Senior Data Analyst Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $98,429 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of data analysts working in Cedar Rapids, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $98,429/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2051. Strip back Cedar Rapids's price premium (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $110,640 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, the compensation for seasoned data analysts reflects the demand for advanced analytical skills in the region. With a 2026 median annual salary projected at $66,472, experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with top-tier salaries reaching as high as $98,429 at the 90th percentile. This substantial gap illustrates the premium placed on expertise and specialization, particularly as the field evolves rapidly. Achieving this level of pay often requires a combination of extensive experience and specialization in high-demand areas such as machine learning or product data science. This competitive landscape makes it essential for senior data analysts to focus on continuous development to reach top salary levels in Cedar Rapids.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
Experienced data analysts at the top of the pay scale in Cedar Rapids earn between $87,669 and $98,429 per year (2026 est.). This $57,065 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cedar Rapids median of $66,472 sits 17.32% below the US median.
Top DA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cedar Rapids | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,472 | $80,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,669 | $106,238 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $98,429 | $133,152 |
In Cedar Rapids, experienced data analysts (P90) earn 48.08% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Data Analyst Pay in Cedar Rapids
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA data analysts with additional specialty certifications within the data analysis field earn significantly above the $66,472 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cedar Rapids employers.
Specialty Focus
Data Analysts focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the data analysis field in Cedar Rapids command premium compensation, often reaching the $87,669–$98,429 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cedar Rapids metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced data analysts who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured data analysts in Cedar Rapids with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Data Analysts in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Data Analyst Career & Wage Growth Path in Cedar Rapids
Clinical Data Analyst
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Data Analyst
5-10 yearsData Analyst Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCedar Rapids ranks #5 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner data analyst salary (90th percentile: $98,429).
Top 10% data analyst compensation in Cedar Rapids ($98,429) is 1.02% above the Iowa average P90 ($97,433).
2021 BLS Actual
$123,890
2025 BLS Actual
$94,208
2026 Current Est.
$98,429
2021–2027 Growth
+-17.0%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Cedar Rapids (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $123,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,208 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,429 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,838 | Projected |
Top-earning data analysts (90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids saw their compensation grow -24.0% from $123,890 in 2021 to $94,208 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.48% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $102,838 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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.
Maximizing Your Data Analyst Earnings in Cedar Rapids
Compensation in Cedar Rapids varies considerably depending on the industry and the specific skill sets in demand. Specializations like machine learning engineering, research scientific roles, and product data science are particularly lucrative, often allowing candidates to command higher salaries tailored towards employer types such as FAANG companies or innovative AI startups. Senior data analysts often find avenues for career advancement into roles like principal scientist or product manager, where strategic insights and leadership capabilities are valued. While a solid educational background in math, statistics, or computer science enhances salary prospects, real-world experience, especially from top-tier companies, holds significant weight. Furthermore, non-salary benefits such as equity compensation, signing bonuses, and participation in high-visibility projects contribute to overall earnings, making it crucial for analysts to consider total compensation when evaluating job offers in this competitive market.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced data analysts make in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
What drives higher data analyst pay in Cedar Rapids?
What certifications boost data analyst salary in Cedar Rapids?
Can experienced data analysts make six figures in Cedar Rapids?
How much does data analyst salary increase over time in Cedar Rapids?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $94,208 for data analysts in the Cedar Rapids metro area. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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