Data Analyst Salary in Lake Forest, CA: $71,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Lake Forest, CA earns a median $71,526/year (≈ $34.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Lake Forest's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $63,241 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, data analysts in Lake Forest, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $71,526. This figure showcases a salary range from $41,884 at the 10th percentile to $110,865 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying levels of experience and expertise. Salary projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional price indices. Professionals in data analytics will find that compensation levels typically align with a career progression through L4 to L6, where total compensation increments can be significant. As Lake Forest has a strong job market for data analysts, this sector is poised for growth, making this an attractive field in the area.
About the Lake Forest Market
Salary estimated from California average ($155,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,884 | $20.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,498 | $24.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,526 | $34.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,554 | $44.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,865 | $53.30 |
Median Salary Position
11.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Forest
In Lake Forest, CA, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,981 (2026 est.). At $71,526, the local median is 11.03% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Forest Data Analyst Pay Compares
Lake Forest median: $71,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $72,837 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -11.03% less |
Data Analysts in Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $71,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.03% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 1.80% below the California state average of $72,837.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Forest has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Forest, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,526 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,241 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2021 BLS Actual
$57,458
2025 BLS Actual
$68,459
2026 Current Est.
$71,526
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Lake Forest (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $57,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,933 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,507 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,115 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,459 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,730 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Forest metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $57,458 (2021) to $68,459 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,730 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,272 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Forest 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,884 – $51,498 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,498 – $71,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,526 – $91,554 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,554 – $110,865 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Lake Forest
The local job market for data analysts in Lake Forest comprises about 14 employed individuals, indicating a niche but established community within this field. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that everyday expenses are higher than the national average, which can impact purchasing power. High-paying opportunities often emerge from major employers, particularly those in the FAANG group and AI-centric startups, where compensation packages frequently include substantial equity components. Factors influencing the spread between lower and higher data analyst pay include the employer's tier, level within the organization, and specialty focus. Given the prominence of firms in the tech sector, those holding specialized skills or advanced degrees can maximize their earning potential. For job seekers, targeting companies that offer competitive equity packages, as well as considering a move towards roles in machine learning engineering, could provide significant financial advantages in the Lake Forest job market.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do data analysts make in Lake Forest, CA in 2026?
Is Lake Forest, CA a good place to work as a data analyst?
Can data analysts make $100K in Lake Forest?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted data analyst salary in Lake Forest?
How much does a data analyst make per hour in Lake Forest?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $68,459 for data analystsin the Lake Forest metropolitan area. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lake Forest 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