Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Richardson, TX: $75,625 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Richardson, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,625 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richardson's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,776 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,388) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for actuaries in Richardson, Texas, offer a compelling opportunity for new graduates entering the field. In 2026, the entry-level actuary salary in Richardson is anticipated to begin at around $75,625. This figure is significantly below the city's overall median annual salary of $130,388, highlighting a common gap that early-career professionals must navigate. However, this entry-point salary can progress rapidly as individuals gain experience and take on more responsibilities. Within the first three to five years, new actuaries may expect their earnings to rise to approximately $100,631 at the 25th percentile, while those who excel may reach the median or higher, demonstrating that Richardson is currently a favorable market for fresh graduates entering the workforce.
About the Richardson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richardson
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 Richardson
Entry-level actuarys in Richardson, TX typically start between $75,625 and $100,631 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $126,477 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,388 — 2.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Texas of $52,000 represents just 68.76% of the starting actuary pay ($75,625/year) in Richardson. 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 Richardson
- 1Research the Richardson market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $75,625 to $100,631, 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 Richardson, 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 Richardson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richardson'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 Richardson is $126,477 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,625, experienced hygienists can earn up to $202,102.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,493
2025 BLS Actual
$73,280
2026 Current Est.
$75,625
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,493 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,584 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,001 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,305 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,153 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,625 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,045 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Richardson, TX grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,493 in 2019 to $73,280 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,045. New graduates entering the Richardson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richardson 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 Richardson
A number of reputable employers in Richardson actively seek new graduates with actuarial science backgrounds. Large life insurance companies such as Prudential and MetLife frequently recruit through university partnerships, offering structured support for exam preparation along with comprehensive onboarding experiences. Health insurance firms and consulting agencies, including Milliman and Mercer, also provide robust pathways for fresh talent and often present higher starting salaries to those who have earned their ASA credentials. Gaining foundational credentials, particularly through passing SOA or CAS exams, is essential for boosting prospective starting pay, as each completed exam translates into a pay bump of approximately $3,000 to $8,000. In the first three years, those who focus intensively on exam progression and develop skills in data analytics will likely see significant financial returns, making the pursuit of these credentials an important strategy for maximizing career potential in Richardson's actuarial landscape.
More salary data for Richardson, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for actuaries in Richardson in 2026?
How fast do actuary salaries grow in Richardson?
Is actuarial science school worth it in Richardson?
What do new actuaries make right out of school in Richardson?
How do I become a actuary in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Richardson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richardson 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