Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $43,597 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,597 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oshkosh's local price level (BEA RPP 92.9 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,914 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,483) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the data analyst field in Oshkosh, WI can expect to see starting salaries around $43,597, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $67,483. This gap illustrates the typical pathway of salary growth for entry-level positions. Over the first few years, aspiring analysts can realistically aim for incremental increases as they gain experience and enhance their skills, with potential earnings rising to the first quartile salary of $52,076 before reaching the median. Given Oshkosh's relatively low cost of living index at 92.929, the market appears favorable for new graduates seeking entry-level data analyst positions, making it a viable location for those beginning their careers in analytics.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oshkosh
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 Oshkosh
Entry-level data analysts in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $43,597 and $52,076 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,317 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,483 — 16.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 126.16% of the starting data analyst pay ($43,597/year) in Oshkosh. 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 Oshkosh
- 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $43,597 to $52,076, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oshkosh'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 Oshkosh is $45,317 ( 103.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,597, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,914.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$36,881
2025 BLS Actual
$41,728
2026 Current Est.
$43,597
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Oshkosh (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,881 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,597 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,551 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,881 in 2021 to $41,728 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,551. New graduates entering the Oshkosh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
In Oshkosh, several employers actively seek to hire recent graduates for data analyst roles. Companies may not reach the high compensation levels typical of FAANG positions, which can offer total packages of $300,000 to $700,000 for seasoned professionals, but they provide solid foundations for career advancement. New entrants into data analysis would benefit from pursuing relevant credentials, particularly a Master’s or PhD in quantitative fields. Mastery of programming languages such as Python and SQL, along with experience in machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, can substantially boost starting data analyst pay in WI. Furthermore, getting involved in Kaggle competitions or contributing to open-source projects can serve as excellent portfolio enhancements, making candidates more attractive to employers. During the first one to three years, professionals can expect their salaries to steadily rise as they establish their expertise and potentially transition to higher-paying roles in machine learning engineering or product data science as they advance in their careers.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
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 Oshkosh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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