Here is a comprehensive career guide for Data Analysts considering a move to Akron, Ohio.

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The Data Analyst's Guide to Akron, Ohio

As a local who’s watched Akron’s economy shift from rubber to a mix of healthcare, polymers, and advanced manufacturing, I can tell you the city is a pragmatic place for data professionals. It’s not flashy, but the demand for data-driven decision-making is deep and steady. If you’re looking for a role where your work directly impacts local industry and community health, Akron offers a compelling, affordable, and grounded career path.

This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local players, and the lifestyle you can expect.

The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

For a Data Analyst in Akron, the compensation is solid, especially when you adjust for the city’s low cost of living. The median salary here sits comfortably above the national median for many metro areas of similar size, offering strong purchasing power.

Key Data Points:

• Median Salary: $81,559/year
• Hourly Rate: $39.21/hour
• National Average: $83,360/year
• Jobs in Metro: 377
• 10-Year Job Growth: 36%

While the median salary is slightly below the national average, the 36% ten-year job growth projection (a figure that reflects the broader "Data Science and Analytics" category, which includes analysts) is a critical advantage. This indicates a robust and expanding local market, especially in sectors like healthcare and logistics.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Akron follow a clear progression. While entry-level roles are competitive, the jump to senior positions is significant, driven by the need for specialized analytics in healthcare and manufacturing.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Akron Salary Range	Key Local Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$58,000 - $72,000	Basic SQL reporting, dashboard maintenance, supporting senior analysts.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$75,000 - $95,000	Independent project work, complex SQL/Python, predictive modeling, stakeholder management.
Senior	5-8 years	$95,000 - $115,000	Leading analytics projects, mentoring juniors, advanced statistical modeling, influencing business strategy.
Expert/Lead	8+ years	$115,000+	Architecting data solutions, cross-departmental strategy, machine learning implementation, managing analytics teams.

Comparison to Other Ohio Cities

Akron offers a strong value proposition compared to its Ohio peers. It balances a respectable salary with significantly lower costs than Columbus or Cincinnati.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	1-BR Avg Rent	Job Market Notes
Akron	$81,559	92.8	$816	Strong in healthcare, polymers, logistics. Growing tech scene.
Columbus	$85,000	95.2	$1,250	Larger, more competitive market. More tech & finance roles.
Cincinnati	$83,500	96.2	$1,300	Strong in Fortune 500 HQs (P&G, Kroger). Higher cost of living.
Cleveland	$82,000	94.1	$1,150	Similar industry profile to Akron (healthcare, manufacturing).

Sources: Salary data from BLS and local job board aggregates; Cost of Living from BestPlaces.net.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $81,559 in Akron provides a comfortable living. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Data Analyst with no dependents, using the city’s key metrics.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Annual: $81,559)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,797
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,850 (approx. 27-28% effective rate for OH)
• Net Monthly Pay: ~$4,947
• Rent (1-BR Average): $816
• Utilities, Internet, Phone: $250
• Groceries & Basic Supplies: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance (Avg. OH rates): $450
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $150
• Discretionary & Savings: $2,881

This budget leaves a substantial $2,881 for savings, retirement, dining, entertainment, and travel. This is a key Akron advantage—you can build wealth meaningfully here.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Akron metro is approximately $185,000. With the generous discretionary income above, saving a 10% down payment ($18,500) could take 6-8 months of dedicated saving. A 30-year mortgage on a $185k home with 10% down would be roughly $1,050/month, which is manageable on this salary, especially if a partner also works. The Akron housing market is notably stable and accessible for professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

Akron’s job market is anchored by a few large, data-hungry institutions. The “377 jobs in metro” figure is a snapshot; the real opportunity lies in the depth of data needs within these stable employers.

1. Summa Health & Akron Children’s Hospital: The two largest healthcare systems in the region. They employ hundreds of analysts for everything from patient outcome analytics and operational efficiency to financial forecasting and clinical trial data management. Hiring is steady, with a focus on SQL, Python/R, and healthcare-specific data standards (like Epic). Insider Tip: Knowing Epic or Cerner EHR systems is a massive plus for healthcare roles here.

2. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: A global headquarters presence in Akron. Their data science needs are vast—supply chain optimization, tire performance predictive modeling, manufacturing process improvement, and consumer analytics. Roles here often bridge traditional data analysis and more advanced data science. Insider Tip: Goodyear’s culture values deep institutional knowledge; longevity and advanced degrees can be advantageous.

3. Akron Children’s Hospital: As a separate entity from Summa, Akron Children's is a major employer with a strong data team focused on pediatric outcomes, resource utilization, and grant reporting. Their scale makes them a key player for analysts interested in specialized healthcare data.

4. FirstEnergy (Headquarters in Akron): A major utility company with extensive data needs in grid management, customer usage analytics, outage prediction, and regulatory compliance. Their analysts work with large, time-series datasets and often use tools like Tableau and Power BI for visualization. Insider Tip: Utility roles are less volatile and offer strong benefits, a key consideration for long-term stability.

5. The University of Akron: A major research institution. The university and its affiliated research centers (like the National Polymer Innovation Center) hire data analysts for academic research, grant-funded projects, and institutional data analysis (enrollment, financial aid). Insider Tip: Academic roles often require a Master’s degree and may have different pay scales but offer great work-life balance and opportunities for publication.

