Chester vs Pittsburgh: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Chester, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,909 | $64,641▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.32 | $31.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,246 | $40,508▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,852 | $48,679▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,380 | $85,089▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,309 | $105,383▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,270▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Pittsburgh is $5,732 (9.73%). Pittsburgh's median is -19.59% 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,Pittsburgh spans $64,875. Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh ($68,280 effective) pays 12.89% 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 Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,641/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,383)
- ✓Larger job market (2,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,280)
- ✓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 -22.9% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Chester, PA
$108,237 (2024) → $56,383 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$80,290 (2021) → $61,869 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Chester or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Chester to Pittsburgh as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Chester vs Pittsburgh?
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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