Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Butte, MT: $27,899 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Butte, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,899 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Butte's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,001 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,103) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the data analyst field in Butte, Montana, the starting pay presents varying expectations. Those securing their first position might anticipate a salary beginning around $27,899, gradually moving toward the median annual salary of $48,103 within a few years. This gap of over $20,000 illustrates the potential for growth early in one’s career. As data analysts gain experience and skills, they can aim for a salary near the 25th percentile at $35,072 within their first three to five years. Given an annual growth rate of 4.48%, Butte remains an accessible market for early-career professionals, though it is essential to recognize that salaries for entry-level positions in the region are considerably lower compared to the national median of $80,394 in 2026.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Butte
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Butte
Entry-level data analysts in Butte, MT typically start between $27,899 and $35,072 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,660 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,103 — 40.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Montana of $50,000 represents just 179.22% of the starting data analyst pay ($27,899/year) in Butte. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect two main pathways: bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or mathematics ($40k-$120k), or master's degree in data science ($30k-$80k). Intensive bootcamps ($10k-$20k) offer faster entry but typically require prior technical background.
DA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Butte
- 1Research the Butte market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $27,899 to $35,072, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the data analysis field — employers in MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Butte, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Butte for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Butte's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Data Analyst Compensation Range
The data analyst wage spread in Butte is $46,660 ( 167.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,899, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,559.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,601
2025 BLS Actual
$26,703
2026 Current Est.
$27,899
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Butte (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,601 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,236 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,253 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,801 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,703 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,899 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,149 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Butte, MT grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,601 in 2021 to $26,703 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,149. New graduates entering the Butte job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Butte metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your data analysis Career in Butte
Employers in Butte who hire new grads as data analysts typically include smaller tech firms, local government agencies, and the education sector. While larger tech companies like those in FAANG rarely operate directly in Montana, the skills and credentials like a Master’s or PhD in quantitative fields can help applicants stand out in the job market. Proficiency in languages like Python and SQL, alongside familiarity with machine learning frameworks, can further enhance starting data analyst pay in MT. Participating in Kaggle competitions or contributing to open-source projects may also serve as valuable portfolio signals to prospective employers. In the first few years, salary growth might reflect rising demands within the industry, yet it remains crucial for professionals to consider longer-term career strategies. Pursuing roles in machine learning engineering could yield significant returns, given that total compensation in this space can escalate rapidly, with senior-level positions often exceeding $300,000–$700,000, significantly outperforming starting data analyst salaries. Tracking compensation data on platforms like Levels.fyi may prove beneficial for aspiring analysts aiming to make informed career decisions in Butte.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new data analysis graduates. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Butte. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Butte is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
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