Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Brentwood, TN: $36,593 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Brentwood, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,593 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brentwood's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,862 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,754) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Launching a career as a data analyst in Brentwood, Tennessee, can be both promising and challenging. In 2026, new graduates should expect starting salaries around $36,593, a figure noted as the P10 level in the salary range but considerably lower than the city's median annual figure of $59,754. However, with time and experience, entry-level data analysts can anticipate salary growth, with potential earnings rising to $43,025 at the P25 level within their first few years. This trajectory highlights a promising market for fresh graduates in Brentwood, aided by its relatively low cost of living index at 91.8, making the opportunity for rapid salary advancement even more appealing as entry-level analysts gain experience.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brentwood
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 Brentwood
Entry-level data analysts in Brentwood, TN typically start between $36,593 and $43,025 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,026 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,754 — 25.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Tennessee of $55,000 represents just 150.30% of the starting data analyst pay ($36,593/year) in Brentwood. 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 Brentwood
- 1Research the Brentwood market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $36,593 to $43,025, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brentwood, 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 Brentwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brentwood'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 Brentwood is $56,026 ( 153.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,593, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,619.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$30,956
2025 BLS Actual
$35,024
2026 Current Est.
$36,593
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Brentwood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,477 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,398 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,593 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,232 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Brentwood, TN grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,956 in 2021 to $35,024 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,232. New graduates entering the Brentwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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 Brentwood
Employers in Brentwood, TN, that actively recruit new graduates include a variety of firms focused on data analytics and technology. Large companies, particularly within tech, may employ entry-level data analysts through structured programs aimed at recent graduates, although their emphasis may be on candidates with advanced degrees. Credentials such as a Master’s or a PhD in fields like computer science or statistics can certainly enhance starting pay. New graduates should prioritize building strong competencies in programming languages like Python and SQL, along with contributing to open-source projects to solidify their portfolios. Over the first one to three years, analysts can realistically aim for salary growth that aligns with regional trends, often reflecting increases that mirror the industry's broader movement towards paying top dollar for specialized roles. Furthermore, comparing local salaries against industry benchmarks can help new analysts make informed career choices tailored to their professional goals.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for data analysts in Brentwood in 2026?
How fast do data analyst salaries grow in Brentwood?
Is data analysis school worth it in Brentwood?
What do new data analysts make right out of school in Brentwood?
How do I become a data analyst in Tennessee?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Brentwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brentwood 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