Data Analyst Pay

Lincoln vs North Platte: Data Analyst Salary (2026)

Compare data analyst salaries between Lincoln, NE and North Platte, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lincoln, NE
$58,770
$28.25/hr
North Platte, NE
$43,778
$21.04/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLincoln, NENorth Platte, NE
Median Salary$58,770$43,778
Hourly Rate$28.25$21.04
Entry Level (P10)$41,324$27,086
25th Percentile$51,340$32,727
75th Percentile$68,786$56,036
Top Earner (P90)$85,510$67,857
Total Employed4504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lincoln ($58,770) and North Platte ($43,778) data analyst salaries.LincolnNorth PlatteMedian Salary$58,770$43,778Entry Level (P10)$41,324$27,086Top Earner (P90)$85,510$67,857US Median $80,394

Verdict

Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Platte.

The salary gap between Lincoln and North Platte is $14,992 (34.25%). Lincoln's median is -26.90% compared to the US national median of $80,394.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $44,186,North Platte spans $40,771. Lincoln has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lincoln
P10 (Entry)$41,324
P25$51,340
Median$58,770
P75$68,786
P90 (Top)$85,510
North Platte
P10 (Entry)$27,086
P25$32,727
Median$43,778
P75$56,036
P90 (Top)$67,857

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($64,173 effective) pays 34.13% more than North Platte ($47,845 effective).

Lincoln
Nominal: $58,770
CoL Index: 91.581
Adjusted: $64,173
North Platte
Nominal: $43,778
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $47,845

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lincoln if…

  • Higher median salary ($58,770/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($85,510)
  • Larger job market (450 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,173)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose North Platte if…

  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Lincoln grew -27.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -46.5% growth in North Platte over the same period.

Lincoln, NE

+-27.4%

$77,500 (2021) → $56,250 (2025)

North Platte, NE

+-46.5%

$78,278 (2024) → $41,901 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays data analysts more: Lincoln or North Platte?

Lincoln has a higher median data analyst salary at $58,770/year, compared to North Platte at $43,778/year — a difference of $14,992 (34.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and North Platte?

Lincoln data analysts earn $28.25/hr while North Platte hygienists earn $21.04/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lincoln to North Platte as a data analyst?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lincoln and North Platte. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lincoln = $64,173, North Platte = $47,845), job availability (450 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level data analysts earn in Lincoln vs North Platte?

Entry-level (10th percentile) data analysts earn $41,324 in Lincoln and $27,086 in North Platte. The Lincoln area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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