Sacramento vs Santa Maria: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Sacramento, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,341 | $76,222▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.34 | $36.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,775▲ | $45,931 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,506▲ | $54,904 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,450 | $106,419▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,483 | $137,105▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,710▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Santa Maria, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Santa Maria is $6,881 (9.92%). Santa Maria's median is -5.19% 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,Santa Maria spans $91,174. Santa Maria 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, Santa Maria ($70,058 effective) pays 7.77% more than Sacramento ($65,005 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,222/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,105)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,058)
- ✓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 -39.9% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$80,180 (2021) → $66,368 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$121,460 (2021) → $72,954 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Sacramento or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Santa Maria as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Sacramento vs Santa Maria?
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