Data Analyst Salary in 2026
Data analysts collect, process, and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions. They create visualizations, identify trends, and communicate insights to stakeholders.
Median Salary
$71,000
$5,917/mo
Entry Level
$49,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$98,000
experienced
Job Growth
+20%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051, the closest published occupation to Data Analyst) at a national median of $120,230 per year (mean $126,800), or $57.80 per hour, with 262,440 people employed nationwide. Salario's $71,000 median above is a title-level estimate and is not rescaled to this broader occupation. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Data Analyst Overview
Data analysts collect, process, and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions. They create visualizations, identify trends, and communicate insights to stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
400K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$34.13/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,917
Data Analyst Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Data Analyst salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Data Analyst Salary
$81,000
$6,750/month · $3,115/biweekly · $38.94/hr
Data Analyst Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Data Analyst field.
Entry-level Data Analysts earn around $49,000, while the top 10% earn $111,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Data Analysts
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $84,000 | +$13,000 |
| New York | $82,000 | +$11,000 |
| Massachusetts | $80,000 | +$9,000 |
| Illinois | $74,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $70,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Data Analysts
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $89,000 | +$18,000 |
| New York | $84,000 | +$13,000 |
| Boston | $80,000 | +$9,000 |
| Chicago | $75,000 | +$4,000 |
| Dallas | $71,000 | $0 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Data Analyst Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Data Analyst.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Data Analyst Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Data Analyst from entry level to expert.
$49,000
0-2 years
$74,000
3-7 years
$98,000
8-14 years
$125,000
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Data Analyst Salary FAQ
How much does a Data Analyst make in 2026?
Salario's modeled median salary for a Data Analyst in the United States is $71,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $49,000, while senior professionals earn up to $98,000. Top earners in the field can make $125,000 or more annually. For reference, BLS OEWS May 2025 reports a $120,230 national median for the broader occupation Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051).
What education is needed to become a Data Analyst?
A Data Analyst typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include SQL, Excel, Python. Relevant certifications such as Google Data Analytics or IBM Data Analyst can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Data Analysts?
The job market for Data Analysts is projected to grow by 20% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 400K Data Analyst positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Data Analysts the most?
The highest-paying states for Data Analysts include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $84,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Data Analyst salary?
To increase your Data Analyst salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like SQL and Excel. Pursue certifications such as Google Data Analytics. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $49,000 to $98,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Data Analyst Salary
How we calculate Data Analyst salary data: Data Analyst has no exact BLS occupation. The national median, tiers, state and city figures are Salario estimates for the title; the closest published BLS occupation (Data Scientists, SOC 15-2051) is shown above for reference but is not used to rescale the model because its wage level does not describe this title.
- National median salary: $71,000, Salario estimate (not a BLS value).
- Entry-level ($49,000) and senior-level ($98,000) are Salario tiers; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +20% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 400K total positions nationwide (Salario estimate).
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Technology sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $71,000; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Data Analyst compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Data Analyst job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Data Analyst salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (SQL, Excel, Python), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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