Data Analyst Pay

Atlanta vs Smyrna: Data Analyst Salary (2026)

Compare data analyst salaries between Atlanta, GA and Smyrna, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$72,846
$35.02/hr
Smyrna, GA
$60,063
$28.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GASmyrna, GA
Median Salary$72,846$60,063
Hourly Rate$35.02$28.88
Entry Level (P10)$48,432$34,837
25th Percentile$60,521$43,245
75th Percentile$96,737$76,882
Top Earner (P90)$115,098$93,098
Total Employed6,8209
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($72,846) and Smyrna ($60,063) data analyst salaries.AtlantaSmyrnaMedian Salary$72,846$60,063Entry Level (P10)$48,432$34,837Top Earner (P90)$115,098$93,098US Median $80,394

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Smyrna is $12,783 (21.28%). Atlanta's median is -9.39% compared to the US national median of $80,394.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $66,666,Smyrna spans $58,261. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$48,432
P25$60,521
Median$72,846
P75$96,737
P90 (Top)$115,098
Smyrna
P10 (Entry)$34,837
P25$43,245
Median$60,063
P75$76,882
P90 (Top)$93,098

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($72,804 effective) pays 12.85% more than Smyrna ($64,515 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $72,846
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $72,804
Smyrna
Nominal: $60,063
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $64,515

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($72,846/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($115,098)
  • Larger job market (6,820 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,804)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Smyrna if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Atlanta grew -31.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -40.9% growth in Smyrna over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+-31.8%

$102,180 (2021) → $69,722 (2025)

Smyrna, GA

+-40.9%

$97,325 (2024) → $57,488 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays data analysts more: Atlanta or Smyrna?

Atlanta has a higher median data analyst salary at $72,846/year, compared to Smyrna at $60,063/year — a difference of $12,783 (21.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Smyrna?

Atlanta data analysts earn $35.02/hr while Smyrna hygienists earn $28.88/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Smyrna as a data analyst?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Smyrna. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $72,804, Smyrna = $64,515), job availability (6,820 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level data analysts earn in Atlanta vs Smyrna?

Entry-level (10th percentile) data analysts earn $48,432 in Atlanta and $34,837 in Smyrna. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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