Austin vs San Marcos: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Austin, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,162 | $87,148▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.95 | $41.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,910 | $50,545▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,358 | $62,747▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,030 | $111,549▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,379 | $135,079▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,730▲ | 13 |
Verdict
San Marcos, TX offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and San Marcos is $1,986 (2.33%). San Marcos's median is +8.40% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $74,469,San Marcos spans $84,534. San Marcos has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Marcos ($90,779 effective) pays 4.53% more than Austin ($86,842 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,148/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,079)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,779)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Austin grew -34.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -27.3% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Austin, TX
$124,200 (2021) → $81,510 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$114,762 (2024) → $83,411 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Austin or San Marcos?
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Should I relocate from Austin to San Marcos as a data analyst?
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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