Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $21.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Columbus, NE runs $21.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,962 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,378 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Data analysts in Columbus, Nebraska, earn a median hourly rate of $21.14, which positions them significantly below the national median of $38.65. This disparity highlights the regional cost of living and demand for data analysts, which, according to the local labor market, translates to varied opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions in diverse environments like tech firms, AI startups, and research labs. Those in entry-level roles can expect hourly wages starting around $13.32, while top earners in this field can achieve rates as high as $32.76. Given the reliance on estimates from annual salary data, these hourly figures reflect a critical aspect of the job market, particularly for professionals considering flexible working arrangements or contract positions where compensation can be more variable.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.32 | $106.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.91 | $127.30 |
| Median (P50) | $21.14 | $169.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.59 | $212.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.76 | $262.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $21.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.14/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $43,964 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,364. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $845.45 | $3,664 | $43,964 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $507.27 | $2,198 | $26,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $338.18 | $1,465 | $17,585 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Columbus) | $21.14 |
| 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 Columbus, NE earn a median of $43,962 per year (2026 est.), which is 45.32% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $47,069.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.14/hr = $26,378/year (purchasing power: $28,829).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,964/year (purchasing power: $48,048).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$16.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.14/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Columbus (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Columbus grew 19.1% from $16.98/hr (2021) to $20.23/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.08/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
For part-time analysts working three days a week, the take-home pay can be substantial but still falls short of full-time compensation. A typical 24-hour workweek could yield around $26,890 annually, a figure that underscores the financial trade-offs for advanced professionals seeking flexibility in their careers. Agencies often present lucrative per-diem opportunities, with billing rates for data consultants frequently ranging from $100 to $200 per hour, and specialized roles in machine learning can attract rates as high as $400 per hour. In Columbus, variation in hourly rates arises across employer types; larger tech companies and healthcare AI firms often afford better pay compared to smaller startups. Additionally, analysts who prioritize benefits might settle for lower hourly rates instead of higher, benefit-less compensation. Practically, those negotiating hourly pay should consider their specific skill sets and the prevailing market trends in Columbus to achieve optimal compensation.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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