Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Moorhead, MN: $29,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Moorhead, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,611 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moorhead's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $30,062 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,741) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those looking to start their careers as data analysts in Moorhead, Minnesota, the entry-level landscape presents a promising yet modest earning structure. With a starting salary projected at $29,611 in 2026, new graduates may find it challenging, as this is significantly less than the city’s median annual salary of $48,741. However, the trajectory for advancement is encouraging; early-career analysts can expect to see their pay increase as they gain experience, reaching about $36,003 at the 25th percentile within the first few years. This growth potential could make Moorhead a reasonable choice for new grads willing to build their skills in a growing market, especially given the estimated annual growth rate for this field of 4.48%.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moorhead
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 Moorhead
Entry-level data analysts in Moorhead, MN typically start between $29,611 and $36,003 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,937 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,741 — 39.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Minnesota of $70,000 represents just 236.40% of the starting data analyst pay ($29,611/year) in Moorhead. 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 Moorhead
- 1Research the Moorhead market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $29,611 to $36,003, 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 Moorhead, 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 Moorhead for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moorhead'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 Moorhead is $45,937 ( 155.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,611, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,548.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$25,049
2025 BLS Actual
$28,341
2026 Current Est.
$29,611
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Moorhead (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $25,049 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,661 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,863 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,341 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,937 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Moorhead, MN grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,049 in 2021 to $28,341 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,937. New graduates entering the Moorhead job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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 Moorhead
Employers in Moorhead looking to hire new data analysts typically include a mix of local businesses and larger national firms. While major tech hubs may attract numerous FAANG companies focusing on new graduates through graduate programs, regional companies often prioritize entry-level talent in analytics, especially in traditional sectors needing data-driven insights. Having a solid foundation in programming languages such as Python and SQL, along with familiarity with machine learning frameworks, can significantly improve starting pay for new grad data analyst positions in Minnesota. Moreover, engaging in competitive projects, like Kaggle competitions, can enhance one’s portfolio. As young professionals navigate the first few years, it's practical to expect gradual salary increments as they solidify their roles, but aspirations should be set against the backdrop of industry standards where total compensation can skyrocket in senior-level positions, particularly in the realms of machine learning engineering and data science.
More salary data for Moorhead, 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 Moorhead. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moorhead 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