Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Frankfort, KY: $26,105 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Frankfort, KY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,105 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Frankfort's local price level (BEA RPP 89.3 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,233 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,009) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates aspiring to start their careers as data analysts in Frankfort, Kentucky, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $26,105 in 2026. This figure represents a significant entry point when compared to the median annual salary of $45,009 for all data analyst positions in the city, highlighting a considerable gap. For entry-level analysts within their first few years on the job, salaries can realistically climb to around $32,407, and potentially toward the median as they gain experience and skills. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.48% over the next five years, Frankfort offers a manageable environment for new graduates to break into the field, particularly considering the city's cost of living index of 89.3, which is below the national average.
About the Frankfort Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Frankfort
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 Frankfort
Entry-level data analysts in Frankfort, KY typically start between $26,105 and $32,407 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,658 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,009 — 44.01% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Kentucky of $48,000 represents just 183.87% of the starting data analyst pay ($26,105/year) in Frankfort. 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 Frankfort
- 1Research the Frankfort market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $26,105 to $32,407, 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 KY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Frankfort, 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 Frankfort for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Frankfort'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 Frankfort is $43,658 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,105, experienced hygienists can earn up to $69,763.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,084
2025 BLS Actual
$24,986
2026 Current Est.
$26,105
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Frankfort (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,084 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,742 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,693 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,648 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,105 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,275 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Frankfort, KY grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,084 in 2021 to $24,986 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $27,275. New graduates entering the Frankfort job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Frankfort 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 Frankfort
When looking for employment opportunities in Frankfort, new graduates should focus on organizations that typically hire entry-level data analysts. While large tech firms and FAANG companies often recruit from top-tier universities, smaller local businesses and state agencies in Kentucky may offer equally valuable entry-level opportunities. Employers, such as consulting firms or those in finance, tend to seek individuals with strong analytical skills and familiarity with programming languages like Python and SQL. To enhance starting pay, new grads should consider pursuing additional credentials, such as a Master's or PhD in relevant fields, engaging in Kaggle competitions, or contributing to open-source projects. Moreover, the first few years in this profession could yield realistic salary increases as analysts swivel towards more specialized roles, especially in machine learning engineering, where competition in the broader job market can drive substantial pay growth. As experienced data analysts can reach total compensation packages between $300,000 and $700,000 at senior levels, initial positions can serve as a strong foundation for future advancement and lucrative earnings in the data field.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
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 Frankfort. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Frankfort 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