Arlington vs Dallas: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Arlington, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,697 | $85,423▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.24 | $41.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,545▲ | $43,591 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,262 | $60,521▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,132▲ | $98,128 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,730▲ | $115,908 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 10,120▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Dallas is $1,726 (2.06%). Dallas's median is +6.26% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $81,185,Dallas spans $72,317. Arlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington ($87,184 effective) pays 5.22% more than Dallas ($82,863 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,730)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,184)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,423/year)
- ✓Larger job market (10,120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Arlington grew -31.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -20.3% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$116,541 (2024) → $80,108 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$102,530 (2021) → $81,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Arlington or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Dallas?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Dallas as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Arlington vs Dallas?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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