Data Analyst Salary in Salem, VA: $68,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Salem, VA earns a median $68,781/year (≈ $33.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $66,648 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Data analysts in Salem, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $68,781 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $80,394. The salary range for this role within the city extends from $39,894 at the 10th percentile to $106,611 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflect not only the salary expectations in Salem but also the competitive pressures inherent in the job market. Given the relatively few opportunities, with only six data analysts employed in the area, the compensation landscape can be quite nuanced, particularly as local firms navigate talent acquisition in a market where tech roles can dramatically vary in pay based on the employer’s stature.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,894 | $19.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,496 | $24.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,781 | $33.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,040 | $42.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,611 | $51.26 |
Median Salary Position
14.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,717 (2026 est.). At $68,781, the local median is 14.45% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Data Analyst Pay Compares
Salem median: $68,781/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $70,909 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -14.45% less |
Data Analysts in Salem, VA earn a median of $68,781 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.45% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $70,909.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,781 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,648 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$55,253
2025 BLS Actual
$65,832
2026 Current Est.
$68,781
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $55,253 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,671 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,146 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,077 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,832 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,863 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $55,253 (2021) to $65,832 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,863 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,610 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $39,894 – $51,496 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,496 – $68,781 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,781 – $88,040 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,040 – $106,611 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Salem
As the cost of living index in Salem sits at 103.2, analysts should consider how their earnings translate into purchasing power. The market is primarily characterized by smaller firms and existing industry competitors rather than large tech conglomerates. This often leads to disparities in salaries based on company type; for instance, data analyst positions in FAANG companies or startups may account for greater compensation due to their equity-heavy pay structures. The variance in salaries can be significant, influenced by valuation and employee expectations regarding levels and specialties within data roles. To maximize earning potential, candidates should focus on securing positions in higher-tier companies, enhance their technical skills in machine learning engineering, and consider roles with a research or product focus that can leverage advanced analytical capabilities. Networking in the local tech community and exploring opportunities that emphasize RSU compensation can also yield better lifetime earnings for data analysts in Salem, VA.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
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 $65,832 for data analystsin the Salem 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 Salem 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