Data Analyst Salary in Waterford, MI: $56,875 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Waterford, MI earns a median $56,875/year (≈ $27.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Waterford's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $61,025 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, data analysts in Waterford, Michigan, can expect a median annual salary of $56,875, which reflects a significant gap from the national median of $80,394. The local salary range spans from $32,992 at the 10th percentile to $88,156 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a diverse market for professionals in this field. These estimates, grounded in BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, indicate a competitive environment despite the overall lower compensation when compared to national norms. Waterford's salary landscape illustrates the contrast between traditional industry roles and higher-paying positions often found in FAANG companies or AI startups, where total compensation packages may include substantial equity, particularly in the form of RSUs.
About the Waterford Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,992 | $15.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,982 | $19.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,875 | $27.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,800 | $35.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,156 | $42.39 |
Median Salary Position
29.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterford
In Waterford, MI, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,164 (2026 est.). At $56,875, the local median is 29.25% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterford Data Analyst Pay Compares
Waterford median: $56,875/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $58,273 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -29.25% less |
Data Analysts in Waterford, MI earn a median of $56,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.25% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $58,273.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterford has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterford, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $56,875 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,025 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$45,689
2025 BLS Actual
$54,436
2026 Current Est.
$56,875
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Waterford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45,689 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,861 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,908 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,436 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,875 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,423 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterford metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $45,689 (2021) to $54,436 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,423 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,734 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterford 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) | $32,992 – $40,982 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,982 – $56,875 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,875 – $72,800 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,800 – $88,156 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Waterford
The local job market features 16 data analysts currently employed, a number that reflects a modest demand for skilled professionals in this area. Waterford's cost of living index at 93.2 indicates that while the salaries may be lower relative to national averages, the purchasing power of these earnings offers a practical advantage for residents. Companies that tend to pay more, often include top-tier tech firms and consulting organizations, which generally favor candidates who possess advanced degrees and specialized skills, particularly in machine learning or data science. The variation in compensation is primarily driven by the type of employer, with FAANG and AI-focused startups typically offering higher packages that include stock options and bonuses. For those looking to maximize their salary in Waterford, building a strong portfolio and developing niche skills in high-demand areas like machine learning can position candidates favorably against the local job market dynamics.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
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 $54,436 for data analystsin the Waterford 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 Waterford 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