Data Analyst Pay

Columbus vs Youngstown: Data Analyst Salary (2026)

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

Columbus, OH
$72,183
$34.71/hr
Youngstown, OH
$53,307
$25.63/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHYoungstown, OH
Median Salary$72,183$53,307
Hourly Rate$34.71$25.63
Entry Level (P10)$42,481$36,122
25th Percentile$55,560$41,759
75th Percentile$95,921$61,819
Top Earner (P90)$113,259$81,057
Total Employed1,48050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($72,183) and Youngstown ($53,307) data analyst salaries.ColumbusYoungstownMedian Salary$72,183$53,307Entry Level (P10)$42,481$36,122Top Earner (P90)$113,259$81,057US Median $80,394

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbus and Youngstown is $18,876 (35.41%). 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,Youngstown spans $44,935. 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
Youngstown
P10 (Entry)$36,122
P25$41,759
Median$53,307
P75$61,819
P90 (Top)$81,057

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($75,609 effective) pays 23.96% more than Youngstown ($60,996 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $72,183
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $75,609
Youngstown
Nominal: $53,307
CoL Index: 87.394
Adjusted: $60,996

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 Youngstown 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 -29.7% growth in Youngstown over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+-27.3%

$94,980 (2021) → $69,088 (2025)

Youngstown, OH

+-29.7%

$72,610 (2021) → $51,021 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays data analysts more: Columbus or Youngstown?

Columbus has a higher median data analyst salary at $72,183/year, compared to Youngstown at $53,307/year — a difference of $18,876 (35.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Youngstown?

Columbus data analysts earn $34.71/hr while Youngstown hygienists earn $25.63/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Youngstown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $75,609, Youngstown = $60,996), job availability (1,480 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) data analysts earn $42,481 in Columbus and $36,122 in Youngstown. 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