Richmond vs Roanoke: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Richmond, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,919▲ | $70,940 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.39▲ | $34.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,810▲ | $38,844 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,869▲ | $50,571 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,668▲ | $95,239 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,198▲ | $97,559 |
| Total Employed | 1,050 | N/A |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Richmond and Roanoke is $10,979 (15.48%). Richmond's median is +1.90% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $93,388,Roanoke spans $58,715. Richmond 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, Richmond ($83,712 effective) pays 10.47% more than Roanoke ($75,776 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,919/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,198)
- ✓Larger job market (1,050 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,712)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Richmond grew -23.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -29.4% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$102,090 (2021) → $78,406 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$96,170 (2021) → $67,898 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Roanoke, VA
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