Lansing vs Waterford: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Lansing, MI and Waterford, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Waterford, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,281▲ | $56,875 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.02▲ | $27.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,655▲ | $32,992 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,983▲ | $40,982 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,382▲ | $72,800 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,616 | $88,156▲ |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterford.
The salary gap between Lansing and Waterford is $1,406 (2.47%). Lansing's median is -27.51% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $46,961,Waterford spans $55,164. Waterford 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, Lansing ($61,354 effective) pays 0.54% more than Waterford ($61,025 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,281/year)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,354)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Waterford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,156)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Lansing grew -30.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -43.0% growth in Waterford over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$80,050 (2021) → $55,782 (2025)
Waterford, MI
$95,498 (2024) → $54,436 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Waterford, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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