies are another source of entry-level positions, while consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer offer higher starting salaries for those with ASA credentials. To enhance earning potential, aspiring actuaries should prioritize obtaining credentials by passing actuarial exams from the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), as completing exams can add significantly to starting pay; each passed exam typically results in an increase of $3,000 to $8,000. For a sustainable career strategy in the first years, maintaining focus on professional growth, acquiring VEE credits, and developing skills in predictive analytics and data science can lead to promising salary advances within this competitive sector.
More salary data for Denton, 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 Denton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Denton 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