Raleigh vs Rocky Mount: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Raleigh, NC and Rocky Mount, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Rocky Mount, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,715▲ | $74,805 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.80▲ | $35.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,272▲ | $44,366 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,984 | $59,732▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,292▲ | $86,018 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,929▲ | $109,656 |
| Total Employed | 1,990▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rocky Mount.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Rocky Mount is $5,910 (7.90%). Raleigh's median is +0.40% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $72,657,Rocky Mount spans $65,290. Raleigh 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, Rocky Mount ($84,994 effective) pays 3.36% more than Raleigh ($82,231 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,715/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,929)
- ✓Larger job market (1,990 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Rocky Mount if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,994)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Raleigh grew -37.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -27.1% growth in Rocky Mount over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$122,710 (2021) → $77,254 (2025)
Rocky Mount, NC
$98,184 (2024) → $71,597 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Rocky Mount, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Raleigh or Rocky Mount?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Rocky Mount?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Rocky Mount as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Raleigh vs Rocky Mount?
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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