Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Plano, TX: $78,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Plano, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,034 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plano's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,285 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,541) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the actuarial profession in Plano, TX can expect a starting actuary salary of approximately $78,034. This entry-level pay represents a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $134,541, indicating that there is considerable room for growth within the field. Over the first few years of their careers, entry-level actuaries may see their salaries rise as they gain experience and begin passing professional exams, moving towards the 25th percentile estimate of $96,870. The actuarial job market in Plano shows promise for new graduates, with a projected growth rate of 3.20% annually, making it an attractive option for those entering the workforce.
About the Plano Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plano
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 Plano
Entry-level actuarys in Plano, TX typically start between $78,034 and $96,870 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,504 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,541 — 0.28% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Texas of $52,000 represents just 66.64% of the starting actuary pay ($78,034/year) in Plano. 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 Plano
- 1Research the Plano market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $78,034 to $96,870, 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 Plano, 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 Plano for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plano'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 Plano is $130,504 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,034, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,538.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,420
2025 BLS Actual
$75,614
2026 Current Est.
$78,034
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,420 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,546 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,544 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,451 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,614 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,531 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Plano, TX grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,420 in 2019 to $75,614 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,531. New graduates entering the Plano job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plano 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 Plano
Major employers in Plano who frequently hire new grad actuaries include large life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife, as well as consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer. These organizations often have structured pathways for exam preparation, which are critical for entry-level actuaries, as each passed exam can add between $3,000 and $8,000 to a starting salary. In Texas, credentials like a Bachelor's degree in mathematics or actuarial science, along with passing requisite actuarial exams, are crucial. Early-career actuaries should focus on obtaining their ASA credential within 4-5 years by passing several SOA or CAS exams, as this can significantly enhance their earning potential. Within the first three years, new graduates can set realistic expectations for salary progression as they advance through the early stages of their careers in this competitive market.
More salary data for Plano, 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 Plano. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plano 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