Senior Actuary Salary in Plano, TX: $208,538 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of actuaries working in Plano, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $208,538/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2011. Strip back Plano's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $217,227 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 Plano, Texas, the opportunity for experienced actuaries to significantly enhance their earning potential is striking, with the projected 2026 top actuary salary reaching an impressive $208,538. This figure not only underscores the increasing demand for seasoned professionals but also highlights the substantial gap between the median annual salary of $134,541 and the highest earners in the field. Acquiring advanced credentials, like the Fellowship from the Society of Actuaries (FSA), along with specialized knowledge in areas such as predictive analytics or enterprise risk management, can elevate an actuary’s income well into the upper echelons of the pay scale. Those senior actuaries who attain expertise in lucrative sectors such as life and annuity, or property and casualty insurance, are better poised to command these high salaries in the competitive Plano market.
About the Plano Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plano
Experienced actuarys at the top of the pay scale in Plano earn between $172,212 and $208,538 per year (2026 est.). This $130,504 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plano median of $134,541 sits 0.28% above the US median.
Top ASA, FSA Salary Comparison
| Level | Plano | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,541 | $134,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,212 | $176,111 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $208,538 | $221,983 |
In Plano, 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 Plano
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX actuaries with additional specialty certifications within the actuarial science field earn significantly above the $134,541 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plano employers.
Specialty Focus
Actuaries focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the actuarial science field in Plano command premium compensation, often reaching the $172,212–$208,538 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plano metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced actuaries who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured actuaries in Plano 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 Plano
Clinical Actuary
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Actuary
5-10 yearsActuary Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlano ranks #3 of 109 Texas cities for top earner actuary salary (90th percentile: $208,538).
Top 10% actuary compensation in Plano ($208,538) is 5.87% above the Texas average P90 ($196,983).
2019 BLS Actual
$181,874
2025 BLS Actual
$202,072
2026 Current Est.
$208,538
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $181,874 | Actual |
| 2020 | $184,138 | Actual |
| 2021 | $194,293 | Actual |
| 2022 | $187,229 | Actual |
| 2023 | $196,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,964 | Actual |
| 2025 | $202,072 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $208,538 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $215,212 | Projected |
Top-earning actuaries (90th percentile) in Plano saw their compensation grow 11.1% from $181,874 in 2019 to $202,072 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 $215,212 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plano 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 Plano
Several specialized areas within the actuarial profession contribute to higher compensation in Plano, particularly for those at the senior level. Professionals focusing on life and annuity products, health insurance, and capital modeling are among the most sought after, with consulting firms frequently offering higher remuneration compared to traditional insurers. Firms like UnitedHealth and Cigna, alongside global reinsurance giants like Munich Re, all attract seasoned actuaries with competitive packages tailored for expertise. Furthermore, following a clear career trajectory—starting as an actuarial analyst, progressing to Associates (ASA), and ultimately achieving Fellow status (FSA)—is not only critical for status but also a significant compensation driver. Each qualified exam can fetch an experienced actuary salary increase of $3,000 to $8,000, solidifying the link between continued education, advanced credentials, and financial advancement in this thriving Texas job market.
More salary data for Plano, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced actuaries make in Plano in 2026?
What drives higher actuary pay in Plano?
What certifications boost actuary salary in Plano?
Can experienced actuaries make six figures in Plano?
How much does actuary salary increase over time in Plano?
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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 $202,072 for actuaries in the Plano 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 Plano 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