Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Mandan, ND: $27,945 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Mandan, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,945 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mandan's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $30,375 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($44,241) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates aiming for entry-level data analyst positions in Mandan, North Dakota, can expect a starting salary around $27,945, which is notably lower than the median annual salary of $44,241 for data analysts in the city. This gap illustrates the challenges entry-level candidates face as they begin their careers despite a more promising trajectory in salary growth as they gain experience, moving from the first percentile to approximately $32,350 within the first few years. The projected annual growth rate of 4.48% over the next five years serves as a reminder that while initial compensation may be modest, there is room for upward mobility in the Mandan job market. For new grads, this local environment presents a viable opportunity to start their careers in data analytics, especially given the lower cost of living in the area reflected by the index of 92.
About the Mandan Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mandan
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 Mandan
Entry-level data analysts in Mandan, ND typically start between $27,945 and $32,350 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,628 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $44,241 — 44.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in North Dakota of $48,000 represents just 171.77% of the starting data analyst pay ($27,945/year) in Mandan. 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 Mandan
- 1Research the Mandan market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $27,945 to $32,350, 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 Mandan, 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 Mandan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mandan'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 Mandan is $40,628 ( 145.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,945, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,573.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,640
2025 BLS Actual
$26,747
2026 Current Est.
$27,945
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Mandan (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,274 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,293 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,479 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,747 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,945 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,197 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Mandan, ND grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,640 in 2021 to $26,747 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,197. New graduates entering the Mandan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mandan 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 Mandan
In Mandan, several employers actively recruit fresh talent in the data analytics field, including local startups and larger businesses looking for skilled analytical minds. While companies like FAANG, which hire graduates from high-tier master's or PhD programs, tend to focus their recruitment on bigger markets, local firms value candidates with strong foundations in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow. To enhance starting pay, pursuing additional credentials such as a Master’s or PhD can prove beneficial, particularly for roles in research and engineering. The first few years in this career should focus on honing technical skills and developing a portfolio, possibly through Kaggle competitions or contributions to open-source projects, which can significantly impact future salary prospects. Given that the compensation landscape at higher experience levels in data-focused roles can reach total pay structures of $300,000 to $700,000, the strategy for new analysts in Mandan should involve positioning themselves effectively to capitalize on the opportunities as they arise.
More salary data for Mandan, 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 Mandan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mandan 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