Data Analyst Hourly Pay in Ruston, LA: $30.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a data analyst working in Ruston, LA runs $30.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Weighted against Ruston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,957 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ruston, Louisiana, data analysts can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.41, which is notably lower than the national median of $38.65. This discrepancy highlights the cost of living in the area, as Ruston's index stands at 90.3, reflecting a more affordable environment compared to national averages. Part-time data analysts, particularly those working three days a week, can benefit from this hourly rate, seeing their pay reflect a flexible work style often found in tech companies, AI startups, and research labs. The hourly range here varies from $18.11 for entry-level positions to $47.14 for top earners, demonstrating potential for growth as analysts gain experience and expertise in their roles.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Data Analyst Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.11 | $144.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.13 | $177.03 |
| Median (P50) | $30.41 | $243.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.93 | $311.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.14 | $377.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ruston
Based on $30.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.41/hr, a data analyst working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ruston, LA can expect to earn approximately $63,261 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,497. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ruston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ruston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.57 | $5,272 | $63,261 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.94 | $3,163 | $37,957 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.63 | $2,109 | $25,305 |
Compare DA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (Ruston) | $30.41 |
| 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 Ruston, LA earn a median of $63,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.31% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $65,765.
Data Analyst Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.41/hr = $37,957/year (purchasing power: $42,034).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,261/year (purchasing power: $70,057).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$24.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.41/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Data Analysts in Ruston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for data analysts in Ruston grew 19.1% from $24.43/hr (2021) to $29.11/hr (2025). At a 4.48% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.78/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 Ruston 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 Ruston
For those considering part-time gigs as a data analyst in Ruston, the financial reality becomes clearer when estimating annual earnings. A three-day workweek (24 hours) would translate to approximately $37,642 yearly, significantly less than full-time earnings, but still a viable option for many. Contract and per-diem data analysts can navigate the market more lucratively; hourly rates in these roles might range widely, from $100-$200 for general work to upwards of $600 for niche consulting in generative AI. The potential for variance means that analysts in Ruston may end up selecting between stability and higher rates that come with fewer benefits. As such, negotiating health insurance and other perks can become crucial when comparing jobs, especially given the distinct roles across various employer types in the area, from FAANG giants to nimble tech startups.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
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 Ruston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ruston 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