Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $28.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Columbia, SC runs $28.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,017 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 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,414 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, the median hourly pay for a data analyst stands at $28.38, which positions it notably below the national median of $38.65. This difference suggests a more modest earning potential for local analysts, particularly for those considering part-time roles or working on a per diem basis in upbeat environments like tech company open offices or remote setups involving Python and Jupyter notebooks. The hourly wage range in Columbia spans from $16.83 for entry-level positions to $44.68 for top earners, offering a pathway for growth as professionals advance their skills in fields such as machine learning and data engineering. According to official projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, these figures reflect the competitive landscape where local analysts may find themselves negotiating tighter budgets compared to their counterparts in larger metros or more established firms.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.83 | $134.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.96 | $167.67 |
| Median (P50) | $28.38 | $227.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.90 | $287.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.68 | $357.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $28.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.38/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $59,024 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,052. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (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) | $1,135.07 | $4,919 | $59,024 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $681.04 | $2,951 | $35,414 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.03 | $1,967 | $23,609 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Columbia) | $28.38 |
| 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, SC earn a median of $59,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.59% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 3.70% below the South Carolina state average of $61,284.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.38/hr = $35,414/year (purchasing power: $37,811).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,024/year (purchasing power: $63,018).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$37.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.38/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-20.4%
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 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Columbia grew -27.1% from $37.26/hr (2021) to $27.16/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.65/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
When analyzing part-time earning potential, a data analyst in Columbia working just three days a week for 24 hours can expect an annual income of around $35,000, which dramatically contrasts with their full-time counterparts. The reality for per-diem data analyst pay in Columbia varies significantly; while full-time analysts might earn $28.38 per hour, those on contract can bill rates between $100 to $200 per hour, with specialized consultants making even more in the current market. Hourly rates fluctuate across employment types, with FAANG companies and large tech firms typically offering higher compensation compared to startups or consulting firms. However, some analysts opt for lower hourly wages for the trade-off of benefits like health insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, analysts should be aware of prevailing rates in the region, leveraging knowledge of industry norms and roles to secure the best possible compensation reflective of their expertise.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
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