Ashland vs Louisville: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Ashland, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,669▲ | $50,093 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.65▲ | $24.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,769▲ | $29,054 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,402▲ | $36,066 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,819▲ | $64,119 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,273▲ | $77,644 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 132▲ |
Verdict
Ashland, KY offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Louisville.
The salary gap between Ashland and Louisville is $11,576 (23.11%). Ashland's median is -23.29% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $59,504,Louisville spans $48,590. Ashland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ashland ($69,058 effective) pays 23.11% more than Louisville ($56,095 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,669/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,273)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,058)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Ashland grew -21.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -44.0% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$74,758 (2024) → $59,025 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$85,675 (2024) → $47,945 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Ashland or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Louisville as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Ashland vs Louisville?
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov