Charlotte vs Winston-Salem: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Charlotte, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,572▲ | $71,200 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.59▲ | $34.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,336▲ | $41,296 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,068▲ | $51,264 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,645▲ | $91,136 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,477▲ | $110,360 |
| Total Employed | 4,420▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston-Salem.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Winston-Salem is $17,372 (24.40%). Charlotte's median is +10.17% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $67,141,Winston-Salem spans $69,064. Winston-Salem 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, Charlotte ($90,985 effective) pays 19.61% more than Winston-Salem ($76,068 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,572/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,477)
- ✓Larger job market (4,420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,985)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Charlotte grew -31.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -35.0% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$124,200 (2021) → $84,774 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$104,766 (2024) → $68,147 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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