Data Analyst Salary in Cornelius, NC: $67,793 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Cornelius, NC earns a median $67,793/year (≈ $32.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Cornelius's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $72,428 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the compensation for data analysts in Cornelius, North Carolina, is projected to be a median annual salary of $67,793, positioning it notably below the national average of $80,394 by approximately 15.67%. The local salary range varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $41,748 and experienced roles exceeding $105,079. These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost living factors. In a market where tech companies, ranging from FAANG giants to agile AI startups, shape the offering, competition for skilled data analysts remains robust. Candidates with the right mix of experience and educational background can find opportunities that align with their financial goals amidst this diverse job market.
About the Cornelius Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,748 | $20.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,703 | $24.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,793 | $32.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,775 | $41.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,079 | $50.52 |
Median Salary Position
15.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cornelius
In Cornelius, NC, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,331 (2026 est.). At $67,793, the local median is 15.67% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cornelius: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cornelius Data Analyst Pay Compares
Cornelius median: $67,793/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cornelius Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $68,686 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -15.67% less |
Data Analysts in Cornelius, NC earn a median of $67,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.67% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $68,686.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cornelius 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.
Cornelius, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $67,793 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,428 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$54,459
2025 BLS Actual
$64,886
2026 Current Est.
$67,793
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Cornelius (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $54,459 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,857 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,296 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,754 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,793 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,830 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cornelius metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $54,459 (2021) to $64,886 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,830 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,371 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cornelius 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) | $41,748 – $50,703 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,703 – $67,793 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,793 – $86,775 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,775 – $105,079 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Cornelius
Data analysts in Cornelius currently face a unique job environment, with employment reported for about seven individuals in this specialty. The cost of living index, rated at 93.6, suggests that while salaries may lag behind national averages, the relative affordability of living in the area can enhance overall purchasing power. Employers potentially offering higher wages include local tech companies and AI-focused startups, often favoring experienced candidates with advanced degrees or specialized skills in machine learning. The disparity in salaries typically comes down to the tier of the company—FAANG or top-tier tech firms generally remunerating far beyond smaller firms—alongside factors such as equity compensation, role specialization, and levels of responsibility. For data analysts in Cornelius, sharpening skills in machine learning technologies and being open to equity positions can be effective strategies for maximizing pay in this evolving market.
More salary data for Cornelius, NC:
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 $64,886 for data analystsin the Cornelius 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 Cornelius 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