Philadelphia vs State College: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,493▲ | $54,725 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.34▲ | $26.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,436▲ | $39,766 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,506▲ | $51,434 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,106▲ | $64,039 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,404▲ | $85,985 |
| Total Employed | 6,480▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $18,768 (34.30%). Philadelphia's median is -8.58% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $75,968,State College spans $46,219. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($71,663 effective) pays 26.71% more than State College ($56,556 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,493/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,404)
- ✓Larger job market (6,480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,663)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Philadelphia grew -29.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -38.6% growth in State College over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$100,360 (2021) → $70,342 (2025)
State College, PA
$85,370 (2024) → $52,378 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Philadelphia or State College?
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Should I relocate from Philadelphia to State College as a data analyst?
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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