Oakland vs San Francisco: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Oakland, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,336▲ | $113,747 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.93▲ | $54.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,475▲ | $66,312 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,763 | $87,215▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $148,910▲ | $142,407 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,321 | $182,166▲ |
| Total Employed | 78 | 10,460▲ |
Verdict
Oakland and San Francisco are closely matched on overall data analyst compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Oakland and San Francisco is $2,589 (2.28%). Oakland's median is +44.71% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oakland spans $112,846,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, Oakland ($102,861 effective) pays 4.55% more than San Francisco ($98,386 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oakland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,336/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,861)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,166)
- ✓Larger job market (10,460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Oakland grew -40.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -31.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Oakland, CA
$188,260 (2024) → $111,348 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$159,310 (2021) → $108,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oakland, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Oakland or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oakland and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Oakland to San Francisco as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Oakland vs San Francisco?
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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