Cincinnati vs Dayton: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,639▲ | $63,270 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.99▲ | $30.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,076▲ | $39,886 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,808▲ | $48,418 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,543▲ | $82,567 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,984▲ | $103,644 |
| Total Employed | 1,680▲ | 310 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Dayton is $5,369 (8.49%). Cincinnati's median is -14.62% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $64,908,Dayton spans $63,758. Cincinnati 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, Cincinnati ($71,971 effective) pays 5.44% more than Dayton ($68,257 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,639/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,984)
- ✓Larger job market (1,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,971)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Cincinnati grew -31.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -22.0% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$96,080 (2021) → $65,696 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$77,620 (2021) → $60,557 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Cincinnati or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Dayton as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Cincinnati vs Dayton?
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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