Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Benton, AR: $25,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Benton, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,406 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Benton's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,236 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($43,803) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, AR, those entering the field of data analytics can expect a starting data analyst salary of around $25,406 in 2026, which is notably lower than the city's median salary of $43,803. This gap indicates that new graduates may need to plan their finances wisely as they begin their careers. However, there’s a growth trajectory that new analysts can look forward to; salaries can realistically move to approximately $31,538 after gaining some experience. Overall, Benton presents a viable market for recent graduates. With the local cost of living index at 86.9, well below the national average, entry-level positions in this city can still offer a comfortable lifestyle while serving as a stepping stone in the data analyst profession.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Benton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Entry-level data analysts in Benton, AR typically start between $25,406 and $31,538 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,489 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $43,803 — 45.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Arkansas of $42,000 represents just 165.32% of the starting data analyst pay ($25,406/year) in Benton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect two main pathways: bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or mathematics ($40k-$120k), or master's degree in data science ($30k-$80k). Intensive bootcamps ($10k-$20k) offer faster entry but typically require prior technical background.
DA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Benton
- 1Research the Benton market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $25,406 to $31,538, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the data analysis field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Benton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Benton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Benton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Data Analyst Compensation Range
The data analyst wage spread in Benton is $42,489 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,406, experienced hygienists can earn up to $67,895.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,493
2025 BLS Actual
$24,317
2026 Current Est.
$25,406
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Benton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,493 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,514 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,317 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,545 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Benton, AR grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,493 in 2021 to $24,317 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,545. New graduates entering the Benton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your data analysis Career in Benton
Employers in Benton that actively seek out new graduates for data analyst roles include regional companies and smaller tech firms. While large players like FAANG typically focus on advanced degrees and structured recruitment pipelines, local businesses appreciate candidates with strong foundational skills in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow. Pursuing a Master's or PhD can certainly enhance new grad data analyst pay in AR, particularly because many positions benefit from a research background along with analytical proficiency. For early-career professionals, projecting a salary of around $43,803 within a few years is realistic as they build experience, whereas individuals aiming for specialized roles in machine learning or product data science often enjoy higher compensation trajectories tied to equity-heavy offers from tech startups. Engaging in Kaggle competitions or contributing to open-source projects can also bolster one's portfolio, significantly aiding in career advancement and initial salary expectations.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new data analysis graduates. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Benton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
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