Lexington vs Louisville: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,476▲ | $50,093 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.14▲ | $24.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,385▲ | $29,054 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,512▲ | $36,066 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,999▲ | $64,119 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,193▲ | $77,644 |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 132 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Louisville.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville is $6,383 (12.74%). Lexington's median is -29.75% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $51,808,Louisville spans $48,590. Lexington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($60,799 effective) pays 8.39% more than Louisville ($56,095 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,476/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,193)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,799)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Lexington grew -26.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -44.0% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$73,580 (2021) → $54,054 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$85,675 (2024) → $47,945 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Lexington or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville as a data analyst?
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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