Data Analyst pay
What data analysts earn — and keep — in 2026
Data analysts collect, clean and interpret data to drive business decisions in tech, finance, healthcare and government. The BLS reports its data scientist median at $112,590 (May 2024) — the closest official category covering analysts — with the top 10% above $194,000. Note that entry-level analyst roles often pay below this median, while senior data scientists and analytics engineers pay well above it.
Where a data analyst's paycheck goes
On the $112,590 median, a single analyst sits in the 24% federal bracket after the standard deduction, plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare. Tech employers often offer a 401(k) match and RSUs; enter your 401(k) contribution in the pre-tax field to see the federal-tax savings.
The highest-paying states for data analysts
Wages run highest in California, Washington, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts — the tech hubs. California and New York pay top dollar but tax heavily, so a senior role in no-tax Texas or Washington can leave you with far more take-home.
Compare data analyst pay with other careers
See how a data analyst compares with a software engineer, a project manager or an accountant.
Questions
Data Analyst Salary Calculator FAQ
How much does a data analyst make in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $112,590 for data scientists (May 2024) — the official category that covers data analysts. The top 10% earn over $194,000. Entry-level analyst roles often pay below this median, while senior data scientists and analytics engineers earn well above it.
What is a data analyst's take-home pay on $112,590?
A single analyst earning the $112,590 BLS median takes home roughly $86,000 to $89,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state, and several thousand dollars less where state income tax applies. Enter your own salary and state above for an exact figure.
Do data analysts and data scientists earn the same?
Not exactly. The BLS groups both under "data scientists" with a $112,590 median, but in practice data analyst roles often pay less than data scientist and machine-learning roles. Pay rises with SQL, Python, cloud and statistics skills, plus experience. Enter your real salary for an accurate take-home.
Which states pay data analysts the most?
California, Washington, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts report the highest average wages for data scientists and analysts. California and New York pair top pay with high state income tax, while a senior role in a no-tax state like Texas or Washington maximizes take-home.
- Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Data Scientists (median $112,590, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base · State departments of revenue.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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