Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $42.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Boston, MA runs $42.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,978 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, the data analyst hourly pay stands at a median of $42.45, outperforming the national average of $38.65 by a notable margin. This favorable rate is especially appealing to part-time professionals, such as those seeking three-day work weeks. For these individuals, working 24 hours per week can yield a comfortable income while allowing flexibility for other pursuits. The hourly pay ranges from $26.37 for entry-level positions up to $66.30 for top earners, reflecting the diverse landscape of opportunities available in this bustling city. Whether in tech company offices, vibrant AI startup environments, or hybrid setups involving Python and Jupyter notebooks, the BLS-established figures indicate a healthy market for data analysts in the Boston metropolitan area.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.37 | $210.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.03 | $264.21 |
| Median (P50) | $42.45 | $339.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.41 | $427.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.30 | $530.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $42.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.45/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $88,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,940. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,698.01 | $7,358 | $88,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,018.81 | $4,415 | $52,978 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $679.20 | $2,943 | $35,319 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Boston) | $42.45 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $88,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.82% higher than the national median of $80,394 and 7.90% above the Massachusetts state average of $81,827.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.45/hr = $52,978/year (purchasing power: $48,933).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,296/year (purchasing power: $81,555).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$48.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.45/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-9.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Boston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $48.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Boston grew -16.6% from $48.73/hr (2021) to $40.63/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.35/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 Boston 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 Boston
When considering the earning potential for part-time data analysts, a 24-hour work week translates into an annual take-home sum significantly lower than that of full-timers. Nevertheless, this setup retains attractiveness for many due to its flexibility. In contrast, per-diem positions offer lucrative contracts, often charging between $100 and $200 per hour for data science work, while experienced machine learning consultants can command rates ranging from $200 to $400. Furthermore, niche expertise in generative AI can bring in payments of $300 to $600 per hour. Employers across various sectors, from FAANG companies to innovative startups, present disparate compensation structures that reflect their specific needs and roles. While many analysts might accept lower hourly rates for the benefits provided by larger firms, such choices can also invite substantial trade-offs. For those in the field negotiating their pay, understanding the dynamics of Boston's job market can equip them with strategies that optimize both salary and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Boston, 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 Boston. 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, 5-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