Columbus vs Evansville: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Columbus, IN and Evansville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Evansville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,323▲ | $55,594 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.45▲ | $26.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,014▲ | $39,772 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,846 | $50,966▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,158▲ | $83,210 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,158▲ | $90,759 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, IN offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Evansville.
The salary gap between Columbus and Evansville is $7,729 (13.90%). Columbus's median is -21.23% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $55,144,Evansville spans $50,987. Columbus 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, Columbus ($68,087 effective) pays 12.10% more than Evansville ($60,740 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,323/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,158)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,087)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Columbus grew -36.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -9.1% growth in Evansville over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$95,300 (2021) → $60,608 (2025)
Evansville, IN
$58,530 (2021) → $53,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Evansville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Columbus or Evansville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Evansville?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Evansville as a data analyst?
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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