Los Angeles vs Santa Maria: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,754▲ | $76,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.71▲ | $36.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,529▲ | $45,931 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,083▲ | $54,904 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,618▲ | $106,419 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,271▲ | $137,105 |
| Total Employed | 9,850▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Maria is $10,532 (13.82%). 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,Santa Maria spans $91,174. 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 9.04% more than Santa Maria ($70,058 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 Santa Maria 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 -39.9% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$118,250 (2021) → $83,034 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$121,460 (2021) → $72,954 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Los Angeles or Santa Maria?
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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