Cedar Rapids vs Waterloo: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,472▲ | $54,865 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.96▲ | $26.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,364 | $42,380▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,527▲ | $47,496 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,669▲ | $72,939 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,429 | $102,340▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo is $11,607 (21.16%). Cedar Rapids's median is -17.32% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $57,065,Waterloo spans $59,960. Waterloo 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, Cedar Rapids ($74,719 effective) pays 18.56% more than Waterloo ($63,022 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,472/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,719)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,340)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Cedar Rapids grew -13.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -34.2% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$73,270 (2021) → $63,622 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$79,860 (2021) → $52,512 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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