Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Columbia, MO: $26.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Columbia, MO runs $26.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,149 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,493 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Columbia, Missouri, the data analyst hourly pay is projected to be $26.04 by 2026, which is significantly below the national median of $38.65 per hour. This can be an important consideration for part-time professionals, such as data analysts working three days a week, as it translates to a viable income for those balancing other commitments or pursuing freelance opportunities. The hourly pay range varies widely, from $18.52 an hour for entry-level positions to as much as $40.08 for top earners in the field. Working environments may include traditional tech company offices, AI-focused startups, or remote setups, all of which can be conducive to flexible work arrangements. The established BLS figures reflect the nature of the role in Columbia's dynamic market.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.52 | $148.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.74 | $189.90 |
| Median (P50) | $26.04 | $208.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.06 | $256.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.08 | $320.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $26.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.04/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MO can expect to earn approximately $54,156 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,244. With a cost-of-living index of 89.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,041.46 | $4,513 | $54,156 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $624.87 | $2,708 | $32,493 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $416.58 | $1,805 | $21,662 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Columbia) | $26.04 |
| 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 Columbia, MO earn a median of $54,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.65% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 9.00% below the Missouri state average of $59,504.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.04/hr = $32,493/year (purchasing power: $36,331).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,156/year (purchasing power: $60,551).
CoL index: 89.438 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$34.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.04/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-21.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Columbia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Columbia grew -28.1% from $34.66/hr (2021) to $24.92/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.20/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Analyzing the full-time versus part-time earnings potential reveals that a data analyst working 24 hours a week can expect around $33,000 annually, depending on hours worked and exact pay rate. Those choosing contract work—common in the realm of data analysis—can capitalize on higher per diem data analyst pay in Columbia. Freelance rates often range from $100 to $200 per hour, with specialized consultants in machine learning and generative AI commanding $300 to $600 per hour on the high end. Employer types significantly influence these hourly rates. While traditional organizations may offer stable benefits at a lower hourly pay rate, tech giants and niche AI startups frequently provide equity-heavy compensation packages for skilled professionals willing to accept higher risks for potential rewards. Negotiating effectively in Columbia may involve leveraging local market data to showcase salary benchmarks, understanding the trade-offs between compensation and benefits, and taking stock of one's own value in the competitive tech space.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
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 Columbia. 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