Athens vs Cleveland: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Athens, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,306 | $68,111▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.99 | $32.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,481 | $40,889▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,561 | $53,340▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,192 | $85,757▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,474 | $95,473▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,260▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cleveland is $7,805 (12.94%). Cleveland's median is -15.28% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $57,993,Cleveland spans $54,584. Athens 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, Cleveland ($72,518 effective) pays 9.07% more than Athens ($66,490 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,111/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,473)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,518)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Athens grew -32.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -18.1% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Athens, OH
$85,840 (2024) → $57,720 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$79,610 (2021) → $65,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Athens or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cleveland as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Athens vs Cleveland?
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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