Durham vs Rocky Mount: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Durham, NC and Rocky Mount, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Rocky Mount, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,214 | $74,805▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.24 | $35.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,160 | $44,366▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,465 | $59,732▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,176▲ | $86,018 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,712▲ | $109,656 |
| Total Employed | 1,320▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Durham and Rocky Mount are closely matched on overall data analyst compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Durham and Rocky Mount is $3,591 (5.04%). Rocky Mount's median is -6.95% 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,Rocky Mount spans $65,290. 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, Rocky Mount ($84,994 effective) pays 16.45% more than Durham ($72,986 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,712)
- ✓Larger job market (1,320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Rocky Mount if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,805/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,994)
- ✓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 -27.1% growth in Rocky Mount over the same period.
Durham, NC
$120,300 (2021) → $68,160 (2025)
Rocky Mount, NC
$98,184 (2024) → $71,597 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Rocky Mount, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Durham or Rocky Mount?
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Should I relocate from Durham to Rocky Mount as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Durham vs Rocky Mount?
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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