Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $29,959 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Pawtucket, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,959 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pawtucket's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,810 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,653) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those entering the data analytics field in Pawtucket, the starting pay can begin as low as $29,959 annually, which sets a baseline for new graduates. This figure is significantly behind the overall median salary of $51,653 for the region, illustrating the gap new professionals face as they enter the job market. Within the first three to five years, aspiring data analysts can realistically aim to see their salaries grow towards $37,190 as they gain experience, with the potential to reach the median over time. Given Rhode Island's projected growth rate of 4.48% for data analysts, Pawtucket currently offers a decent landscape for new graduates in the field seeking to establish their careers, though many may need to enhance their qualifications to close the earning gap compared to more competitive markets.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pawtucket
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 Pawtucket
Entry-level data analysts in Pawtucket, RI typically start between $29,959 and $37,190 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,103 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,653 — 35.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Rhode Island of $90,000 represents just 300.41% of the starting data analyst pay ($29,959/year) in Pawtucket. 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 Pawtucket
- 1Research the Pawtucket market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $29,959 to $37,190, 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 Pawtucket, 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 Pawtucket for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pawtucket'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 Pawtucket is $50,103 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,959, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,062.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$25,343
2025 BLS Actual
$28,674
2026 Current Est.
$29,959
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Pawtucket (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $25,343 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,951 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,043 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,213 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,674 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,959 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,301 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Pawtucket, RI grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,343 in 2021 to $28,674 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,301. New graduates entering the Pawtucket job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, companies looking to hire entry-level data analysts include local government agencies, healthcare organizations, and smaller tech firms, which may not resemble the high-tier FAANG opportunities found elsewhere. While these major players often focus on seasoned talent from top-tier programs, they also scout promising new graduates who have solidified their technical skills, particularly in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks. Credentials like a Master’s or PhD in computer science, statistics, or a quantitative field can significantly elevate new grad data analyst pay in RI. Moreover, participating in Kaggle competitions or contributing to open-source projects can distinguish candidates in the competition. As the market evolves, those in their first few years can expect salary growth stemming from performance and expanding responsibilities, with some new graduates ultimately transitioning into higher-paying fields like machine learning engineering or data science research as they build their career paths.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
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 Pawtucket. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pawtucket 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