Senior Actuary Salary in Garland, TX: $207,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Garland, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $207,454/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Garland's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $216,098 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Garland, TX, top-tier actuaries can expect to earn significantly beyond the median projected annual salary of $133,841 in 2026. Professionals in the 90th percentile can achieve salaries as high as $207,454, creating a notable gap between average and top earners. This experience premium reflects the demand for expertise within specialized sectors such as life and annuity, health insurance, and capital modeling. To reach such elevated compensation levels, having at least seven years of experience is critical, alongside advanced credentials like FSA or FCAS. The potential for strong earnings in Garland positions this city as an attractive option for seasoned actuaries looking to maximize their salary while benefiting from a lower cost of living compared to many national markets.
About the Garland Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Garland
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Garland earn between $171,316 and $207,454 per year (2026 est.). This $129,826 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Garland median of $133,841 sits 0.24% below the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Garland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,841 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,316 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $207,454 | $221,983 |
In Garland, experienced actuaries (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Actuary Pay in Garland
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $133,841 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Garland employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Garland command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,316–$207,454 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Garland metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Garland with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Actuaries in Texas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Actuary Career & Wage Growth Path in Garland
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGarland ranks #5 of 109 Texas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $207,454).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Garland ($207,454) is 5.32% above the Texas average P90 ($196,983).
2019 BLS Actual
$180,928
2025 BLS Actual
$201,021
2026 Current Est.
$207,454
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Garland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $180,928 | Actual |
| 2020 | $183,181 | Actual |
| 2021 | $193,283 | Actual |
| 2022 | $186,255 | Actual |
| 2023 | $195,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $197,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $201,021 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $207,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $214,092 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Garland saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $180,928 in 2019 to $201,021 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $214,092 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garland 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.
Maximizing Your Actuary Earnings in Garland
Compensation for senior actuaries varies widely based on specialization and employer type in Garland. Those focusing on emerging fields, such as predictive analytics and data science, often command higher salaries, reflective of their skill set's demand in the market. Generally, life insurance companies like Prudential and MetLife, alongside consulting firms like Mercer and Milliman, tend to offer more competitive pay compared to traditional property and casualty firms. As actuaries ascend from roles such as actuarial analyst to management positions, the importance of continued professional development cannot be overstated. Successfully navigating the ASA-to-FSA exam progression enhances career trajectories and salary potential, with each passed exam potentially increasing income by $3,000 to $8,000. Overall, Garland's experienced actuaries can capitalize on both short-term and long-term compensation advantages through strategic specialization and continuous learning.
More salary data for Garland, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Garland in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Garland?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Garland?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Garland?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Garland?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $201,021 for actuaries in the Garland metro area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Garland 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