Los Angeles vs Santa Clara: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Clara, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,754 | $125,832▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.71 | $60.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,529 | $72,982▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,083 | $91,692▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,618 | $161,064▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,271 | $195,039▲ |
| Total Employed | 9,850▲ | 32 |
Verdict
Santa Clara, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Clara is $39,078 (45.04%). Santa Clara's median is +56.52% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $91,742,Santa Clara spans $122,057. Santa Clara 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, Santa Clara ($111,257 effective) pays 45.64% more than Los Angeles ($76,391 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (9,850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Clara if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,832/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,039)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,257)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Los Angeles grew -29.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -33.1% growth in Santa Clara over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$118,250 (2021) → $83,034 (2025)
Santa Clara, CA
$180,026 (2024) → $120,436 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Clara, CA
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