Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Derby, KS: $26,750 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,750 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,428 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,121) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates considering a career as a data analyst in Derby, Kansas can expect a starting pay that is considerably lower than the city median of $46,121. The entry-level salary ranges from a low of $26,750 to a more competitive $33,207 for those at the 25th percentile. While these figures may seem modest, they set a growth trajectory that new entrants can benefit from in their first few years, navigating from entry-level positions to the median salary as they gain experience and skills. Derby's job market presents a blend of opportunity and challenge for new grads, making it important for them to align their expectations with the realities of local salary offerings in the data analytics field.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
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 Derby
Entry-level data analysts in Derby, KS typically start between $26,750 and $33,207 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,737 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,121 — 42.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Kansas of $45,000 represents just 168.22% of the starting data analyst pay ($26,750/year) in Derby. 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 Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $26,750 to $33,207, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, 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 Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby'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 Derby is $44,737 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,750, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,487.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,629
2025 BLS Actual
$25,603
2026 Current Est.
$26,750
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Derby (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,629 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,279 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,254 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,603 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,750 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,948 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,629 in 2021 to $25,603 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $27,948. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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 Derby
In terms of hiring trends, key employers in Derby often overlook the entry-level pool, favoring candidates from renowned institutions or specific educational backgrounds. However, local tech companies and smaller firms are increasingly welcoming fresh talent, particularly those with strong skills in programming languages like Python and SQL, as well as familiarity with machine learning frameworks. To enhance their competitive edge, graduates should consider obtaining further credentials such as a Master’s or PhD in fields like computer science or statistics. Engaging in Kaggle competitions or contributing to open-source projects can serve as portfolio boosters. As new analysts transition from entry-level roles, realistic salary growth over their first three years may lead them closer to more stable positions, with a focus on building proficiency in areas like machine learning engineering that typically command higher pay in the longer term.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
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 Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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