Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Bristol, RI: $28,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Bristol, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,391 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bristol's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $28,250 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,951) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a data analyst position in Bristol, Rhode Island, should be prepared for a starting data analyst salary around $28,391 in 2026. This entry-level figure is significantly lower than the overall median salary for data analysts in the city, which is projected at $48,951. However, there is room for growth as early-career workers can expect to progress to about $35,244 within their first few years on the job, eventually approaching the median as they gain experience and skills. With an annual growth rate of 4.48%, the market for entry-level data analysts in Bristol holds potential, making it a viable option for those entering the workforce.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bristol
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 Bristol
Entry-level data analysts in Bristol, RI typically start between $28,391 and $35,244 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,483 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,951 — 39.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Rhode Island of $90,000 represents just 317.00% of the starting data analyst pay ($28,391/year) in Bristol. 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 Bristol
- 1Research the Bristol market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $28,391 to $35,244, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bristol, 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 Bristol for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bristol's moderate 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 Bristol is $47,483 ( 167.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,391, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,874.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$24,018
2025 BLS Actual
$27,174
2026 Current Est.
$28,391
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Bristol (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $24,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,646 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,174 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,663 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Bristol, RI grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,018 in 2021 to $27,174 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,663. New graduates entering the Bristol job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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 Bristol
Bristol offers opportunities with employers that value new talent in this field. Firms engaging in tech and analytics, including local consulting groups and financial services, often seek recent graduates. Having additional credentials, such as a Master's or PhD in statistics, computer science, or a related field, can lead to a boost in pay and job prospects. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, as well as familiarity with machine learning frameworks, is essential for securing a role. Early in their careers, analysts should target skill development and possibly participate in Kaggle competitions or contribute to open-source projects to enhance their portfolio. With compensation in industries like machine learning or data science often reaching higher figures, often in the range of $300,000 to $700,000 for senior positions, graduates can reasonably aim for steady salary growth, making skill acquisition and strategic job placements crucial in their first few years.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for data analysts in Bristol in 2026?
How fast do data analyst salaries grow in Bristol?
Is data analysis school worth it in Bristol?
What do new data analysts make right out of school in Bristol?
How do I become a data analyst in Rhode Island?
Related Pages
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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 Bristol. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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