Data Analyst Salary in Champaign, IL: $61,357 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Champaign, IL earns a median $61,357/year (≈ $29.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Champaign's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $66,186 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.5% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, a data analyst in Champaign, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $61,357, which is significantly below the national average of $80,394. This salary ranges from a low of $44,962 at the 10th percentile to a high of $90,217 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse job market influenced by various employer tiers. Positions at high-profile tech companies like FAANG typically offer a substantial total compensation package consisting of salary and robust RSU grants, creating a stark contrast to more traditional roles within local industries. While salary remains a crucial consideration, the potential for stock options at leading tech firms can substantially elevate overall earnings, especially for those candidates navigating advanced roles within these organizations.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,962 | $21.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,482 | $23.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,357 | $29.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,411 | $39.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,217 | $43.37 |
Median Salary Position
23.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Champaign
In Champaign, IL, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,255 (2026 est.). At $61,357, the local median is 23.68% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Champaign: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Champaign Data Analyst Pay Compares
Champaign median: $61,357/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Champaign Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $67,057 | -8.50% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -23.68% less |
Data Analysts in Champaign, IL earn a median of $61,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.68% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 8.50% below the Illinois state average of $67,057.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Champaign has a cost of living 7.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Champaign, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.704 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $61,357 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,186 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.87% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$80,050
2025 BLS Actual
$58,726
2026 Current Est.
$61,357
2021–2027 Growth
+-19.9%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Champaign (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $80,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,726 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,357 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,106 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Champaign metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew -26.6% from $80,050 (2021) to $58,726 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,106 by 2027 — a total increase of $-15,944 (-19.92%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Champaign 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) | $44,962 – $49,482 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,482 – $61,357 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,357 – $81,411 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,411 – $90,217 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Champaign
In the competitive Champaign job market, 140 data analysts are currently employed, which may suggest a healthy local demand for talent. The cost of living index sits comfortably below the national average at 92.704, positively affecting the purchasing power of salaries. Notably, tech giants such as Google and Amazon as well as emerging AI startups likely offer the highest pay levels, leveraging their equity-heavy compensation structures that often make up a significant portion of total earnings through RSUs. The distinctions between varying salaries can largely be attributed to factors such as the company's market standing, the candidate's experience level, and the specific tech skills required. For individuals aiming to maximize their earnings in Champaign, thriving in high-stakes environments, acquiring specialized knowledge in ML engineering, and targeting opportunities with established firms can lead to more lucrative offers that reflect their expertise.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
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
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 $58,726 for data analystsin the Champaign 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
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