Data Analyst Pay

Columbus vs Upper Arlington: Data Analyst Salary (2026)

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

Columbus, OH
$72,183
$34.71/hr
Upper Arlington, OH
$61,595
$29.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHUpper Arlington, OH
Median Salary$72,183$61,595
Hourly Rate$34.71$29.61
Entry Level (P10)$42,481$35,884
25th Percentile$55,560$44,410
75th Percentile$95,921$78,842
Top Earner (P90)$113,259$95,473
Total Employed1,4809
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($72,183) and Upper Arlington ($61,595) data analyst salaries.ColumbusUpper ArlingtonMedian Salary$72,183$61,595Entry Level (P10)$42,481$35,884Top Earner (P90)$113,259$95,473US Median $80,394

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbus and Upper Arlington is $10,588 (17.19%). 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,Upper Arlington spans $59,589. 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
Upper Arlington
P10 (Entry)$35,884
P25$44,410
Median$61,595
P75$78,842
P90 (Top)$95,473

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($75,609 effective) pays 11.34% more than Upper Arlington ($67,911 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $72,183
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $75,609
Upper Arlington
Nominal: $61,595
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $67,911

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 Upper Arlington 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 Upper Arlington over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+-27.3%

$94,980 (2021) → $69,088 (2025)

Upper Arlington, OH

+-32.8%

$87,675 (2024) → $58,954 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays data analysts more: Columbus or Upper Arlington?

Columbus has a higher median data analyst salary at $72,183/year, compared to Upper Arlington at $61,595/year — a difference of $10,588 (17.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Upper Arlington?

Columbus data analysts earn $34.71/hr while Upper Arlington hygienists earn $29.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Upper Arlington as a data analyst?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Upper Arlington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $75,609, Upper Arlington = $67,911), job availability (1,480 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) data analysts earn $42,481 in Columbus and $35,884 in Upper Arlington. 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