Lakeland vs Orlando: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Lakeland, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakeland, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,800▲ | $71,274 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.37▲ | $34.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,463▲ | $40,448 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,542▲ | $55,126 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,336 | $90,465▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,079 | $110,993▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 1,440▲ |
Verdict
Lakeland and Orlando are closely matched on overall data analyst compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lakeland and Orlando is $8,526 (11.96%). Lakeland's median is -0.74% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakeland spans $58,616,Orlando spans $70,545. Orlando 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, Lakeland ($82,149 effective) pays 16.89% more than Orlando ($70,277 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,800/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,149)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,993)
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Lakeland grew -4.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -12.0% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Lakeland, FL
$79,860 (2021) → $76,378 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$77,500 (2021) → $68,218 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakeland, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Lakeland or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakeland and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Lakeland to Orlando as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Lakeland vs Orlando?
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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