Actuary Pay

Senior Actuary Salary in Pasadena, TX: $128,931 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Pasadena, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $128,931/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Pasadena's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $134,303 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$128,931
Top 10% Earn
$61.98/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$106,472
75th Percentile
$128,931
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Actuary Senior Salary in Pasadena, TX — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Pasadena, TX actuary senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, experienced actuaries in Pasadena, Texas, can anticipate a significant income potential, with top earners reaching around $128,931 annually. This figure indicates a notable contrast with the area's median actuary salary of $83,181, illustrating the substantial income gap between seasoned professionals and those at earlier stages of their careers. Achieving such high compensation in Pasadena requires not only vast industry experience but also specialization in areas fueling demand, such as predictive analytics, capital modeling, and enterprise risk management. Furthermore, strategic career moves within reputable firms, including roles at leading life and health insurance providers, can serve as critical stepping stones toward attaining the top actuary salary in Pasadena.

About the Pasadena Market

Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for actuarys in Pasadena. The median salary is $83,181, compared to the national median of $134,160.$46.0K$69.7K$93.4K$117.2K$140.9K$51.1K10th Pctl$62.7K25th Pctl$83.2KMedian$106.5K75th Pctl$128.9K90th PctlUS Median$134.2K

Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Pasadena earn between $106,472 and $128,931 per year (2026 est.). This $77,790 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pasadena median of $83,181 sits 38% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of actuary pay in the Pasadena metro area.

Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison

LevelPasadenaNational
Median (P50)$83,181$134,160
75th Percentile$106,472$176,111
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$128,931$221,983

In Pasadena, 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 Pasadena

1

Advanced Certifications in Texas

TX actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $83,181 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pasadena employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Pasadena command premium compensation, often reaching the $106,472–$128,931 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pasadena metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured actuaries in Pasadena with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

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 Pasadena

Clinical Actuary

0-5 years
$51,141 – $83,181

Senior/Lead Actuary

5-10 years
$83,181 – $106,472

Actuary Department Manager

10+ years
$106,472+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Pasadena ranks #109 of 109 Texas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $128,931).

Top 10% actuary compensation in Pasadena ($128,931) is 34.55% below the Texas average P90 ($196,983).

2019 BLS Actual

$112,446

2025 BLS Actual

$124,933

2026 Current Est.

$128,931

2019–2027 Growth

+18.3%

Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Pasadena (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for actuaries in Pasadena. Baseline $112,446 in 2025, projected to $133,057 by 2027.$97.0K$124.1K$151.1K$178.2K$205.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$112.4K$113.8K$120.1K$115.8K$121.6K$189.9K$124.9K$128.9K$133.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$112,446Actual
2020$113,845Actual
2021$120,124Actual
2022$115,756Actual
2023$121,570Actual
2024$189,852Actual
2025$124,933Actual
2026(current)$128,931Estimated
2027$133,057Projected

Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Pasadena saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $112,446 in 2019 to $124,933 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 $133,057 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Pasadena

In examining the senior actuary pay in TX, various specializations command higher salaries in the local market. Actuaries with deep expertise in life and annuity or property and casualty sectors often experience enhanced earning potential, particularly when transferring to firms like Prudential or State Farm. Compensation structures differentiate based on the type of employer; various consulting firms tend to offer superior remuneration packages for Fellows (FSA/FCAS) compared to traditional insurers. Career advancement typically follows a trajectory from actuarial analyst to Associate (ASA), leading to Fellow (FSA/FCAS) status and eventually culminating in leadership roles such as Chief Actuary. Superiority in credentials—evidenced by successfully passing SOA or CAS exams—will also amplify pay, as each examination passed can yield significant raises, especially in high-demand sectors like reinsurance and predictive analytics. Overall, senior actuaries in Pasadena must focus on continuous professional development while considering market trends to optimize their career trajectory and compensation in this competitive field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced actuaries make in Pasadena in 2026?

Top-earning actuaries in Pasadena (90th percentile) make $128,931/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.20% annual growth). This is $45,750 more than the area median of $83,181 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior actuaries typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher actuary pay in Pasadena?

Higher actuary pay in Pasadena is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost actuary salary in Pasadena?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for actuaries in Pasadena include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $83,181, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Pasadena?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Pasadena is $128,931, well above $100K. Actuaries with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does actuary salary increase over time in Pasadena?

In Pasadena, the gap between entry level ($51,141) and top earners ($128,931) is $77,790, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

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MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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 $124,933 for actuaries in the Pasadena 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 Pasadena is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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