Hastings vs Lincoln: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Hastings, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hastings, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,931 | $58,770▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.09 | $28.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,640 | $41,324▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,071 | $51,340▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,792 | $68,786▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,194 | $85,510▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hastings.
The salary gap between Hastings and Lincoln is $12,839 (27.95%). Lincoln's median is -26.90% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hastings spans $44,554,Lincoln spans $44,186. Hastings 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, Lincoln ($64,173 effective) pays 27.84% more than Hastings ($50,198 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hastings if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,770/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,510)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,173)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Hastings grew -46.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -27.4% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Hastings, NE
$82,128 (2024) → $43,962 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$77,500 (2021) → $56,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hastings, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Hastings or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hastings and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Hastings to Lincoln as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Hastings vs Lincoln?
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