Cedar Rapids vs Marion: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Marion, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,472▲ | $56,573 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.96▲ | $27.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,364▲ | $32,812 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,527▲ | $40,733 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,669▲ | $72,413 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,429▲ | $87,688 |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marion.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Marion is $9,899 (17.50%). 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,Marion spans $54,876. 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 19.40% more than Marion ($62,581 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 Marion 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 Marion over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$73,270 (2021) → $63,622 (2025)
Marion, IA
$81,780 (2024) → $54,147 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Marion, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Cedar Rapids or Marion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Marion?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Marion as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Cedar Rapids vs Marion?
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