Cedar Falls vs Cedar Rapids: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Cedar Falls, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Falls, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,035 | $66,472▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.93 | $31.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,501 | $41,364▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,182 | $51,527▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,724 | $87,669▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,854 | $98,429▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Falls.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids is $10,437 (18.63%). Cedar Rapids's median is -17.32% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Falls spans $54,353,Cedar Rapids spans $57,065. Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids ($74,719 effective) pays 20.54% more than Cedar Falls ($61,986 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,472/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,429)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,719)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Cedar Falls grew -34.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -13.2% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$82,393 (2024) → $53,632 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$73,270 (2021) → $63,622 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Cedar Falls or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Cedar Falls to Cedar Rapids as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Cedar Falls vs Cedar Rapids?
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