Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Plainfield, NJ: $28.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Plainfield, NJ runs $28.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,161 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,492 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plainfield, NJ, data analysts earn a median hourly pay of $28.44, which is considerably lower than the national median hourly rate of $38.65 for the same role. This discrepancy may influence part-time workers who engage in analysis three days a week, as well as those seeking per-diem positions in tech environments ranging from AI-focused startups to traditional firms. The hourly rate can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $16.50 and experienced professionals earning up to $44.09. Such rates, based on annual salary estimates, reflect the area's cost of living index, which is above average at 115.2. For many part-time analysts, the pay structure can make or break the choice between honing skills in vibrant, collaborative spaces like research labs and adapting to virtual environments involving advanced analytical tools like Python and Jupyter notebooks.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.50 | $131.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.48 | $163.82 |
| Median (P50) | $28.44 | $227.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.41 | $291.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.09 | $352.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $28.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.44/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $59,154 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,127. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,137.58 | $4,930 | $59,154 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $682.55 | $2,958 | $35,492 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.03 | $1,972 | $23,662 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Plainfield) | $28.44 |
| 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 Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $59,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.41% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $59,279.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.44/hr = $35,492/year (purchasing power: $30,809).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,154/year (purchasing power: $51,349).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$22.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.44/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Plainfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Plainfield grew 19.1% from $22.85/hr (2021) to $27.22/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.71/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Exploring the financial implications for part-time analysts in Plainfield reveals intriguing contrasts when compared to full-time positions. A data analyst working 24 hours per week would take home roughly $41,877 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Moreover, the gig economy offers lucrative opportunities. Per-diem data analyst roles often command a billing rate of $100-$200/hr, while specialized consultancy work can range from $200-$600/hr, illustrating the allure for those with advanced skills in machine learning and AI, particularly in high-stakes environments like quant trading firms or healthcare technology. Employers in Plainfield vary widely; large tech companies may offer different compensation packages compared to AI startups or consulting firms. Some analysts may choose lower hourly pay for benefits like health insurance, while others negotiate higher rates for a more flexible lifestyle. For those considering this path, understanding the nuances of compensation across employers is key to maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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