Fort Collins vs Lafayette: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Lafayette, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Lafayette, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,429▲ | $74,198 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.78▲ | $35.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,029 | $43,034▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,771 | $55,370▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,993 | $94,972▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,270 | $115,006▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Lafayette is $231 (0.31%). Fort Collins's median is -7.42% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $69,241,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, Fort Collins ($73,599 effective) pays 4.15% 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 Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,429/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,599)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,006)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Fort Collins grew -29.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -41.8% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$101,000 (2021) → $71,238 (2025)
Lafayette, CO
$121,941 (2024) → $71,016 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Lafayette, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Fort Collins or Lafayette?
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Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Lafayette as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Fort Collins 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