St. Louis vs Independence: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between St. Louis, MO and Independence, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Independence, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,600▲ | $60,721 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.01▲ | $29.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,786▲ | $35,218 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,343▲ | $43,791 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,175▲ | $77,723 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,857▲ | $94,117 |
| Total Employed | 2,640▲ | 30 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Independence is $5,879 (9.68%). St. Louis's median is -17.16% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $66,071,Independence spans $58,899. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($70,040 effective) pays 3.35% more than Independence ($67,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,600/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,857)
- ✓Larger job market (2,640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,040)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Independence if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in St. Louis grew -31.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -36.4% growth in Independence over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$93,640 (2021) → $63,744 (2025)
Independence, MO
$91,441 (2024) → $58,117 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Independence, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: St. Louis or Independence?
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Should I relocate from St. Louis to Independence as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in St. Louis vs Independence?
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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