Data Analyst Salary in San Rafael, CA: $73,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in San Rafael, CA earns a median $73,914/year (≈ $35.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in San Rafael's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $65,353 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a median annual salary projected at $73,914 in 2026, data analyst compensation in San Rafael, CA, is slightly below the national average of $80,394. The salary spectrum ranges significantly, from $42,870 at the lower end to $114,568 for the top-tier analysts. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. San Rafael's job market remains competitive, particularly as companies seek data professionals who can bridge the gap across specialty fields such as machine learning engineering, research, and product data science. This area not only presents opportunities to work with established tech firms but also tech startups aiming to harness data analytics for operational excellence.
About the San Rafael Market
Salary estimated from California average ($155,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,870 | $20.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,218 | $25.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,914 | $35.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,611 | $45.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,568 | $55.08 |
Median Salary Position
8.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Rafael
In San Rafael, CA, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,698 (2026 est.). At $73,914, the local median is 8.06% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Rafael: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Rafael Data Analyst Pay Compares
San Rafael median: $73,914/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Rafael Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $72,822 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $80,394 | -8.06% less |
Data Analysts in San Rafael, CA earn a median of $73,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.06% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 1.50% above the California state average of $72,822.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Rafael has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Rafael, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,914 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,353 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$59,377
2025 BLS Actual
$70,745
2026 Current Est.
$73,914
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in San Rafael (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $59,377 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,901 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,863 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,745 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,226 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Rafael metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $59,377 (2021) to $70,745 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,226 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,849 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Rafael 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,870 – $53,218 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,218 – $73,914 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,914 – $94,611 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,611 – $114,568 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in San Rafael
In San Rafael, a handful of data analysts—specifically 11—are currently employed, highlighting a niche but growing market. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the local expenses could affect overall purchasing power. Employers like Google, Meta, and Amazon often provide the highest compensation packages, including significant equity components that make up a large part of total compensation, especially for senior roles. The disparity in salaries can typically be attributed to company tier, level within the organization, and the specialization of roles. To maximize earnings, data analysts in the area should focus on building expertise in high-demand areas, pursuing advanced degrees, and considering offers from higher-tier firms or burgeoning AI startups that often provide substantial equity in their compensation packages.
More salary data for San Rafael, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $70,745 for data analystsin the San Rafael metropolitan area. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for San Rafael 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