Lafayette vs Ruston: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Lafayette, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,617▲ | $63,266 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.55▲ | $30.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,514▲ | $37,671 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,687▲ | $46,024 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,873▲ | $80,980 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,329 | $98,062▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lafayette, LA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Ruston is $2,351 (3.72%). Lafayette's median is -18.38% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $44,815,Ruston spans $60,391. Ruston 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, Lafayette ($75,241 effective) pays 7.39% more than Ruston ($70,062 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,617/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,241)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,062)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Lafayette grew -23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -20.8% growth in Ruston over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$81,565 (2024) → $62,803 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$76,414 (2024) → $60,553 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Lafayette or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Ruston?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Ruston as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Lafayette vs Ruston?
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