Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Scranton, PA: $33,701 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Scranton, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,701 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scranton's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,022 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,670) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For recent graduates entering the data analyst field in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the starting pay can be quite modest compared to the average for the city. The entry-level data analyst salary Scranton projects a minimum of $33,701, which is a significant gap from the 2026 median annual salary of $56,670. This means new hires will enter at approximately 59% of the median, with a clear pathway for growth over the first few years. Within a few years, analysts can aim for the 25th percentile earning of $45,108, and from there progress toward the median as they gain experience. Overall, the market for new graduates in Scranton showcases a stable growth trajectory, marked by a 4.48% annual growth rate, making it a viable entry point for those launching their careers in data analysis in this region.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scranton
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 Scranton
Entry-level data analysts in Scranton, PA typically start between $33,701 and $45,108 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,181 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,670 — 29.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Pennsylvania of $95,000 represents just 281.89% of the starting data analyst pay ($33,701/year) in Scranton. 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 Scranton
- 1Research the Scranton market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $33,701 to $45,108, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scranton, 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 Scranton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scranton'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 Scranton is $58,181 ( 172.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,701, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,882.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$45,650
2025 BLS Actual
$32,256
2026 Current Est.
$33,701
2021–2027 Growth
+-22.9%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Scranton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,701 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,211 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Scranton, PA grew -29.3% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,650 in 2021 to $32,256 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,211. New graduates entering the Scranton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
Employers in Scranton that are likely to hire new grad data analysts include both local firms and larger companies engaging remote or regional talent. Nationwide firms, including FAANG companies, typically do not target Scranton directly for new graduates but may recruit remote candidates. For those with advanced degrees like a Master's or PhD in quantitative fields, there are also opportunities in consulting firms that value such credentials. Additionally, new graduates who bolster their skill sets with strong knowledge in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks can set themselves apart. Competing in Kaggle competitions or contributing to open-source projects can enhance a portfolio significantly. As recent hires accumulate experience and demonstrate their analytical capabilities, realistic salary adjustments in the first few years can expect upward movements, although they will still trail national averages considerably, due to the lower-cost living index in Scranton compared to larger urban centers.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for data analysts in Scranton in 2026?
How fast do data analyst salaries grow in Scranton?
Is data analysis school worth it in Scranton?
What do new data analysts make right out of school in Scranton?
How do I become a data analyst in Pennsylvania?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Scranton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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