Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Tuscaloosa, AL: $29.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Tuscaloosa, AL runs $29.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,106 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Tuscaloosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.7, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,266 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the data analyst hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $29.86 in 2026, which lags behind the national median rate of $38.65. This rate translates to practical implications for part-time and per-diem data analysts, who often thrive in diverse work environments such as tech company offices, AI startup spaces, and dedicated labs for pharmaceutical research. With hourly earnings ranging from $18.03 for entry-level positions to $41.13 for seasoned professionals, the potential for financial growth is evident for data analysts in the region. This hourly pay structure, sourced from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlights the earnings landscape for 50 data analysts currently employed in Tuscaloosa, showcasing both entry-level and experienced earning avenues.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.03 | $144.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.77 | $166.16 |
| Median (P50) | $29.86 | $238.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.14 | $281.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.13 | $329.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tuscaloosa
Based on $29.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.86/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tuscaloosa, AL can expect to earn approximately $62,110 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,832. With a cost-of-living index of 87.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tuscaloosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tuscaloosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,194.42 | $5,176 | $62,110 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.65 | $3,105 | $37,266 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.77 | $2,070 | $24,844 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Tuscaloosa) | $29.86 |
| Data Analyst (National Avg) | $40.39 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Machine Learning Engineer (National Avg) | $66.77 |
| Statistician (National Avg) | $50.61 |
Data Analysts in Tuscaloosa, AL earn a median of $62,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.75% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 2.90% above the Alabama state average of $60,356.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.86/hr = $37,266/year (purchasing power: $42,482).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,110/year (purchasing power: $70,803).
CoL index: 87.722 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$23.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.86/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Tuscaloosa (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Tuscaloosa grew 19.1% from $23.99/hr (2021) to $28.58/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem data analysts can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tuscaloosa 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.
Working as an Hourly Data Analyst in Tuscaloosa
For those considering part-time positions, working just three days a week for 24 hours translates into an annual income of approximately $37,238, significantly impacting their lifestyle compared to full-time counterparts. The reality for per-diem data analyst pay in Tuscaloosa can be much higher, as contract-based projects may command rates ranging from $100 to $200 per hour, particularly for specialized data science skills. The upward trajectory in rates is notable for consultants with expertise in machine learning and LLMs, with many securing $200 to $600 per hour. Additionally, hourly rates can greatly vary depending on employer type, with FAANG companies and large tech firms offering competitive packages compared to AI-focused startups and consulting firms. While some analysts may choose lower hourly wages for the benefits such as health insurance, others may prefer higher pay with fewer perks. For those in Tuscaloosa, skills negotiation is paramount; analysts should be prepared to discuss both salary and benefits comprehensively during the hiring process.
More salary data for Tuscaloosa, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for data analysts in Tuscaloosa in 2026?
How much do part-time data analysts make in Tuscaloosa?
Are data analysts in Tuscaloosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time data analyst make per year in Tuscaloosa?
Do data analysts earn more per hour working part-time in Tuscaloosa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for data analysts in Tuscaloosa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-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