Aurora vs Bloomington: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Aurora, IL and Bloomington, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Bloomington, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,239 | $80,748▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.85 | $38.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,418 | $49,348▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,692 | $63,223▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,787 | $100,321▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,670 | $127,890▲ |
| Total Employed | 44 | 590▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, IL offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Bloomington is $14,509 (21.90%). Bloomington's median is +0.44% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $64,252,Bloomington spans $78,542. Bloomington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bloomington ($86,327 effective) pays 26.55% more than Aurora ($68,217 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,748/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,890)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,327)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Aurora grew -42.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -42.0% growth in Bloomington over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$110,269 (2024) → $63,399 (2025)
Bloomington, IL
$133,340 (2024) → $77,286 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Bloomington, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Aurora or Bloomington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Bloomington?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Bloomington as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Aurora vs Bloomington?
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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