Merced vs San Francisco: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Merced, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,782 | $113,747▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.03 | $54.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,053 | $66,312▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,963 | $87,215▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,601 | $142,407▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,712 | $182,166▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 10,460▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merced.
The salary gap between Merced and San Francisco is $42,965 (60.70%). San Francisco's median is +41.49% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merced spans $68,659,San Francisco spans $115,854. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($98,386 effective) pays 57.21% 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 Merced if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,747/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,166)
- ✓Larger job market (10,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,386)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Merced grew -14.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -31.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Merced, CA
$79,620 (2022) → $67,747 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$159,310 (2021) → $108,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merced, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Merced or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merced and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Merced to San Francisco as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Merced vs San Francisco?
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