Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Williston, ND: $26,862 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Williston, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,862 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williston's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,198 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,168) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those stepping into the field as entry-level data analysts in Williston, North Dakota, the starting salary landscape can be quite diverse. Fresh graduates can expect an annual entry-level pay around $26,862, which is noticeably lower than the city median salary of $45,168. However, this starting pay does have room for growth; over the first few years, new analysts typically see their salaries climb toward the 25th percentile at $32,936 and potentially reaching the median as they gain more experience and refine their skills. Given the projected 4.48% annual growth rate in the industry, Williston offers a moderate, though promising, market for new graduates eager to begin their careers in data analysis.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williston
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 Williston
Entry-level data analysts in Williston, ND typically start between $26,862 and $32,936 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,148 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,168 — 43.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in North Dakota of $48,000 represents just 178.69% of the starting data analyst pay ($26,862/year) in Williston. 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 Williston
- 1Research the Williston market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $26,862 to $32,936, 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 Williston, 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 Williston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williston'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 Williston is $43,148 ( 160.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,862, experienced hygienists can earn up to $70,010.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,724
2025 BLS Actual
$25,710
2026 Current Est.
$26,862
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Williston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,724 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,372 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,351 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,535 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,862 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,065 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Williston, ND grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,724 in 2021 to $25,710 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,065. New graduates entering the Williston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
When considering employment opportunities in Williston, various local companies are open to hiring new data analysts. While major tech giants such as FAANG typically rely on more advanced degree holders, entry-level positions can still be found in smaller companies and local firms. Additionally, graduates with a strong background in programming languages like Python and SQL, as well as familiarity with machine learning frameworks, significantly boost their employability. Engaging in Kaggle competitions, contributing to open-source projects, or even publishing on arXiv can enhance a new analyst's portfolio, making them more attractive candidates. With a clear focus on continuous skill development in the first few years, rising from entry-level to a salary reflective of the industry standards would be a reasonable expectation for those committed to growing within this evolving field. Graduates should prepare for a potential climb in pay as they explore various specializations or advanced roles, especially considering that higher-level positions can command salaries significantly above $80,000, particularly in fields like machine learning engineering.
More salary data for Williston, 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 Williston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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