Data Analyst Salary in Columbus, MS: $41,464 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Columbus, MS earns a median $41,464/year (≈ $19.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $48,383 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, data analysts in Columbus, Mississippi can expect a median annual salary of $41,464, significantly below the national average of $80,394. The local salary range extends from $24,049 at the 10th percentile to $63,047 at the 90th percentile, revealing a broad spectrum of compensation opportunities. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price levels, and highlight the economic context within which data professionals operate in Columbus. Given the competitive nature of the data analytics field, particularly in distinguishing roles such as ML engineering, research, and product data science, local salaries reflect the overall demand and specialization of skills required in the industry.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,049 | $11.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,568 | $15.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,464 | $19.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,493 | $25.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,047 | $30.31 |
Median Salary Position
48.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, MS, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,998 (2026 est.). At $41,464, the local median is 48.42% below the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Data Analyst Pay Compares
Columbus median: $41,464/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $44,111 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $80,394 | -48.42% less |
Data Analysts in Columbus, MS earn a median of $41,464 per year (2026 est.), which is 48.42% lower than the national median of $80,394 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $44,111.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A data analyst earning $41,464 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,383 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$33,309
2025 BLS Actual
$39,686
2026 Current Est.
$41,464
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Columbus (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33,309 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,164 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,656 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,686 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,464 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,322 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $33,309 (2021) to $39,686 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,322 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,013 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $24,049 – $31,568 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,568 – $41,464 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,464 – $52,493 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,493 – $63,047 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Columbus
While the small local workforce of six data analysts indicates a niche market, the cost of living in Columbus, represented by a cost-of-living index of 85.7, suggests that analysts can maintain a reasonable standard of living despite lower salaries compared to national figures. High-caliber employers, particularly those in the tech sectors and AI-focused startups, tend to offer the most competitive packages; however, they are less prevalent in Columbus. The disparity in pay often correlates with the company's tier, ranging from FAANG firms, which typically reward high-level technical skills with equity and substantial bonuses, to tier-2 tech firms and non-tech employers. To maximize earnings in Columbus, candidates should focus on gaining specialized skills in high-demand areas like ML engineering and consider roles that provide a balance between base salary and equity compensation. Understanding the nuances within local market expectations will also be key in negotiating better salaries.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
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 $39,686 for data analystsin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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