Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Billings, MT: $47,469 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Billings, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,469 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billings's local price level (BEA RPP 93.5 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,755 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,048) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Aspiring data analysts entering the job market in Billings, Montana, can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $47,469 in 2026, significantly lower than the median annual salary of $65,048 for the city. This creates a noticeable gap that reflects the realities of starting positions in a competitive field. However, the growth trajectory for newcomers in this role looks promising, as they can progress through the salary percentiles over the next three to five years, from the P10 figure up to the city's median. Given that Billings currently maintains a lower cost of living index compared to national averages, the market presents reasonable opportunities for new graduates willing to adapt and learn quickly within their first positions.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billings
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 Billings
Entry-level data analysts in Billings, MT typically start between $47,469 and $47,469 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,911 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,048 — 19.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Montana of $50,000 represents just 105.33% of the starting data analyst pay ($47,469/year) in Billings. 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 Billings
- 1Research the Billings market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $47,469 to $47,469, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billings, 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 Billings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billings'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 Billings is $65,911 ( 138.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,469, experienced hygienists can earn up to $113,380.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$40,157
2025 BLS Actual
$45,434
2026 Current Est.
$47,469
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Billings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $40,157 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,535 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,434 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,469 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,596 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Billings, MT grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,157 in 2021 to $45,434 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,596. New graduates entering the Billings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
In Billings, various employers actively seek fresh talent in data analytics, including local tech firms and healthcare organizations. Global leaders like FAANG might not have a strong foothold, but many local companies are increasingly recognizing the value of data-driven decision-making. To enhance entry-level prospects, candidates are encouraged to elevate their credentials, such as pursuing a Master's or PhD in a quantitative field, which can substantially boost starting data analyst pay in MT. Proficiency in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch is often expected. Moreover, newcomers should consider strategic career moves focusing on acquiring relevant experience through internships or participating in Kaggle competitions. Realistic salary growth in the initial years may see fresh analysts moving steadily toward more lucrative roles as they build their skills, with the potential for higher earnings as they transition to more specialized positions within the field.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 Billings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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