Modesto vs San Jose: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Modesto, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Modesto, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,204 | $123,758▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.75 | $59.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,269 | $73,380▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,230 | $100,013▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,063 | $146,746▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,941 | $189,128▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 6,060▲ |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Modesto.
The salary gap between Modesto and San Jose is $53,554 (76.28%). San Jose's median is +53.94% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Modesto spans $90,672,San Jose spans $115,748. San Jose 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 Jose ($112,076 effective) pays 66.20% more than Modesto ($67,434 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,758/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,128)
- ✓Larger job market (6,060 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,076)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Modesto grew -9.0% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -27.4% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Modesto, CA
$73,860 (2022) → $67,194 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$163,230 (2021) → $118,451 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Modesto, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Modesto or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Modesto and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Modesto to San Jose as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Modesto vs San Jose?
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