Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Duluth, MN: $31,321 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Duluth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,321 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Duluth's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,284 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,466) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of data analysis in Duluth, MN can expect a starting data analyst salary ranging from $31,321 at the lowest to modestly higher figures as they progress in their careers. The median annual salary in the city is projected to be $66,466, which means entry-level positions are significantly lower, highlighting a noticeable gap for those just starting out. With a potential career trajectory, professionals can transition from early earnings at the bottom of the pay scale ($31,321) to roughly $42,367 after gaining a few years of experience, before reaching the city’s median. Given Duluth's 4.48% annual growth trend for this occupation, it remains a favorable market for new graduates, suggesting a stable demand for data analysts in the year's ahead.
Career Earnings Timeline in Duluth
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 Duluth
Entry-level data analysts in Duluth, MN typically start between $31,321 and $42,367 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,976 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,466 — 17.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Minnesota of $70,000 represents just 223.49% of the starting data analyst pay ($31,321/year) in Duluth. 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 Duluth
- 1Research the Duluth market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $31,321 to $42,367, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Duluth, 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 Duluth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Duluth'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 Duluth is $60,976 ( 194.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,321, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,297.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$26,496
2025 BLS Actual
$29,978
2026 Current Est.
$31,321
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Duluth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26,496 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,978 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,321 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,724 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Duluth, MN grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,496 in 2021 to $29,978 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,724. New graduates entering the Duluth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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 Duluth
Employers in Duluth that typically hire entry-level data analysts include local businesses and corporate offices rather than major tech firms. Though FAANG companies often recruit through structured programs targeting experienced candidates, newer analytics roles are available at various companies across different sectors, offering essential job experience. Candidates should focus on improving their skills in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks, as these credentials are highly valued in the market, alongside internships that may enhance employability. In terms of salary growth, entry-level data analysts in Duluth may anticipate incremental pay increases as they build their credentials and experience. Moving toward more specialized roles, such as machine learning engineers or data scientists, can further open lucrative compensation opportunities, particularly as demand for these skills continues to rise alongside advancements in AI and data-driven decision-making.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
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 Duluth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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