Data Analyst Salary Reality — What You Actually Take Home
Data analysts collect, process, and analyze data to identify trends, create reports, and support business decision-making across virtually every industry.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFJob outlook: Much faster than average (23% growth 2024-2034)
Take-home reality
A data analyst earning the national median of $82,700 takes home approximately $5,547/month in a no-tax state and $4,906/month in a high-tax state like California.
The salary reality
A data analyst earning the national median of $82,700 has solid purchasing power in most cities, with strong upward mobility into data science or analytics management roles.
Where Data Analyst Salary Goes Furthest
Where Data Analyst Salary Is Most Stretched
Housing context
At median salary, data analysts can afford the median 1BR in most cities, with housing pressure rising notably in major tech hubs.
Career context
Data analysis is a common entry point into higher-paying data science roles — analysts who develop machine learning skills often see significant salary jumps within 3-5 years.
Income Reality Score — Austin (best for this career)
Purchasing Power Reality
What a data analyst salary feels like in other cities
Data Analyst Salary — FAQ
What is the average data analyst salary?
The national median is $82,700 per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is data analyst a good entry-level tech job?
Yes. It offers a relatively accessible entry point into tech with strong potential to advance into data science roles paying $110,000+.
Salary data: BLS OEWS May 2025. This is a picture, not a verdict.