Data Analyst Salary in Columbia, TN: $60,369 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Columbia, TN earns a median $60,369/year (≈ $29.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $65,761 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, data analysts in Columbia, TN can expect a median salary of $60,369, a figure significantly lower than the national average of $80,394. The local salary range spans from $35,013 at the 10th percentile to $93,571 at the 90th percentile. While large tech firms like FAANG typically offer higher total compensation packages often exceeding $300K to $700K for senior positions, Columbia's market is characterized by a blend of traditional industries and emerging AI startups. The presence of these established and growing companies creates varying salary expectations, making it essential for analysts to assess their career strategies carefully, particularly if they aspire to maximize equity-based compensation options like RSUs.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,013 | $16.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,466 | $20.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,369 | $29.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,271 | $37.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,571 | $44.99 |
Median Salary Position
24.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,558 (2026 est.). At $60,369, the local median is 24.91% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Data Analyst Pay Compares
Columbia median: $60,369/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $61,916 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -24.91% less |
Data Analysts in Columbia, TN earn a median of $60,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.91% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $61,916.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $60,369 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,761 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$48,495
2025 BLS Actual
$57,780
2026 Current Est.
$60,369
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Columbia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $48,495 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,912 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,306 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,369 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,073 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $48,495 (2021) to $57,780 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,073 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,578 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $35,013 – $43,466 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,466 – $60,369 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,369 – $77,271 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,271 – $93,571 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Columbia
The job market for data analysts in Columbia currently includes just 10 employed professionals, indicating a tight-knit community within this field. With a cost of living index of 91.8, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for data analysts here is more favorable compared to many other regions, despite lower salaries. To improve compensation prospects, analysts should consider targeting opportunities in AI-focused startups or tech firms with competitive pay models. These employers often reward highly skilled candidates with substantial equity packages and signing bonuses. Given the substantial disparities in pay levels, candidates should emphasize their skill set in machine learning or consider specializing in areas that command higher valuation, such as ML engineering, to enhance their overall earnings potential in Columbia.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
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 $57,780 for data analystsin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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