Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Bismarck, ND: $35,333 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Bismarck, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,333 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bismarck's local price level (BEA RPP 91.0 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,817 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,461) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Determining what to expect for an entry-level data analyst salary in Bismarck, North Dakota, new graduates should anticipate starting pay around $35,333 in 2026. While this figure is below the city median of $51,461, it still offers a promising foundation for recent grads entering the field. As one gains experience, salaries can climb through the $41,351 mark and potentially reach the median within the first three to five years, thanks to a growth rate of 4.48%. Given Bismarck’s current job market and competitive salaries compared to national standards—where the median is significantly higher at $80,394—new graduates might find opportunities more appealing, particularly in local sectors that are increasingly recognizing the value of data analytics.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bismarck
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 Bismarck
Entry-level data analysts in Bismarck, ND typically start between $35,333 and $41,351 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,394 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,461 — 35.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in North Dakota of $48,000 represents just 135.85% of the starting data analyst pay ($35,333/year) in Bismarck. 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 Bismarck
- 1Research the Bismarck market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $35,333 to $41,351, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bismarck'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 Bismarck is $49,394 ( 139.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,333, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,727.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,890
2025 BLS Actual
$33,818
2026 Current Est.
$35,333
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Bismarck (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,427 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,818 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,333 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,916 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Bismarck, ND grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,890 in 2021 to $33,818 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,916. New graduates entering the Bismarck job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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 Bismarck
Local employers in Bismarck actively recruit entry-level data analysts from a range of backgrounds, focusing on candidates with a strong foundation in programming and analytical skills. Firms and companies in finance, healthcare, and local government often seek new talent to analyze data and inform critical decision-making. While larger tech companies may not have a strong presence, consulting firms and regional businesses tend to value applicants with experience in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks. For new graduates aiming to enhance their starting pay in ND, acquiring a Master’s or PhD in relevant fields can be advantageous. Engaging in projects, participating in Kaggle competitions, or contributing to open-source endeavors can also differentiate candidates in a competitive marketplace. Over the first few years, as new analysts establish themselves and possibly shift into more specialized roles in data science or machine learning, salary expectations could increase notably, particularly if they leverage internships or secure positions that promise longer-term growth.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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 Bismarck. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-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