Harrisburg vs Reading: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Harrisburg, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisburg, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,700 | $67,095▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.10 | $32.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,752 | $42,240▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,391▲ | $50,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,993 | $85,931▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,404 | $112,217▲ |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Reading, PA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.
The salary gap between Harrisburg and Reading is $2,395 (3.70%). Reading's median is -16.54% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisburg spans $61,652,Reading spans $69,977. Reading 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, Reading ($69,127 effective) pays 5.40% more than Harrisburg ($65,585 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Reading if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,095/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,217)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,127)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Harrisburg grew -32.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -28.8% growth in Reading over the same period.
Harrisburg, PA
$91,320 (2021) → $61,926 (2025)
Reading, PA
$90,160 (2021) → $64,218 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
Reading, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Harrisburg or Reading?
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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