Columbus vs Lincoln: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Columbus, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,962 | $58,770▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.14 | $28.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,703 | $41,324▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,091 | $51,340▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,299 | $68,786▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,141 | $85,510▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lincoln is $14,808 (33.68%). Lincoln's median is -26.90% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $40,438,Lincoln spans $44,186. Lincoln 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, Lincoln ($64,173 effective) pays 33.57% more than Columbus ($48,046 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,770/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,510)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,173)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Columbus grew -46.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -27.4% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Columbus, NE
$78,607 (2024) → $42,077 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$77,500 (2021) → $56,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Columbus or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lincoln as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Columbus vs Lincoln?
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