Elkhart vs South Bend: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Elkhart, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,443 | $54,544▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.18 | $26.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,944▲ | $38,509 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,149 | $46,760▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,328▲ | $65,168 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,792▲ | $76,596 |
| Total Employed | 100 | 130▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elkhart.
The salary gap between Elkhart and South Bend is $101 (0.19%). South Bend's median is -32.15% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $51,848,South Bend spans $38,087. Elkhart 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, Elkhart ($60,275 effective) pays 2.61% more than South Bend ($58,739 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,792)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,275)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,544/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Elkhart grew -30.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -18.8% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$74,980 (2021) → $52,109 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$64,330 (2021) → $52,205 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
South Bend, IN
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