Data Analyst Salary in Decatur, IL: $68,014 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Decatur, IL earns a median $68,014/year (≈ $32.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $70,045 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The 2026 median annual data analyst salary in Decatur, Illinois is set at $68,014, reflecting a noticeable gap when compared to the national median of $80,394. The local salary range spans from a lower end of $39,449 to a higher end of $105,422, illustrating the varying levels of expertise and specialization within the industry. These figures are driven by local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences. Companies seeking to attract talent in this market must consider the competitive nature of the job environment, particularly against the backdrop of FAANG organizations and emerging AI startups, which typically offer total compensation packages significantly exceeding local norms when including stock options and bonuses.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,449 | $18.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,971 | $23.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,014 | $32.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,058 | $41.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,422 | $50.68 |
Median Salary Position
15.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, IL, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,973 (2026 est.). At $68,014, the local median is 15.4% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Decatur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Decatur Data Analyst Pay Compares
Decatur median: $68,014/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $67,075 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $80,394 | -15.40% less |
Data Analysts in Decatur, IL earn a median of $68,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.40% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $67,075.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Decatur, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $68,014 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,045 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$54,637
2025 BLS Actual
$65,098
2026 Current Est.
$68,014
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Decatur (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $54,637 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,487 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,224 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,098 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,014 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,061 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $54,637 (2021) to $65,098 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,061 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,424 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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) | $39,449 – $48,971 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,971 – $68,014 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,014 – $87,058 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,058 – $105,422 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Decatur
The job market for data analysts in Decatur comprises a modest group of 13 professionals, creating a compact and potentially close-knit community. Given the cost-of-living index of 97.1, analysts may find their purchasing power slightly better than in pricier markets, but still constrained compared to the higher earnings in tech hubs. Employers in areas such as healthcare AI and quant trading tend to provide premium pay, particularly for candidates holding advanced degrees such as PhDs. The variance in salaries can largely be attributed to the level of responsibility and company type; positions at FAANG firms, for instance, may offer higher equity stakes and bonuses that elevate overall compensation. For professionals looking to optimize their earnings, specializing in machine learning and actively engaging with high-growth sectors, like AI startups, can yield substantial financial benefits in Decatur's evolving job landscape.
More salary data for Decatur, 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 $65,098 for data analystsin the Decatur 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 Decatur 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