Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Lowell, MA: $47,589 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Lowell, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,589 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lowell's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,861 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,049) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the data analytics field in Lowell, Massachusetts, the entry-level data analyst salary offers a promising starting point in 2026, with the P10 figure set at $47,589. While this entry-level pay grade is significantly lower than the city’s median of $82,049, it reflects an achievable trajectory for new graduates aiming to climb the salary ladder over time. As early-career professionals gain experience, salaries can rise to approximately $59,234 at the P25 and potentially reach the median as they continue to develop their skills and industry knowledge. This growth potential underscores Lowell's position as a viable market for recent graduates, especially considering the area's affordability and opportunities in tech sectors.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lowell
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 Lowell
Entry-level data analysts in Lowell, MA typically start between $47,589 and $59,234 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $79,587 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,049 — 2.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Massachusetts of $120,000 represents just 252.16% of the starting data analyst pay ($47,589/year) in Lowell. 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 Lowell
- 1Research the Lowell market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $47,589 to $59,234, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lowell, 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 Lowell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lowell'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 Lowell is $79,587 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,589, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,176.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$40,258
2025 BLS Actual
$45,548
2026 Current Est.
$47,589
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Lowell (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $40,258 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,634 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,368 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,505 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,548 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,589 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,721 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Lowell, MA grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,258 in 2021 to $45,548 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,721. New graduates entering the Lowell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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 Lowell
When evaluating employment opportunities in Lowell, several employers actively seek new graduates in data analysis roles. Established organizations, including firms in healthcare and finance, provide pathways for entry-level analysts, while larger tech companies and AI labs often have structured programs for new hires, particularly those with advanced degrees. Candidates equipped with a Master's or PhD in fields like computer science or statistics, alongside strong proficiency in key programming languages such as Python and SQL, may find themselves in a competitive position for better starting data analyst pay in MA. Gaining experience through internships at FAANG firms can significantly elevate one’s prospects, especially since these companies typically offer substantial total compensation packages that include base salaries, RSUs, and bonuses. As analysts navigate their early careers, realistic salary growth in the first three years often aligns with success in skill development and industry engagement, leading to career decisions that may favor specialization in machine learning engineering or AI research, which tend to attract higher compensation metrics compared to traditional analytics roles.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
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 Lowell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lowell 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