Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $38.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Amherst, MA runs $38.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,079 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,649 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, data analysts in Amherst, Massachusetts, can expect a median hourly pay of $38.98, which slightly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $38.65. This competitive hourly rate allows for various employment arrangements, making it attractive for part-time professionals working three days a week or per-diem workers in settings such as technology firms or healthcare research labs. For those starting out in the profession, hourly wages begin at approximately $22.61, while seasoned experts can command rates as high as $60.42. These hourly figures reflect estimated earnings drawn from projected annual salaries, thus providing a solid picture of what data analysts can earn in this region relative to the national market landscape.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.61 | $180.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.36 | $234.87 |
| Median (P50) | $38.98 | $311.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.90 | $399.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.42 | $483.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $38.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.98/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $81,081 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,778. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,559.26 | $6,757 | $81,081 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $935.56 | $4,054 | $48,649 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $623.70 | $2,703 | $32,433 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Amherst) | $38.98 |
| 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 Amherst, MA earn a median of $81,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.85% higher than the national median of $80,394 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $81,815.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.98/hr = $48,649/year (purchasing power: $44,838).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,081/year (purchasing power: $74,729).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$31.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.98/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Amherst (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Amherst grew 19.1% from $31.31/hr (2021) to $37.31/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.73/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 Amherst 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 Amherst
As part-time analysts working 24 hours a week would earn a substantial sum, perhaps $48,000 annually, their earnings could potentially fluctuate depending on the projects they choose to take on. Freelance and contract data analysts often engage in per-diem work, which can bring in significantly higher hourly rates, ranging from $100 to $200. More specialized roles, particularly in machine learning consulting, can fetch between $200 and $600 per hour, depending on the firm's profile. Companies in Amherst, such as FAANG firms or AI startups, tend to offer attractive hourly rates, but they may also come with benefits like health insurance that freelancers lack. For professionals in the field, effectively negotiating rates while considering the trade-offs between higher pay and job security with benefits will be key for career growth.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
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
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 Amherst. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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