Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Laurel, MS: $19.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Laurel, MS runs $19.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,781 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,474 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Laurel, Mississippi, data analysts earn a median hourly rate of $19.61, considerably lower than the national hourly median of $38.65. This significant disparity highlights the economic landscape for data professionals in the region, where analysts typically operate in various environments, from tech company offices to AI startup spaces. With an hourly range stretching from $12.04 for entry-level positions up to $30.37 for seasoned experts, it offers manageable options for both full-time and part-time roles. For those choosing to work three days a week, the earnings can support practical living while diversifying experience in different settings, including remote work where skills in Python and machine learning thrive. Entry-level analysts may find their feet in a rapidly changing field, while those with more expertise access higher hourly pay as they move towards more complex roles.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.04 | $96.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.52 | $116.18 |
| Median (P50) | $19.61 | $156.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.10 | $200.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.37 | $242.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $19.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.61/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MS can expect to earn approximately $40,791 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,533. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $784.44 | $3,399 | $40,791 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $470.66 | $2,040 | $24,474 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $313.77 | $1,360 | $16,316 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Laurel) | $19.61 |
| 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 Laurel, MS earn a median of $40,781 per year (2026 est.), which is 49.27% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $44,087.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.61/hr = $24,474/year (purchasing power: $28,558).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,791/year (purchasing power: $47,597).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.61/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Laurel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Laurel grew 19.1% from $15.75/hr (2021) to $18.77/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.49/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
For part-time analysts working 24 hours a week, annual take-home pay can be a substantial consideration, particularly against full-time income streams. Many data analysts find themselves weighing the benefits of per diem or contract work, where rates are significantly higher. Per diem data analyst pay in Laurel can reach between $100 to $200 per hour, depending on skills and specialization. Moreover, the market for experienced consultants in areas such as machine learning can command even more, with rates ranging anywhere from $200 to $600 an hour for specialized tasks like those involving generative AI. This scenario means that hourly rates can fluctuate greatly based on employer types—such as large tech companies, boutique consulting firms, or healthcare AI firms—which often offer benefits that might not be present in freelance roles. For those in Laurel considering their options, negotiating for a balance between hourly pay and benefits can be crucial when making career choices.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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