Denver vs Lafayette: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Denver, CO and Lafayette, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Lafayette, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,239▲ | $74,198 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.17▲ | $35.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,037▲ | $43,034 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,981▲ | $55,370 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,930▲ | $94,972 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,492▲ | $115,006 |
| Total Employed | 4,510▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Denver and Lafayette is $1,041 (1.40%). Denver's median is -6.41% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $69,455,Lafayette spans $71,972. Lafayette 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, Denver ($71,126 effective) pays 0.65% more than Lafayette ($70,665 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,239/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,492)
- ✓Larger job market (4,510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,126)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Denver grew -30.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -41.8% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Denver, CO
$102,940 (2021) → $72,013 (2025)
Lafayette, CO
$121,941 (2024) → $71,016 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Lafayette, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Denver or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Denver to Lafayette as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Denver vs Lafayette?
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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