Senior Data Analyst Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $94,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of data analysts working in Oak Ridge, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $94,206/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2051. Strip back Oak Ridge's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $102,621 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
Reaching top-tier compensation as a senior data analyst in Oak Ridge, TN, can be quite rewarding, with those at the 90th percentile earning $94,206 annually, compared to the median salary of $60,778 for the general analyst population. This presents a significant gap that experienced professionals can leverage. To maximize earning potential in this market, analysts typically need to accumulate extensive experience, often exceeding seven years in high-impact roles, and focus on specialized areas such as machine learning or data science. Understanding the nuances of this field, including skills that are in high demand, is crucial for climbing the salary ladder and attaining the coveted top data analyst salary in Oak Ridge.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
Experienced data analysts at the top of the pay scale in Oak Ridge earn between $77,796 and $94,206 per year (2026 est.). This $58,954 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Oak Ridge median of $60,778 sits 24.4% below the US median.
Top DA Salary Comparison
| Level | Oak Ridge | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,778 | $80,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,796 | $106,238 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $94,206 | $133,152 |
In Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN data analysts with additional specialty certifications within the data analysis field earn significantly above the $60,778 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Oak Ridge employers.
Specialty Focus
Data Analysts focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the data analysis field in Oak Ridge command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,796–$94,206 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Tennessee 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 Oak Ridge
Clinical Data Analyst
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Data Analyst
5-10 yearsData Analyst Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOak Ridge ranks #15 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner data analyst salary (90th percentile: $94,206).
Top 10% data analyst compensation in Oak Ridge ($94,206) is 10.71% below the Tennessee average P90 ($105,503).
2021 BLS Actual
$75,636
2025 BLS Actual
$90,167
2026 Current Est.
$94,206
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Oak Ridge (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $75,636 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,146 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,357 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,438 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,167 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,427 | Projected |
Top-earning data analysts (90th percentile) in Oak Ridge saw their compensation grow 19.2% from $75,636 in 2021 to $90,167 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 $98,427 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, certain specializations consistently command higher salaries, with roles such as machine learning engineers, product data scientists, and research scientists being particularly lucrative. These positions frequently demand expertise in areas like causal inference, forecasting, and large language models. Compensation can vary widely based on employer type; leading firms in the tech space such as Google and Amazon often provide total compensation packages that outshine smaller startups or non-tech organizations. Senior analysts looking to advance their careers can transition into roles like engineering manager or portfolio manager, while those aiming for research leadership could become directors of research. Advanced qualifications, such as a PhD in a quantitative field or a proven track record of impactful contributions in the form of publications, can significantly boost earning potential in Oak Ridge. Non-salary compensation factors, including equity opportunities and signing bonuses, also contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of value in senior-level positions.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced data analysts make in Oak Ridge in 2026?
What drives higher data analyst pay in Oak Ridge?
What certifications boost data analyst salary in Oak Ridge?
Can experienced data analysts make six figures in Oak Ridge?
How much does data analyst salary increase over time in Oak Ridge?
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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 $90,167 for data analysts in the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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