Cleveland vs Dayton: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,111▲ | $63,270 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.74▲ | $30.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,889▲ | $39,886 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,340▲ | $48,418 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,757▲ | $82,567 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,473 | $103,644▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,260▲ | 310 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $4,841 (7.65%). Cleveland's median is -15.28% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $54,584,Dayton spans $63,758. Dayton 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, Cleveland ($72,518 effective) pays 6.24% 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 Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,111/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,518)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,644)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Cleveland grew -18.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -22.0% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$79,610 (2021) → $65,190 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$77,620 (2021) → $60,557 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Cleveland 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