Data Analyst Salary in Meridian, MS: $41,801 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Meridian, MS earns a median $41,801/year (≈ $20.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $48,776 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual pay for a data analyst in Meridian, Mississippi, is $41,801 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $80,394. Local salaries vary across the spectrum, with a range from $24,374 at the 10th percentile to $64,792 at the 90th percentile. These figures derive from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected into 2026 while factoring in regional cost adjustments. The disparity in compensation reflects a local market where data analysts may not be as heavily compensated as seen in larger metropolitan areas, often due to the lack of tech giants or prominent AI firms in the region. Understanding the economic environment in Meridian is crucial for both prospective candidates and employers.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,374 | $11.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,155 | $14.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,801 | $20.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,506 | $25.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,792 | $31.15 |
Median Salary Position
48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, MS, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,418 (2026 est.). At $41,801, the local median is 48% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Data Analyst Pay Compares
Meridian median: $41,801/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $44,094 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -48.00% less |
Data Analysts in Meridian, MS earn a median of $41,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 48.00% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $44,094.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $41,801 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,776 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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
$33,580
2025 BLS Actual
$40,009
2026 Current Est.
$41,801
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Meridian (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,442 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,946 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,933 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,009 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,801 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,674 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $33,580 (2021) to $40,009 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,674 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,094 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $24,374 – $30,155 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,155 – $41,801 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,801 – $53,506 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,506 – $64,792 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Meridian
With just seven data analysts currently employed in Meridian, the job market remains relatively small, which may influence salary negotiations. The cost of living index in Meridian sits at 85.7, indicating a lower-than-average cost of living that could impact take-home pay. This means that, while salaries may be lower than national standards, the purchasing power remains somewhat competitive. Employers that offer higher salaries typically fall into the category of consulting or healthcare firms, which often look for data analysts to optimize their operations. To maximize salary potential in this market, candidates should focus on advancing their skills in specialized areas, such as machine learning engineering or data science, which are likely to command higher pay. Networking within local tech circles and exploring roles that emphasize equity compensation can also be advantageous strategies, especially when targeting companies offering stock options as part of their compensation package.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do data analysts make in Meridian, MS in 2026?
Is Meridian, MS a good place to work as a data analyst?
Can data analysts make $100K in Meridian?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted data analyst salary in Meridian?
How much does a data analyst make per hour in Meridian?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 $40,009 for data analystsin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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