Seattle vs Bellingham: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Seattle, WA and Bellingham, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Bellingham, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,157▲ | $80,361 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.96▲ | $38.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,249▲ | $47,837 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,712▲ | $59,506 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,669▲ | $110,559 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,450▲ | $130,999 |
| Total Employed | 8,370▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Seattle and Bellingham is $29,796 (37.08%). Seattle's median is +37.02% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $100,201,Bellingham spans $83,162. Seattle 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, Seattle ($99,122 effective) pays 27.46% more than Bellingham ($77,768 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,157/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,450)
- ✓Larger job market (8,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,122)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Seattle grew -18.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -42.8% growth in Bellingham over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$129,560 (2021) → $105,434 (2025)
Bellingham, WA
$134,530 (2024) → $76,915 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Bellingham, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Seattle or Bellingham?
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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