San Diego vs Stockton: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between San Diego, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,590▲ | $67,783 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.12▲ | $32.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,555▲ | $42,053 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,468▲ | $54,035 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,769▲ | $88,218 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,531▲ | $120,762 |
| Total Employed | 2,830▲ | 100 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Stockton.
The salary gap between San Diego and Stockton is $19,807 (29.22%). San Diego's median is +8.95% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $84,976,Stockton spans $78,709. San Diego 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, San Diego ($78,284 effective) pays 21.37% more than Stockton ($64,501 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,590/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,531)
- ✓Larger job market (2,830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,284)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Stockton if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in San Diego grew -23.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -40.8% growth in Stockton over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$109,720 (2021) → $83,834 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$109,650 (2022) → $64,877 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: San Diego or Stockton?
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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