Senior Data Analyst Salary in Rochester, MN: $79,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of data analysts working in Rochester, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $79,076/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2051. Strip back Rochester's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $80,280 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, senior data analysts in Rochester, MN command impressive salaries that reflect their extensive experience and expertise in the field. With a median annual salary of $51,017, the top earners can reach as high as $79,076, significantly elevating their earning potential. This gap highlights a strong experience premium, as senior roles require not only technical skills but also strategic acumen in data interpretation and application. To attain these top-tier figures, professionals must often specialize in high-demand areas such as machine learning or product data science, showcasing their proficiency in advanced methodologies and analytical tools that drive data-driven decision-making in competitive markets like Rochester.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
Experienced data analysts at the top of the pay scale in Rochester earn between $65,301 and $79,076 per year (2026 est.). This $49,186 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rochester median of $51,017 sits 36.54% below the US median.
Top DA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rochester | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $51,017 | $80,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,301 | $106,238 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $79,076 | $133,152 |
In Rochester, experienced data analysts (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Data Analyst Pay in Rochester
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN data analysts with additional specialty certifications within the data analysis field earn significantly above the $51,017 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rochester employers.
Specialty Focus
Data Analysts focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the data analysis field in Rochester command premium compensation, often reaching the $65,301–$79,076 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rochester metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced data analysts who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured data analysts in Rochester with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Data Analysts in Minnesota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Data Analyst Career & Wage Growth Path in Rochester
Clinical Data Analyst
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Data Analyst
5-10 yearsData Analyst Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRochester ranks #8 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner data analyst salary (90th percentile: $79,076).
Top 10% data analyst compensation in Rochester ($79,076) is 36.6% below the Minnesota average P90 ($124,726).
2021 BLS Actual
$63,488
2025 BLS Actual
$75,685
2026 Current Est.
$79,076
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Rochester (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $63,488 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,969 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,743 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,685 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,618 | Projected |
Top-earning data analysts (90th percentile) in Rochester saw their compensation grow 19.2% from $63,488 in 2021 to $75,685 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.48% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $82,618 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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.
Maximizing Your Data Analyst Earnings in Rochester
Compensation for senior data analysts in Rochester varies considerably based on the nature of employment and area of specialization. Roles in machine learning, especially those involving large-scale production systems, tend to attract premium pay, while research scientists with notable publications command respect and higher salaries. The differences are stark among employer types: FAANG companies and recognized tech giants offer robust total compensation packages, often exceeding $300,000 when factoring in RSUs and bonuses. Conversely, AI-focused startups and unicorn tech firms might provide equity-heavy compensation portfolios, appealing to candidates looking for high-risk, high-reward scenarios. Advancement within this path can lead to leadership roles such as principal scientist or engineering manager, while strong academic backgrounds—particularly advanced degrees—continue to serve as valuable assets for candidates in pursuit of a senior data analyst position in MN.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced data analysts make in Rochester in 2026?
What drives higher data analyst pay in Rochester?
What certifications boost data analyst salary in Rochester?
Can experienced data analysts make six figures in Rochester?
How much does data analyst salary increase over time in Rochester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $75,685 for data analysts in the Rochester metro area. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rochester 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