Actuary Salary in Harlingen, TX: $129,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Harlingen, TX earns a median $129,775/year (≈ $62.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Harlingen's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $135,182 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the actuary salary in Harlingen, TX, is projected to reach a median of $129,775, which is slightly below the national average of $134,160. The local salary range for this profession spans from $77,412 at the 10th percentile to $201,151 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price parities, highlighting the particular economic conditions of Harlingen. The city hosts 14 employed actuaries, indicating a specialized but relatively small job market where the progression through exams and credentials can significantly impact compensation levels.
About the Harlingen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,412 | $37.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,719 | $48.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,775 | $62.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,112 | $79.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,151 | $96.71 |
Median Salary Position
3.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Harlingen
In Harlingen, TX, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,739 (2026 est.). At $129,775, the local median is 3.27% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Harlingen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Harlingen Actuary Pay Compares
Harlingen median: $129,775/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Harlingen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $128,745 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | -3.27% less |
Actuarys in Harlingen, TX earn a median of $129,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.27% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 0.80% above the Texas state average of $128,745.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Harlingen has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Harlingen, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $129,775 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,182 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,809
2025 BLS Actual
$125,751
2026 Current Est.
$129,775
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,809 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,401 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,439 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,078 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,817 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,928 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Harlingen metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $104,809 (2019) to $125,751 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,928 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,119 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Harlingen 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,412 – $100,719 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,719 – $129,775 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,775 – $166,112 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,112 – $201,151 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Harlingen
Given the cost of living index in Harlingen is 96—below the national average—professionals may find that their take-home income stretches further compared to markets with higher living costs. Among the employers in the area, companies in the life and health insurance sectors, like Prudential and UnitedHealth, tend to offer more competitive pay than those in other segments. Salary variation is driven by credentialing milestones; as actuaries advance from ASA to FSA, they typically see their base pay increase by an estimated $3,000 to $8,000 per passed exam. Additionally, those who specialize in high-demand areas such as predictive analytics or property and casualty consulting may command premiums due to their skill sets. For actuaries in Harlingen, maximizing earning potential could involve pursuing further credentials, gaining proficiency in new technologies, and seeking opportunities in firms known for higher compensation packages.
More salary data for Harlingen, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $125,751 for actuariesin the Harlingen metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Harlingen 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