Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Nacogdoches, TX: $77,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Nacogdoches, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,186 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Nacogdoches's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,402 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($122,236) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nacogdoches presents a unique opportunity for new graduates entering the actuarial field, with a projected starting actuary salary of $77,186 in 2026. This amount is notably lower than the city's median annual salary, which is expected to be $122,236, resulting in a significant gap that highlights the typical entry-level compensation for fresh talent. As new actuaries gain experience, they can anticipate progressive salary increases moving from the lowest 10th percentile up through the 25th percentile, with eventual access to median earnings within the first three to five years. Given the city's relatively lower cost of living index at 96, aspiring actuaries will find Nacogdoches to be a manageable market as they begin their careers while navigating these early financial challenges.
About the Nacogdoches Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Nacogdoches
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 Nacogdoches
Entry-level actuarys in Nacogdoches, TX typically start between $77,186 and $90,462 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,280 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $122,236 — 8.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Texas of $52,000 represents just 67.37% of the starting actuary pay ($77,186/year) in Nacogdoches. 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 Nacogdoches
- 1Research the Nacogdoches market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $77,186 to $90,462, 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 Nacogdoches, 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 Nacogdoches for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Nacogdoches'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 Nacogdoches is $112,280 ( 145.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,186, experienced hygienists can earn up to $189,466.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,742
2025 BLS Actual
$74,793
2026 Current Est.
$77,186
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Nacogdoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,742 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,856 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,756 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,904 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,793 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,656 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Nacogdoches, TX grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,742 in 2019 to $74,793 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,656. New graduates entering the Nacogdoches job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches
Employers in Nacogdoches that actively seek out entry-level actuaries include large life insurance firms such as Prudential and MetLife, which often establish campus recruiting pipelines and provide support for actuarial examinations. Similarly, health insurance companies also hire aspiring actuaries right out of school. Additionally, consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer tend to look for candidates with Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) credentials, which can enhance salary offers. To maximize starting pay, new grads should focus on earning a Bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, or finance, alongside passing relevant actuarial exams and obtaining VEE credits in economics, accounting, and advanced math. Career progression in the first few years hinges on exam success, as each passing exam can incrementally boost base salaries by $3,000 to $8,000. A strategic approach to gaining practical experience in predictive analytics or data science will further align a new actuary’s skill set with market demands, ensuring they can navigate their initial years effectively while setting the stage for robust long-term career growth.
More salary data for Nacogdoches, 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 Nacogdoches. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nacogdoches 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