Raleigh vs Salisbury: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Raleigh, NC and Salisbury, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Salisbury, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,715▲ | $67,511 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.80▲ | $32.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,272▲ | $39,156 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,984▲ | $48,608 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,292▲ | $86,330 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,929▲ | $104,642 |
| Total Employed | 1,990▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Salisbury is $13,204 (19.56%). Raleigh's median is +0.40% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $72,657,Salisbury spans $65,486. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($82,231 effective) pays 14.01% more than Salisbury ($72,127 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,715/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,929)
- ✓Larger job market (1,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,231)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Raleigh grew -37.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -35.0% growth in Salisbury over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$122,710 (2021) → $77,254 (2025)
Salisbury, NC
$99,338 (2024) → $64,616 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Salisbury, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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