Durham vs Hickory: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Durham, NC and Hickory, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Hickory, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,214▲ | $63,718 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.24▲ | $30.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,160▲ | $39,646 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,465▲ | $46,105 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,176▲ | $89,441 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,712▲ | $89,555 |
| Total Employed | 1,320▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hickory.
The salary gap between Durham and Hickory is $7,496 (11.76%). Durham's median is -11.42% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $81,552,Hickory spans $49,909. Durham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Durham ($72,986 effective) pays 1.36% more than Hickory ($72,009 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,214/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,712)
- ✓Larger job market (1,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,986)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Durham grew -43.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -31.9% growth in Hickory over the same period.
Durham, NC
$120,300 (2021) → $68,160 (2025)
Hickory, NC
$89,610 (2022) → $60,986 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Hickory, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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