Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,472▲ | $52,812 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.96▲ | $25.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,364▲ | $31,706 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,527▲ | $38,649 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,669▲ | $67,599 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,429▲ | $81,089 |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge is $13,660 (25.87%). 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 Rapids spans $57,065,Fort Dodge spans $49,383. Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids ($74,719 effective) pays 27.90% more than Fort Dodge ($58,420 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Cedar Rapids grew -13.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -33.8% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$73,270 (2021) → $63,622 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$76,342 (2024) → $50,547 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Cedar Rapids or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Fort Dodge as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge?
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