Fort Collins vs Golden: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Golden, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Golden, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,429▲ | $70,566 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.78▲ | $33.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,029 | $42,681▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,771▲ | $51,873 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,993▲ | $90,324 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,270▲ | $109,377 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Golden.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Golden is $3,863 (5.47%). Fort Collins's median is -7.42% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $69,241,Golden spans $66,696. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($73,599 effective) pays 9.51% more than Golden ($67,206 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,429/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,270)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,599)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Golden if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Fort Collins grew -29.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -41.8% growth in Golden over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$101,000 (2021) → $71,238 (2025)
Golden, CO
$115,972 (2024) → $67,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Golden, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Fort Collins or Golden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Golden?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Golden as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Fort Collins vs Golden?
Related Comparisons
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