Data Analyst Pay

Bowling Green vs Columbus: Data Analyst Salary (2026)

Compare data analyst salaries between Bowling Green, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bowling Green, OH
$64,581
$31.05/hr
Columbus, OH
$72,183
$34.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBowling Green, OHColumbus, OH
Median Salary$64,581$72,183
Hourly Rate$31.05$34.71
Entry Level (P10)$37,457$42,481
25th Percentile$46,499$55,560
75th Percentile$82,664$95,921
Top Earner (P90)$100,101$113,259
Total Employed71,480
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bowling Green ($64,581) and Columbus ($72,183) data analyst salaries.Bowling GreenColumbusMedian Salary$64,581$72,183Entry Level (P10)$37,457$42,481Top Earner (P90)$100,101$113,259US Median $80,394

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.

The salary gap between Bowling Green and Columbus is $7,602 (11.77%). Columbus's median is -10.21% compared to the US national median of $80,394.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $62,644,Columbus spans $70,778. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.

Bowling Green
P10 (Entry)$37,457
P25$46,499
Median$64,581
P75$82,664
P90 (Top)$100,101
Columbus
P10 (Entry)$42,481
P25$55,560
Median$72,183
P75$95,921
P90 (Top)$113,259

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($75,609 effective) pays 6.19% more than Bowling Green ($71,203 effective).

Bowling Green
Nominal: $64,581
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $71,203
Columbus
Nominal: $72,183
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $75,609

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bowling Green if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($72,183/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,259)
  • Larger job market (1,480 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,609)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Bowling Green grew -32.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -27.3% growth in Columbus over the same period.

Bowling Green, OH

+-32.8%

$91,925 (2024) → $61,812 (2025)

Columbus, OH

+-27.3%

$94,980 (2021) → $69,088 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays data analysts more: Bowling Green or Columbus?

Columbus has a higher median data analyst salary at $72,183/year, compared to Bowling Green at $64,581/year — a difference of $7,602 (11.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Columbus?

Bowling Green data analysts earn $31.05/hr while Columbus hygienists earn $34.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Columbus as a data analyst?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bowling Green and Columbus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bowling Green = $71,203, Columbus = $75,609), job availability (7 vs 1,480 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level data analysts earn in Bowling Green vs Columbus?

Entry-level (10th percentile) data analysts earn $37,457 in Bowling Green and $42,481 in Columbus. The Columbus 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