Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Mission, TX: $74,910 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Mission, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,910 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mission's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,031 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,643) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting pay for an entry-level actuary in Mission, TX, is projected to be around $74,910, which is notably lower than the city's median salary of $128,643. This creates a significant gap, highlighting that new graduates may start their careers at a lower threshold. However, the growth trajectory for actuaries in this area is promising, as entry-level professionals can expect to transition to the 25th percentile, earning approximately $93,566 within 3-5 years. For those considering a career in this field, Mission presents a viable market for entry-level actuaries, especially given the expected annual growth rate of 3.20%, which suggests that there are increasing opportunities in the profession.
About the Mission Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mission
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 Mission
Entry-level actuarys in Mission, TX typically start between $74,910 and $93,566 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,487 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,643 — 4.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Texas of $52,000 represents just 69.42% of the starting actuary pay ($74,910/year) in Mission. 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 Mission
- 1Research the Mission market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $74,910 to $93,566, 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 Mission, 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 Mission for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mission'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 Mission is $124,487 ( 166.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,910, experienced hygienists can earn up to $199,397.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,921
2025 BLS Actual
$72,587
2026 Current Est.
$74,910
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Mission (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,921 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,443 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,296 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,187 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,910 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,307 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Mission, TX grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,921 in 2019 to $72,587 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,307. New graduates entering the Mission job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mission 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 Mission
Several employers in Mission hire new graduates for actuarial roles, with large life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife actively recruiting talent through campus pipelines. These organizations often provide structured support for actuarial exam preparation, which is crucial for salary advancement. Additionally, health insurers and consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer are on the lookout for candidates who possess solid educational foundations in mathematics and finance, as well as credentials like the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) designation. For new actuaries in Texas, passing initial actuarial exams is a key strategy in increasing earning potential; each passed exam can boost salaries by $3,000 to $8,000. New graduates should target their professional development towards acquiring VEE credits and plan for the longer-term commitment of attaining Fellowship status. With the right credentials and experience, first-year actuaries in Mission can expect to see substantial salary growth within a few years through diligent exam progression and acquiring more specialized skills in areas such as predictive analytics and data science.
More salary data for Mission, 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 Mission. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mission 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