Senior Data Analyst Salary in Amherst, MA: $125,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of data analysts working in Amherst, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $125,672/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2051. Strip back Amherst's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $115,827 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Amherst, Massachusetts, the landscape for experienced data analysts is promising, particularly for those positioned at the upper echelon of the market. The 2026 projections indicate that top earners, those in the 90th percentile, can expect an impressive salary of $125,672, while the 75th percentile sees a robust figure of $103,781. This places Amherst's P90 salary slightly above the national top-tier median of $80,394, highlighting a notable experience premium that distinguishes seasoned professionals from their less experienced counterparts. Achieving such high compensation levels requires not just years of experience—typically seven or more—but also a strong skill set, possibly including advanced analytics, domain expertise, and proficiency in tools like machine learning frameworks to ensure a competitive edge in the job market.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
Experienced data analysts at the top of the pay scale in Amherst earn between $103,781 and $125,672 per year (2026 est.). This $78,647 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Amherst median of $81,079 sits 0.85% above the US median.
Top DA Salary Comparison
| Level | Amherst | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $81,079 | $80,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,781 | $106,238 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $125,672 | $133,152 |
In Amherst, experienced data analysts (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Data Analyst Pay in Amherst
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA data analysts with additional specialty certifications within the data analysis field earn significantly above the $81,079 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Amherst employers.
Specialty Focus
Data Analysts focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the data analysis field in Amherst command premium compensation, often reaching the $103,781–$125,672 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Amherst 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 Amherst 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 Massachusetts 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 Amherst
Clinical Data Analyst
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Data Analyst
5-10 yearsData Analyst Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAmherst ranks #23 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner data analyst salary (90th percentile: $125,672).
Top 10% data analyst compensation in Amherst ($125,672) is 7.44% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($135,773).
2021 BLS Actual
$100,899
2025 BLS Actual
$120,283
2026 Current Est.
$125,672
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Amherst (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $100,899 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,581 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,198 | Actual |
| 2024 | $236,639 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,283 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,302 | Projected |
Top-earning data analysts (90th percentile) in Amherst saw their compensation grow 19.2% from $100,899 in 2021 to $120,283 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 $131,302 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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 Amherst
Specializations within the data analytics field can have a significant influence on compensation levels in Massachusetts, especially in Amherst. For instance, roles focusing on machine learning engineering, particularly those dealing with production ML systems, can command a premium salary compared to general data analyst positions. Additionally, senior data analysts working in leading tech firms or consulting organizations can expect various compensation differences based on employer type. Companies like Google, Amazon, and AI-focused startups tend to offer equity-heavy packages that can lead to total compensation upwards of $300,000 for senior roles. Career advancement can also lead to lucrative paths—from data scientist to senior or principal positions or even pivoting to roles like product manager. To enhance their competitiveness, professionals often pursue advanced degrees such as a PhD in a quantitative field and maintain proficiency in Python and SQL, while also participating in high-visibility projects and contributions to open-source initiatives. In summary, Amherst's market not only provides substantial earning potential for experienced analysts but also diverse pathways for career development and specialization.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced data analysts make in Amherst in 2026?
What drives higher data analyst pay in Amherst?
What certifications boost data analyst salary in Amherst?
Can experienced data analysts make six figures in Amherst?
How much does data analyst salary increase over time in Amherst?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $120,283 for data analysts in the Amherst 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
Salary data for Amherst 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