Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Great Falls, MT: $28,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,632 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,763 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,365) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Great Falls, the starting data analyst salaries for new graduates tell a nuanced story, especially looking toward 2026. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries beginning at around $28,632, which may seem modest compared to the city's median salary of $49,365. This gap presents a realistic picture for new grads; they may expect to gradually increase their earnings as they gain experience, moving towards the 25th percentile earnings of $35,543 within the first few years. Although salaries might initially appear lower compared to major urban centers, Great Falls offers unique benefits such as a lower cost of living index at 96.2, making it an attractive market for early-career data analysts looking to establish a foothold in this growing field.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great Falls
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 Great Falls
Entry-level data analysts in Great Falls, MT typically start between $28,632 and $35,543 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,883 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,365 — 38.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Montana of $50,000 represents just 174.63% of the starting data analyst pay ($28,632/year) in Great Falls. 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 Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $28,632 to $35,543, 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 Great Falls, 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 Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great Falls'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 Great Falls is $47,883 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,632, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,515.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$24,221
2025 BLS Actual
$27,404
2026 Current Est.
$28,632
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Great Falls (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $24,221 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,846 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,889 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,082 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,404 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,914 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,221 in 2021 to $27,404 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,914. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
In terms of opportunities, several employers in Great Falls are known to hire entry-level data analysts, particularly those who have robust technical skills. While FAANG companies tend to recruit candidates with advanced degrees through structured programs, local firms may also look for graduates skilled in tools like Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and scikit-learn. For those looking to enhance their marketability, engaging in Kaggle competitions or open-source projects can act as valuable portfolio pieces. Graduates need to choose a career path strategically—whether that involves moving towards roles in analytics, machine learning engineering, or product data science, as these distinctions can significantly impact salary potential. Generally, those entering the workforce can anticipate a steady salary progression as they build experience, potentially reaching higher pay brackets within a few years, making the professional landscape in Great Falls promising for new graduates.
More salary data for Great Falls, 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 Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls 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