Columbia vs Springfield: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Columbia, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,149 | $54,369▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.04 | $26.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,522▲ | $36,716 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,375▲ | $43,457 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,700▲ | $65,737 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,350▲ | $83,256 |
| Total Employed | 190 | 190 |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Springfield is $220 (0.41%). Springfield's median is -32.37% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $44,828,Springfield spans $46,540. Springfield 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, Springfield ($61,375 effective) pays 1.37% more than Columbia ($60,544 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,350)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,369/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,375)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Columbia grew -28.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -30.6% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$72,080 (2021) → $51,827 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$74,980 (2021) → $52,038 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Columbia or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Springfield as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Columbia vs Springfield?
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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