Boston vs Chelsea: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelsea, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,292▲ | $81,072 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.45▲ | $38.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,851▲ | $47,022 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,686▲ | $58,372 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,080▲ | $103,773 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,894▲ | $125,662 |
| Total Employed | 7,930▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelsea.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelsea is $7,220 (8.91%). Boston's median is +9.82% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $83,043,Chelsea spans $78,640. Boston 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, Boston ($81,551 effective) pays 9.14% more than Chelsea ($74,721 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,292/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,894)
- ✓Larger job market (7,930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,551)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Boston grew -16.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -49.2% growth in Chelsea over the same period.
Boston, MA
$101,350 (2021) → $84,506 (2025)
Chelsea, MA
$152,658 (2024) → $77,596 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelsea, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Boston or Chelsea?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelsea?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelsea as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Boston vs Chelsea?
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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