Los Angeles vs San Marcos: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Marcos, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,754▲ | $72,841 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.71▲ | $35.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,529▲ | $42,248 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,083▲ | $52,446 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,618▲ | $93,237 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,271▲ | $112,904 |
| Total Employed | 9,850▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Marcos.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Marcos is $13,913 (19.10%). 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,San Marcos spans $70,656. 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 18.61% more than San Marcos ($64,404 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 San Marcos 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 -60.2% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$118,250 (2021) → $83,034 (2025)
San Marcos, CA
$175,281 (2024) → $69,718 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Marcos, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Los Angeles or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Marcos as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Los Angeles vs San Marcos?
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