Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Wausau, WI: $48,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Wausau, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,144 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wausau's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,963 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,823) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of data analysis in Wausau, WI, can expect a starting salary of around $48,144. This entry-level figure reflects a significant gap when compared to the city’s overall median annual salary of $69,823, indicating that new data analysts will have to focus on skill development and career progression to bridge the divide. As they accumulate experience, early-career analysts can look to earn upwards toward the 25th percentile mark of $54,416 within a few years. Overall, the market in Wausau appears favorable for new graduates, with an annual growth rate of 4.48% suggesting steady opportunities for advancement and increased compensation in the coming years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wausau
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 Wausau
Entry-level data analysts in Wausau, WI typically start between $48,144 and $54,416 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,152 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,823 — 13.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 114.24% of the starting data analyst pay ($48,144/year) in Wausau. 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 Wausau
- 1Research the Wausau market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $48,144 to $54,416, 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 Wausau, 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 Wausau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wausau'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 Wausau is $68,152 ( 141.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,144, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,296.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$40,728
2025 BLS Actual
$46,080
2026 Current Est.
$48,144
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Wausau (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $40,728 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,301 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Wausau, WI grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,728 in 2021 to $46,080 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,301. New graduates entering the Wausau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau
In Wausau, various employers actively seek out entry-level talent to support their data analysis needs. While not typically home to major FAANG companies, local firms and regional tech organizations provide excellent opportunities for new grads. Prospective analysts who hold advanced degrees in quantitative fields such as statistics or data science significantly bolster their chances of attractive offers. Skills in Python and familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow can further enhance starting salaries. Moreover, pursuing internships at reputable companies can act as a vital stepping stone for securing higher pay. In the first few years, early-career analysts should aim for salary progression towards the 75th percentile as they develop their technical expertise. Tracking trends on platforms like Levels.fyi can provide valuable insights into competitive salary ranges, helping new data analysts make informed career decisions while navigating the evolving landscape of the data science field.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for data analysts in Wausau in 2026?
How fast do data analyst salaries grow in Wausau?
Is data analysis school worth it in Wausau?
What do new data analysts make right out of school in Wausau?
How do I become a data analyst in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Wausau. 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