Chester vs Harrisburg: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Chester, PA and Harrisburg, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Harrisburg, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,909 | $64,700▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.32 | $31.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,246 | $41,752▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,852 | $50,391▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,380 | $79,993▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,309 | $103,404▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Harrisburg, PA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Harrisburg is $5,791 (9.83%). Harrisburg's median is -19.52% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chester spans $55,063,Harrisburg spans $61,652. Harrisburg 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, Harrisburg ($65,585 effective) pays 8.44% more than Chester ($60,482 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chester if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,700/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,404)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,585)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Chester grew -47.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -32.2% growth in Harrisburg over the same period.
Chester, PA
$108,237 (2024) → $56,383 (2025)
Harrisburg, PA
$91,320 (2021) → $61,926 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Harrisburg, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Chester or Harrisburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Harrisburg?
Should I relocate from Chester to Harrisburg as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Chester vs Harrisburg?
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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