Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Brighton, CO: $43,336 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Brighton, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,336 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brighton's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,272 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,080) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates pursuing an entry-level data analyst position in Brighton, Colorado, can expect to earn around $43,336, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $73,080. This starting point is relatively modest, highlighting the typical gap through the initial career phase around the P25 figure of $53,197. Many entry-level professionals should anticipate smooth progression in salaries as they gain experience, with potential earnings increasing within the first three to five years to approach or meet the city's median. Considering the overall job market and the projected growth rate of 4.48%, Brighton remains a viable option for recent graduates entering the field, making it a promising place to kickstart their careers in data analytics.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brighton
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 Brighton
Entry-level data analysts in Brighton, CO typically start between $43,336 and $53,197 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,937 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,080 — 9.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Colorado of $65,000 represents just 149.99% of the starting data analyst pay ($43,336/year) in Brighton. 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 Brighton
- 1Research the Brighton market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $43,336 to $53,197, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brighton, 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 Brighton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brighton's moderate 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 Brighton is $69,937 ( 161.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,336, experienced hygienists can earn up to $113,273.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$36,660
2025 BLS Actual
$41,478
2026 Current Est.
$43,336
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Brighton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,093 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,672 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,336 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,278 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Brighton, CO grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,660 in 2021 to $41,478 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,278. New graduates entering the Brighton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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 Brighton
Employers in Brighton that actively hire new data analysts include both traditional companies and innovative firms. While large tech entities often focus on recruits from top-tier educational institutions, startups may provide more flexible opportunities for those with strong programming capabilities. Knowledge of programming languages like Python and SQL, along with experience in machine learning frameworks, can significantly boost an applicant's prospects. Additionally, continued education in a quantitative field, particularly at the master's or PhD level, can lead to higher entry-level pay in the region. During their first few years, data analysts should develop a robust skill set and consider participating in internships that expose them to potential FAANG pipeline opportunities, where total compensation can escalate dramatically at senior levels. Aspirants in this field can navigate a realistic career strategy by connecting with industry networks and tracking public data on salary growth through platforms like Levels.fyi, ensuring they remain aware of the landscape's evolving compensation expectations.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for data analysts in Brighton in 2026?
How fast do data analyst salaries grow in Brighton?
Is data analysis school worth it in Brighton?
What do new data analysts make right out of school in Brighton?
How do I become a data analyst in Colorado?
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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 Brighton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brighton 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