Data Analyst Pay

Columbus vs Sandusky: Data Analyst Salary (2026)

Compare data analyst salaries between Columbus, OH and Sandusky, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Columbus, OH
$72,183
$34.71/hr
Sandusky, OH
$64,591
$31.05/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHSandusky, OH
Median Salary$72,183$64,591
Hourly Rate$34.71$31.05
Entry Level (P10)$42,481$37,462
25th Percentile$55,560$46,505
75th Percentile$95,921$82,676
Top Earner (P90)$113,259$100,116
Total Employed1,4805
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($72,183) and Sandusky ($64,591) data analyst salaries.ColumbusSanduskyMedian Salary$72,183$64,591Entry Level (P10)$42,481$37,462Top Earner (P90)$113,259$100,116US Median $80,394

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sandusky.

The salary gap between Columbus and Sandusky is $7,592 (11.75%). Columbus's median is -10.21% compared to the US national median of $80,394.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $70,778,Sandusky spans $62,654. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$42,481
P25$55,560
Median$72,183
P75$95,921
P90 (Top)$113,259
Sandusky
P10 (Entry)$37,462
P25$46,505
Median$64,591
P75$82,676
P90 (Top)$100,116

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($75,609 effective) pays 6.17% more than Sandusky ($71,214 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $72,183
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $75,609
Sandusky
Nominal: $64,591
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $71,214

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 ($72,183/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,259)
  • Larger job market (1,480 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,609)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Sandusky if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Columbus grew -27.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -32.8% growth in Sandusky over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+-27.3%

$94,980 (2021) → $69,088 (2025)

Sandusky, OH

+-32.8%

$91,939 (2024) → $61,821 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays data analysts more: Columbus or Sandusky?

Columbus has a higher median data analyst salary at $72,183/year, compared to Sandusky at $64,591/year — a difference of $7,592 (11.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Sandusky?

Columbus data analysts earn $34.71/hr while Sandusky hygienists earn $31.05/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Sandusky as a data analyst?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Sandusky. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $75,609, Sandusky = $71,214), job availability (1,480 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level data analysts earn in Columbus vs Sandusky?

Entry-level (10th percentile) data analysts earn $42,481 in Columbus and $37,462 in Sandusky. The Columbus area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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