Entry-Level Actuary Salary in McKinney, TX: $77,382 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the McKinney, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,382 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out McKinney's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,606 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,901) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial field in McKinney, Texas, can anticipate a starting salary around $77,382, which is a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $127,901. For entry-level actuaries, this initial figure provides a realistic expectation of what to expect as they begin their careers. Over the first few years, earnings can grow substantially; actuaries may see their salaries rise to approximately $93,035 as they gain experience and skills, eventually progressing towards the median in about three to five years. With the local market boasting a competitive average, McKinney presents a favorable environment for new graduates eager to start their actuarial careers.
About the McKinney Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in McKinney
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 McKinney
Entry-level actuarys in McKinney, TX typically start between $77,382 and $93,035 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,864 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,901 — 4.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Texas of $52,000 represents just 67.20% of the starting actuary pay ($77,382/year) in McKinney. 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 McKinney
- 1Research the McKinney market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,382 to $93,035, 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 McKinney, 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 McKinney for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5McKinney'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 McKinney is $120,864 ( 156.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,382, experienced hygienists can earn up to $198,246.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,899
2025 BLS Actual
$74,983
2026 Current Est.
$77,382
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in McKinney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,899 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,015 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,372 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,484 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,939 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,094 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,382 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,859 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in McKinney, TX grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,899 in 2019 to $74,983 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,859. New graduates entering the McKinney job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McKinney 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 McKinney
Big insurance firms such as Prudential, MetLife, and Northwestern Mutual commonly recruit entry-level actuaries in McKinney, offering structured support for exam preparation. Health insurance providers and consulting firms like Milliman, Mercer, Aon, and WTW also seek fresh talent, particularly those pursuing actuarial credentials. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as mathematics, statistics, or finance, along with passing actuarial exams, will find better opportunities and higher initial salaries. In Texas, achieving VEE credits in economics, accounting, and mathematical statistics can further enhance a new grad's profile. Entry-level actuaries can expect their pay to rise significantly once they pass their first few exams—on average, around $3,000 to $8,000 additional per passed exam. Focusing on rapid certification can lead to lucrative opportunities in the local market, especially at consulting firms where FSAs or FCAS credentials command premium salaries. New entrants should anticipate meaningful growth as they establish themselves in this thriving profession.
More salary data for McKinney, 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 McKinney. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for McKinney 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