Data Analyst Salary in Wake Forest, NC: $67,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Wake Forest, NC earns a median $67,732/year (≈ $32.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Wake Forest's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $72,363 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, data analysts in Wake Forest, NC, can expect a median salary of $67,732, which reflects a local compensation environment trending lower than the national median of $80,394, showcasing a disparity of approximately 15.75%. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, with the lower 10th percentile earning around $40,390 and the upper 90th percentile reaching up to $104,985. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, which accounts for local market conditions and regional cost variations. As Wake Forest continues to develop and diversify its job market, opportunities for data analysts are expected to grow, contributing to a competitive salary environment as companies recognize the value of data-driven decision-making.
About the Wake Forest Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,390 | $19.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,767 | $23.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,732 | $32.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,698 | $41.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,985 | $50.47 |
Median Salary Position
15.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wake Forest
In Wake Forest, NC, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,595 (2026 est.). At $67,732, the local median is 15.75% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wake Forest Data Analyst Pay Compares
Wake Forest median: $67,732/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $68,694 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -15.75% less |
Data Analysts in Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $67,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.75% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $68,694.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wake Forest 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.
Wake Forest, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $67,732 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,363 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$54,411
2025 BLS Actual
$64,828
2026 Current Est.
$67,732
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Wake Forest (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $54,411 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,807 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,244 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,665 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,828 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,767 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wake Forest metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $54,411 (2021) to $64,828 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,767 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,356 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wake Forest 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) | $40,390 – $48,767 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,767 – $67,732 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,732 – $86,698 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,698 – $104,985 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Wake Forest
Currently employing only nine data analysts, Wake Forest has a distinct job market with unique challenges and opportunities. The relatively low cost of living index, currently at 93.6, offers a favorable context for take-home purchasing power, making salaries more impactful for residents compared to other regions. Employers in Wake Forest, particularly those from the tech sector and adjacent industries, often provide varying compensation packages, influenced by the type and size of the company. For example, FAANG firms typically offer the highest pay alongside equity options, while regional startups may focus on competitive salary structures combined with stock options to attract talent. To maximize earning potential, aspiring data analysts should focus on continuous skill development, particularly in machine learning and data engineering, while also considering career paths that leverage advanced degrees or specialized expertise. With a growing emphasis on data analytics across sectors in Wake Forest, proactive engagement with local tech communities and networks can also lead to better opportunities and compensation prospects.
More salary data for Wake Forest, 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 $64,828 for data analystsin the Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest 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