Data Analyst Salary in Cary, NC: $80,330 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Cary, NC earns a median $80,330/year (≈ $38.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Cary's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $85,823 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.9% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For data analysts in Cary, North Carolina, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $80,330, closely aligning with the national average of $80,394, making the local market competitive. Salaries in Cary can vary significantly, with figures ranging from $46,803 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $124,512 for top earners (90th percentile). These estimates are informed by state-level BLS data and regional price adjustments, reflecting both the demand for skilled analysts and the influence of local living costs. Companies in Cary are increasingly recognizing the value of data-driven insights, making this a promising area for professionals looking to advance their careers in analytics.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,803 | $22.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,238 | $28.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,330 | $38.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,823 | $49.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,512 | $59.86 |
Median Salary Position
0.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cary
In Cary, NC, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,709 (2026 est.). At $80,330, the local median is 0.08% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cary Data Analyst Pay Compares
Cary median: $80,330/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $68,717 | +16.90% more |
| National Average | $80,394 | -0.08% less |
Data Analysts in Cary, NC earn a median of $80,330 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.08% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 16.90% above the North Carolina state average of $68,717.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cary has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cary, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $80,330 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,823 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$64,531
2025 BLS Actual
$76,886
2026 Current Est.
$80,330
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Cary (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $64,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,187 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,078 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,613 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,330 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,929 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cary metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $64,531 (2021) to $76,886 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,929 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,398 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary 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) | $46,803 – $58,238 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,238 – $80,330 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,330 – $102,823 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,823 – $124,512 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Cary
With 44 data analysts currently employed in Cary, the local job market offers a mix of opportunities, particularly in technology and consulting sectors. The cost of living in Cary, indexed at 93.6, suggests that salaries provide relatively strong purchasing power compared to many other regions. Among local employers, FAANG companies and major tech firms typically offer the highest compensation packages, which may include lucrative equity options and bonuses, driving significant total compensation. Salary disparities in Cary can be attributed to factors including company prestige, analyst level, and specialization, with ML engineering roles commanding premium pay over traditional analytics or product data science positions. To maximize earnings, candidates should target higher-tier companies and consider negotiating for stock options and bonuses while ensuring their skills align with market demand.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $76,886 for data analystsin the Cary 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 Cary 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