San Francisco vs Santa Maria: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,747▲ | $76,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.70▲ | $36.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,312▲ | $45,931 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,215▲ | $54,904 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,407▲ | $106,419 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,166▲ | $137,105 |
| Total Employed | 10,460▲ | 190 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Maria is $37,525 (49.23%). San Francisco's median is +41.49% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $115,854,Santa Maria spans $91,174. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($98,386 effective) pays 40.43% more than Santa Maria ($70,058 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,747/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,166)
- ✓Larger job market (10,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,386)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in San Francisco grew -31.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -39.9% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$159,310 (2021) → $108,870 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$121,460 (2021) → $72,954 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: San Francisco or Santa Maria?
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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