Shelton vs Waterbury: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Shelton, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Shelton, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,376▲ | $39,558 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.41▲ | $19.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,418 | $26,299▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $29,071▲ | $26,299 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,682 | $70,672▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,584 | $103,597▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Shelton and Waterbury are closely matched on overall data analyst compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Shelton and Waterbury is $818 (2.07%). Shelton's median is -49.78% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Shelton spans $39,166,Waterbury spans $77,298. Waterbury 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, Waterbury ($39,646 effective) pays 5.95% more than Shelton ($37,420 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,376/year)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,597)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,646)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Shelton grew -69.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -34.0% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Shelton, CT
$128,193 (2024) → $38,645 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$57,410 (2024) → $37,862 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Shelton, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Shelton or Waterbury?
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Should I relocate from Shelton to Waterbury as a data analyst?
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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