Columbia vs Lexington: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,017▲ | $57,864 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.38▲ | $27.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,005▲ | $33,561 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,604▲ | $41,662 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,663▲ | $73,471 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,918▲ | $88,612 |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington is $1,153 (1.99%). Columbia's median is -26.59% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $57,913,Lexington spans $55,051. Columbia 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, Lexington ($63,239 effective) pays 0.36% more than Columbia ($63,011 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,017/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,918)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,239)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Columbia grew -27.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -27.2% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$77,500 (2021) → $56,486 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$76,055 (2024) → $55,383 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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