Lexington vs Richmond: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Lexington, KY and Richmond, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Richmond, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,476▲ | $45,241 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.14▲ | $21.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,385▲ | $26,240 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,512▲ | $32,574 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,999▲ | $57,908 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,193▲ | $70,124 |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Lexington and Richmond is $11,235 (24.83%). 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,Richmond spans $43,884. 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 20.01% more than Richmond ($50,662 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 Richmond 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 Richmond over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$73,580 (2021) → $54,054 (2025)
Richmond, KY
$77,376 (2024) → $43,301 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Richmond, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Lexington or Richmond?
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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