Data Analyst Salary in Watertown, MA: $80,762 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Watertown, MA earns a median $80,762/year (≈ $38.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $74,435 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Watertown, MA, presents a competitive median annual salary of $80,762 for data analysts, a figure that edges out the national median of $80,394 by 0.46%. The local salary range spans from $46,842 at the 10th percentile to a robust $125,181 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied compensation landscape influenced by employer type and market demand. Notably, professionals in FAANG and thriving AI startups often command significantly higher total compensation, bolstered by stock options and performance-based earnings, which can drastically distort average salary figures when compared to more traditional industries. Given the small pool of data analysts employed—just seven in the area—the demand fluctuates with unemployment rates, primarily driven by innovation and investment within tech sectors.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,842 | $22.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,426 | $29.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,762 | $38.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,376 | $49.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,181 | $60.18 |
Median Salary Position
0.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, MA, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,339 (2026 est.). At $80,762, the local median is 0.46% above the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Data Analyst Pay Compares
Watertown median: $80,762/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $81,826 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | +0.46% more |
Data Analysts in Watertown, MA earn a median of $80,762 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.46% higher than the national median of $80,394 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $81,826.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,762 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,435 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$64,878
2025 BLS Actual
$77,299
2026 Current Est.
$80,762
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Watertown (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $64,878 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,543 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,449 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,299 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,762 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,380 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $64,878 (2021) to $77,299 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,380 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,502 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $46,842 – $60,426 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,426 – $80,762 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,762 – $103,376 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,376 – $125,181 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Watertown
The job market for data analysts in Watertown is shaped by a cost of living index of 108.5, which adds complexity to take-home pay and purchasing power. While seven data analysts work locally, firms from FAANG and large tech companies like Google and Amazon tend to offer the most attractive compensation packages. This includes substantial equity components often making up 50-70% of total compensation, especially in tech-driven roles. The variance in salaries here depends heavily on company tier, specific job requirements, and the level of expertise expected. Furthermore, roles focusing on ML engineering or AI often trend toward higher pay, while positions in analytics or product management might not offer the same premium. To maximize earning potential, candidates should consider targeting these high-demand niches, negotiating robust equity packages, and remaining open to positions that align with their advanced skill sets, particularly in machine learning and advanced statistical analysis.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
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 $77,299 for data analystsin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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