Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Jackson, MS: $38,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,034 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,712 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,724) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, ambitious graduates entering the data analyst field in Jackson, Mississippi can expect starting salaries around $38,034, which is notably below the city's median annual salary of $65,724. For new professionals, this represents a significant gap, highlighting the volume of learning and experience that can contribute to career growth over the first few years. As an entry-level employee grows into their role, they may see their earnings increase to around $45,296, and eventually reach the median figure within an estimated three to five years. Considering the job market dynamics, Jackson offers a promising environment for new data analysts; the city's cost of living index of 89.048 suggests that entry-level salaries, while lower than the national average, could still provide a decent quality of life relative to local prices.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level data analysts in Jackson, MS typically start between $38,034 and $45,296 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,276 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,724 — 18.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Mississippi of $38,000 represents just 99.91% of the starting data analyst pay ($38,034/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $38,034 to $45,296, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $52,276 ( 137.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,034, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,310.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$49,490
2025 BLS Actual
$36,403
2026 Current Est.
$38,034
2021–2027 Growth
+-19.7%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Jackson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $49,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,403 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,738 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew -26.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,490 in 2021 to $36,403 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,738. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
When navigating the job market, aspiring data analysts in Jackson should focus on potential employers who actively recruit fresh talent in this sector. Organizations ranging from consulting firms to local tech startups frequently seek new graduates who possess strong Python, SQL, and machine learning framework skills. Earning advanced degrees, such as a Master's or PhD in a relevant quantitative field, can provide an edge, particularly for research roles or at companies that prioritize data-driven decision-making. Engaging in more competitive avenues, like Kaggle competitions or contributing to open source projects, can also enhance one’s personal portfolio. As data analysts progress through their careers, it’s essential to be aware of industry trends that influence pay; while early-career positions typically start lower, they pave the way for future opportunities, especially if one decides to specialize in high-demand areas like machine learning engineering or product data science. Realistically, an analyst in Jackson can expect steady growth in their salary over the first few years, aligning with the overall upward trend for the profession.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for data analysts in Jackson in 2026?
How fast do data analyst salaries grow in Jackson?
Is data analysis school worth it in Jackson?
What do new data analysts make right out of school in Jackson?
How do I become a data analyst in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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