Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Minot, ND: $26,963 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Minot, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,963 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Minot's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,308 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,487) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the data analyst field in Minot, North Dakota, the starting salary can be challenging to navigate, with entry-level positions offering a projected annual pay of around $26,963 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $46,487, creating a considerable gap for newcomers just stepping into the workforce. However, there is potential for growth as analysts gain experience: salaries are expected to rise from the lower percentile to $33,471 just a few years into a career. Given a projected annual growth rate of 4.48%, the market for entry-level data analysts in Minot could provide a reasonable pathway for early-career professionals, especially considering the city’s relatively lower cost of living.
About the Minot Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Minot
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 Minot
Entry-level data analysts in Minot, ND typically start between $26,963 and $33,471 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,093 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,487 — 42.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in North Dakota of $48,000 represents just 178.02% of the starting data analyst pay ($26,963/year) in Minot. 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 Minot
- 1Research the Minot market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $26,963 to $33,471, 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 Minot, 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 Minot for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Minot'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 Minot is $45,093 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,963, experienced hygienists can earn up to $72,056.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,809
2025 BLS Actual
$25,807
2026 Current Est.
$26,963
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Minot (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,809 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,456 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,439 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,211 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,807 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,963 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,171 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Minot, ND grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,809 in 2021 to $25,807 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,171. New graduates entering the Minot job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minot 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 Minot
In Minot, various employers stand ready to recruit new graduates for data analyst positions. While large FAANG companies typically focus on candidates with advanced degrees and structured onboarding processes, local businesses may offer more immediate opportunities. Many organizations look for skills in Python and SQL, particularly as they focus on data-driven decision-making. New graduates who supplement their education with strong portfolios showcasing Kaggle competition results or contributions to open-source projects may find their starting pay increased compared to peers. Moreover, as they gain experience, aspiring data professionals should consider areas of specialization such as machine learning engineering, where premium salaries are often offered. In the first few years, diligent analysts can expect their compensation to gradually align more closely with the median as they develop skills and credentials that are highly valued in the data ecosystem.
More salary data for Minot, 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 Minot. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Minot 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