Actuary Salary in McAllen, TX: $131,252 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in McAllen, TX earns a median $131,252/year (≈ $63.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in McAllen's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $136,721 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Actuaries in McAllen, Texas, can expect to see a median annual salary of $131,252 in 2026, slightly trailing the national median of $134,160. The projected salary range for this profession locally spans from $76,127 at the 10th percentile to $203,440 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a robust diversity in compensation. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities. While actuaries often find better pay in consulting firms such as Milliman or Mercer, those working in insurance roles may experience a more stable, albeit generally lower, salary gradient, especially for less advanced credentialed positions. The salary dynamics in McAllen reflect both local demand for actuarial services and the specialized nature of the roles available.
About the McAllen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,127 | $36.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,536 | $45.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,252 | $63.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,002 | $80.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,440 | $97.81 |
Median Salary Position
2.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McAllen
In McAllen, TX, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,313 (2026 est.). At $131,252, the local median is 2.17% below the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McAllen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McAllen Actuary Pay Compares
McAllen median: $131,252/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McAllen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $128,805 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | -2.17% less |
Actuarys in McAllen, TX earn a median of $131,252 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.17% lower than the national median of $134,160 and 1.90% above the Texas state average of $128,805.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McAllen 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.
McAllen, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $131,252 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,721 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,001
2025 BLS Actual
$127,182
2026 Current Est.
$131,252
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in McAllen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,001 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,623 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,604 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,519 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,399 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,226 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,182 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,252 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,452 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McAllen metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $106,001 (2019) to $127,182 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,452 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,451 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McAllen 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) | $76,127 – $94,536 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,536 – $131,252 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,252 – $168,002 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,002 – $203,440 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in McAllen
The job market for actuaries in McAllen comprises about 25 professionals, highlighting a niche sector with a focused demand. The relatively low cost of living index at 96 means that the purchasing power of these salaries remains competitive, allowing actuaries to enjoy a comfortable standard of living. Major employers in the area, such as UnitedHealth and Prudential, play a significant role in determining pay scales, with consulting firms typically offering the highest salaries. Variances in compensation can stem from advancements in exam progressions and the transition from ASA to FSA or FCAS designations; each successfully passed exam often leads to pay increases. Furthermore, every specialty can reflect different compensation structures, with actuarial roles in property and casualty and consulting often yielding higher rewards compared to life or pension sectors. Those seeking to maximize their actuary pay in McAllen TX should focus on obtaining high-demand credentials, consider roles in top-paying firms, and continuously improve predictive analytics skills that are increasingly valued in the market.
More salary data for McAllen, 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 $127,182 for actuariesin the McAllen 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 McAllen 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