Lincoln vs Scottsbluff: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Lincoln, NE and Scottsbluff, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Scottsbluff, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,770▲ | $45,179 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.25▲ | $21.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,324▲ | $26,204 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,340▲ | $34,526 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,786▲ | $57,251 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,510▲ | $69,003 |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scottsbluff.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Scottsbluff is $13,591 (30.08%). 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,Scottsbluff spans $42,799. Lincoln 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, Lincoln ($64,173 effective) pays 29.97% more than Scottsbluff ($49,376 effective).
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 Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$77,500 (2021) → $56,250 (2025)
Scottsbluff, NE
$80,785 (2024) → $43,242 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Scottsbluff, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
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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