Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Medford, MA: $48,421 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Medford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,421 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,628 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,852) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aiming to step into the data analyst field in Medford, Massachusetts, a starting salary might be around $48,421, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $80,852. While the entry-level pay can feel modest, there’s a clear growth trajectory as analysts gain experience. Within the first few years, new grads can expect their salaries to increase toward the 25th percentile at $59,463, with further progression well within reach to approach the median. Given Medford's promising job market, both in terms of growth, with a projected annual growth rate of 4.48%, and the competitive nature of salaries, it remains an attractive location for fresh talent embarking on a data analyst career.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level data analysts in Medford, MA typically start between $48,421 and $59,463 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,900 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,852 — 0.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Massachusetts of $120,000 represents just 247.83% of the starting data analyst pay ($48,421/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $48,421 to $59,463, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $76,900 ( 158.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,421, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,321.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$40,962
2025 BLS Actual
$46,345
2026 Current Est.
$48,421
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Medford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $40,962 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,328 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,092 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,098 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,345 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,421 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,591 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, MA grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,962 in 2021 to $46,345 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,591. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
In terms of opportunities for new grads in Medford, several employers actively recruit entry-level data analysts. FAANG companies offer robust hiring pipelines for graduates with relevant Master's and PhD degrees. They frequently provide structured onboarding along with significant RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), which can significantly elevate overall compensation. AI-focused firms and quant trading companies tend to prioritize higher educational qualifications while seeking candidates with proven expertise in tools such as Python and SQL, which new analysts should develop through internships or project work. Meanwhile, continuing education, such as certifications or advanced studies, can further enhance earning potential. In your first few years in this industry, a pursuit of specialized roles—particularly in machine learning engineering—can lead to substantial salary differentials, where seasoned professionals in these areas can command compensation packages significantly higher than entry-level roles. Understanding the market dynamics in Medford and continually adapting your skill set can optimize your career path.
More salary data for Medford, 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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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