Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Lafayette, LA: $31.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Lafayette, LA runs $31.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,617 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,378 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Lafayette, Louisiana, data analysts can expect a median hourly pay of $31.55, significantly lower than the national median of $38.65. This hourly rate reflects the compensation dynamics in a region where part-time and per-diem opportunities are often pursued by professionals seeking flexibility. For instance, a data analyst working three days a week could earn approximately $1,515 monthly, beneficial for those opting for a better work-life balance in settings like tech company offices or research labs. The hourly pay ranges from $20.44 at the entry level to $41.99 for top earners, indicating a breadth of opportunity in Lafayette's growing analytical landscape as projected for 2026 based on 2025 BLS data.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.44 | $163.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.74 | $221.92 |
| Median (P50) | $31.55 | $252.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.36 | $314.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.99 | $335.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $31.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.55/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, LA can expect to earn approximately $65,630 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,864. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,262.12 | $5,469 | $65,630 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $757.27 | $3,282 | $39,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.85 | $2,188 | $26,252 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Lafayette) | $31.55 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA earn a median of $65,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.38% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 0.30% below the Louisiana state average of $65,814.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.55/hr = $39,378/year (purchasing power: $45,154).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,630/year (purchasing power: $75,256).
CoL index: 87.209 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$25.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.55/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Lafayette (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $25.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Lafayette grew 19.1% from $25.35/hr (2021) to $30.20/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.97/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
While the median hourly pay offers a baseline for those seeking full-time roles, part-time data analysts can navigate a different compensation reality. Working 24 hours a week, an analyst would bring home about $18,180 annually, highlighting the trade-offs of hours worked. Per-diem data analyst pay in Lafayette encourages many to consider freelance work, where hourly rates can soar to $100-$200 for standard consulting and even reach $300-$600 for specialized projects in generative AI. Moreover, opportunities vary significantly based on employer types; FAANG and large tech firms tend to provide more stability with additional benefits, while startups may offer high equity but lower hourly rates. This variability means that aspiring analysts must negotiate effectively, balancing between immediate compensation and long-term benefits when discussing contracts and per-diem roles. Understanding how Lafayette's market aligns with national trends can empower analysts to make informed decisions based on their career paths and personal circumstances.
More salary data for Lafayette, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for data analysts in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time data analysts make in Lafayette?
Are data analysts in Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time data analyst make per year in Lafayette?
Do data analysts earn more per hour working part-time in Lafayette?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Lafayette. 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, 2-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