Data Analyst Salary in Great Falls, MT: $49,365 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Great Falls, MT earns a median $49,365/year (≈ $23.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Great Falls's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $51,315 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Great Falls, Montana, the 2026 median annual salary for data analysts is projected at $49,365. This figure represents a notable step in the progression of compensation, with a salary range between $28,632 at the 10th percentile and $76,515 at the 90th percentile, indicating substantial potential for growth within the profession. Estimates are derived based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, highlighting that while the salary may seem modest compared to the national median of $80,394, it offers a clear trajectory for advancement as one moves through the levels, from L4 to L5 and into L6, each typically commanding significantly higher total compensation. Great Falls may present a unique opportunity for those seeking a foothold in data analytics despite a competitive national landscape.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,632 | $13.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,543 | $17.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,365 | $23.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,186 | $30.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,515 | $36.79 |
Median Salary Position
38.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
In Great Falls, MT, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,883 (2026 est.). At $49,365, the local median is 38.6% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Great Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Great Falls Data Analyst Pay Compares
Great Falls median: $49,365/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Great Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $49,513 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -38.60% less |
Data Analysts in Great Falls, MT earn a median of $49,365 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.60% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 0.30% below the Montana state average of $49,513.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Great Falls has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Great Falls, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $49,365 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,315 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$39,656
2025 BLS Actual
$47,248
2026 Current Est.
$49,365
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Great Falls (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,656 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,673 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,450 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,248 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,365 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,576 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Great Falls metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $39,656 (2021) to $47,248 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,576 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,920 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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) | $28,632 – $35,543 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,543 – $49,365 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,365 – $63,186 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,186 – $76,515 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Great Falls
With only 12 data analysts currently employed in Great Falls, the job market reveals both opportunities and challenges for aspiring professionals. The cost-of-living index sits at 96.2, slightly below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power for data analysts earning local salaries. Given this context, larger tech companies and those focused on advanced analytics can often provide higher compensation than smaller firms, while specialized roles such as machine learning engineering tend to command top-tier salaries. Factors driving compensation discrepancies include company reputation—FAANG firms typically offer the most generous packages, including significant RSUs—as well as specific industry needs, educational background, and experience level within this market. To optimize earning potential in Great Falls, candidates should consider skill specialization in ML engineering or advanced analytical techniques and thoughtfully negotiate salary based on the industry standards, including seeking equity opportunities from growth-oriented tech firms.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
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 $47,248 for data analystsin the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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