Sacramento vs Bakersfield: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Sacramento, CA and Bakersfield, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,341▲ | $61,652 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.34▲ | $29.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,775▲ | $44,026 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,506▲ | $52,418 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,450 | $87,061▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,483▲ | $105,884 |
| Total Employed | 2,710▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bakersfield.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Bakersfield is $7,689 (12.47%). Sacramento's median is -13.75% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $55,708,Bakersfield spans $61,858. Bakersfield 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, Sacramento ($65,005 effective) pays 6.37% more than Bakersfield ($61,111 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,341/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,483)
- ✓Larger job market (2,710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,005)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Sacramento grew -17.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -47.1% growth in Bakersfield over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$80,180 (2021) → $66,368 (2025)
Bakersfield, CA
$111,620 (2022) → $59,008 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Sacramento or Bakersfield?
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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