Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Friendswood, TX: $39,854 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Friendswood, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,854 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Friendswood's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,515 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,163) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the job market in Friendswood, TX, the starting data analyst salary in 2026 is projected to be approximately $39,854, which establishes a clear starting point for new graduates. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $65,163, highlighting the common gap between entry-level positions and more established roles. Given the projected salary range, entry-level analysts can expect potential growth from $39,854 to $48,533 within the first few years of employment, which is a realistic trajectory for newcomers in this field. Friendswood appears to be a favorable market for aspiring data analysts, as the annual growth rate in positions is anticipated to be around 4.48%, indicating not only opportunities for employment but also a supportive environment for transitioning from educational settings to professional endeavors.
About the Friendswood Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Friendswood
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 Friendswood
Entry-level data analysts in Friendswood, TX typically start between $39,854 and $48,533 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,149 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,163 — 18.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 150.55% of the starting data analyst pay ($39,854/year) in Friendswood. 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 Friendswood
- 1Research the Friendswood market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $39,854 to $48,533, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Friendswood, 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 Friendswood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Friendswood'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 Friendswood is $61,149 ( 153.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,854, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,003.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$33,714
2025 BLS Actual
$38,145
2026 Current Est.
$39,854
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Friendswood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33,714 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,645 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,653 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,854 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,639 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Friendswood, TX grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,714 in 2021 to $38,145 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,639. New graduates entering the Friendswood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Friendswood 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 Friendswood
In Friendswood, several employers actively seek new graduates for entry-level data analyst positions, making it essential for candidates to network and explore local job opportunities. Large firms that often tap into recent graduates include technology and finance companies wanting to capitalize on fresh perspectives. Credentials such as a Master’s or PhD in computer science, statistics, or quantitative fields can greatly enhance starting pay, with specialized skills in Python and machine learning frameworks being particularly valuable. Furthermore, practical experience gained through internships at top-tier firms can significantly impact future earnings. Understanding industry standards, like the general compensation trajectory for data analysts in top companies, where senior roles can yield total compensation packages exceeding $300,000, may inform salary expectations when considering growth within the first few years. Given the vibrant job market in Friendswood, entry-level analysts can reasonably anticipate salary increases as they gain experience, opening doors to higher-paying roles and specialties in the analytics landscape.
More salary data for Friendswood, TX:
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 Friendswood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Friendswood 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