Los Angeles vs Merced: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Merced, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,754▲ | $70,782 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.71▲ | $34.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,529▲ | $41,053 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,083▲ | $50,963 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,618▲ | $90,601 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,271▲ | $109,712 |
| Total Employed | 9,850▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merced.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Merced is $15,972 (22.57%). Los Angeles's median is +7.91% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $91,742,Merced spans $68,659. Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ($76,391 effective) pays 22.06% more than Merced ($62,584 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,754/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,271)
- ✓Larger job market (9,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,391)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Merced if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Los Angeles grew -29.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -14.9% growth in Merced over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$118,250 (2021) → $83,034 (2025)
Merced, CA
$79,620 (2022) → $67,747 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Merced, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Los Angeles or Merced?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Merced?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Merced as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Los Angeles vs Merced?
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