Data Analyst Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $42.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in San Diego, CA runs $42.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,590 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,561 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Diego, the data analyst hourly pay reaches a competitive median of $42.12, which is approximately 8.95% higher than the national hourly median of $38.65. This wage reflects the thriving tech scene in the city, where analysts often work in environments such as AI startups, quant trading firms, and health-focused research labs. For part-time data analysts who work three days a week, this hourly pay structure means that they can expect a substantial income even while maintaining a flexible schedule. Entry-level positions can start as low as $23.82, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $64.67 per hour. With opportunities for remote and hybrid work, these professionals can leverage various settings—from open office designs to collaborative tech spaces—making the role of a data analyst both lucrative and adaptable in San Diego's evolving labor market.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.82 | $190.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.03 | $240.22 |
| Median (P50) | $42.12 | $336.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.78 | $422.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.67 | $517.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $42.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.12/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,601 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,539. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,684.64 | $7,300 | $87,601 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,010.78 | $4,380 | $52,561 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $673.85 | $2,920 | $35,040 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (San Diego) | $42.12 |
| Data Analyst (National Avg) | $40.39 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Machine Learning Engineer (National Avg) | $66.77 |
| Statistician (National Avg) | $50.61 |
Data Analysts in San Diego, CA earn a median of $87,590 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.95% higher than the national median of $80,394 and 20.20% above the California state average of $72,870.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.12/hr = $52,561/year (purchasing power: $46,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,601/year (purchasing power: $78,294).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$52.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.12/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-16.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in San Diego (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in San Diego grew -23.6% from $52.75/hr (2021) to $40.31/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.00/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem data analysts can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Diego 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.
Working as an Hourly Data Analyst in San Diego
Considering part-time opportunities, a data analyst working three days a week can potentially earn around $56,000 annually while still benefiting from a work-life balance that many professionals seek. In addition, per diem data analyst pay in San Diego can significantly vary, with rates for contract or agency work billed as high as $100 to $200 per hour. As specialized skills in areas like machine learning command premium rates, some consultants report billing anywhere from $300 to $600 per hour depending on their expertise in generative AI. The hourly pay can also fluctuate based on employer type; for instance, those employed by FAANG companies or elite consulting firms often enjoy attractive benefit packages that might lead to accepting lower hourly rates, while those in startups or quantitative trading firms might prioritize higher hourly earnings with fewer benefits. Negotiating for competitive rates in San Diego involves understanding market trends and being aware of the trade-offs between salary and health benefits.
More salary data for San Diego, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for data analysts in San Diego. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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