6. Local Logistics & Manufacturing Firms: Companies like AeroVironment (drone tech) and a network of advanced polymer manufacturers (e.g., Sherwin-Williams' polymer division, A. Schulman) all rely on analysts for supply chain logistics, quality control data, and R&D analytics. This sector is quietly booming.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward hybrid roles. Pure SQL reporting jobs are getting automated; the demand is for analysts who can manipulate data in Python/R, visualize it in Tableau/Power BI, and communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders. Healthcare and manufacturing are the most consistent hirers.

Getting Licensed in OH

For Data Analysts, there is no state-mandated license to practice, similar to most states. However, professional certifications are critical for career advancement.

• State Requirements: None. A bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field (Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Business Analytics) is the standard entry credential.
• Recommended Certifications (Industry-Standard, Not State-Mandated):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: A strong entry-level credential, often recognized by local employers.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist/Certified Associate: Highly valued as Akron employers heavily use Tableau for reporting.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Another key visualization tool, especially in corporate settings like FirstEnergy or Goodyear.
  • SAS Certified Specialist: Less common but valuable in certain research and manufacturing contexts.
• Costs: Certification exams typically range from $100 to $250 each. Study materials can be free (official documentation, YouTube) to several hundred dollars for structured courses.
• Timeline: You can begin applying for jobs immediately with a degree. Pursuing your first certification (e.g., Tableau) can be achieved in 2-3 months of part-time study. There is no "licensing board" to contact; you simply build your credentials.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Akron is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your commute, lifestyle, and budget will vary significantly based on your choice.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1-BR)	Best For
Downtown Akron	Urban, walkable, cultural hub (Civic Theatre, Lock 3). Short commute to major employers. ~5-15 min drive to most offices.	$900 - $1,200	Young professionals who want nightlife, festivals, and a short commute.
Cuyahoga Falls	Suburban, family-friendly, near the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Great parks and schools. ~15-25 min commute to downtown.	$850 - $1,100	Those seeking a quieter, outdoor-oriented lifestyle with good amenities.
Fairlawn/Bath	Upscale suburb, excellent shopping (Summit Mall), top-rated schools. Safe and well-maintained. ~15-20 min commute.	$950 - $1,300	Analysts prioritizing safety, good schools, and a convenient suburban feel.
Highland Square	Eclectic, artsy, walkable. A mix of older homes and apartments, with a vibrant local business scene. ~10-15 min commute.	$750 - $950	Those looking for character, a younger vibe, and lower rent.
West Akron (Ward 7)	Residential, quiet, tree-lined streets. More single-family homes. ~10-20 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Professionals seeking a peaceful, established neighborhood feel.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Akron is minimal. The "commute time" is less about traffic and more about which highway you use (I-77, I-76, or local roads). Most employers are accessible from all major neighborhoods within 20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Akron’s growth is specialized. To advance and increase your earning potential beyond the median, focus on these areas.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare Analytics: Expertise in clinical data, HIPAA compliance, and EHR systems (Epic) can command a 10-15% premium over the median.
  • Supply Chain & Manufacturing Analytics: Knowledge of IoT data, predictive maintenance, and advanced ERP systems (like SAP) is highly valued in Goodyear’s ecosystem.
  • Advanced Modeling: Moving from descriptive analytics (what happened) to predictive/prescriptive analytics (what will happen, what should we do) is the key to senior roles. Python (scikit-learn, TensorFlow) and R are essential here.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Individual Contributor Track: Data Analyst → Senior Data Analyst → Data Scientist → Principal Data Scientist.
  • Management Track: Data Analyst → Analytics Manager → Director of Analytics/BI.
  • Hybrid Track: Data Analyst → Business Intelligence Developer → Data Architect.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 36% growth projection is solid. Akron is not a tech hub like Austin or Boston, but its embedded industries (healthcare, polymers, energy) are increasingly data-reliant. The analysts who will thrive are those who understand the context of Akron's industries—how a hospital's supply chain works or how polymer quality is measured. The long-term outlook is for steady, secure growth, not volatile booms.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

Akron is not for everyone. It’s a working city with deep industrial roots and a slow, steady pace. It’s for the analyst who values affordability, stability, and the ability to make a tangible impact.

Pros	Cons
Excellent purchasing power. The $81,559 median salary goes very far with the $816 average rent and 92.8 cost of living index.	Limited "tech scene" glamour. Fewer pure tech startups; most data roles are within traditional industries.
Stable, diverse employers. Healthcare, manufacturing, and utilities offer recession-resistant job opportunities.	Cultural offerings are modest. While there are gems (Akron Art Museum, Stan Hywet), it’s not a major arts or entertainment capital.
Short, easy commutes. You can live and work anywhere in the metro area with minimal traffic hassle.	Salary ceiling. While comfortable, top-end salaries may lag behind larger coastal metros for equivalent senior roles.
Outdoor access. Proximity to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Lake Erie offers great weekend recreation.	Weather. Winters can be long, gray, and snowy—a significant factor for those from warmer climates.

Final Recommendation: Akron is an excellent choice for mid-career analysts seeking financial stability and work-life balance. It’s especially strong for those interested in healthcare, logistics, or manufacturing data. If you prioritize affordability and want your work to support the backbone of a local economy, Akron is a fantastic fit. If you’re chasing the fastest-growing startup culture or a coastal tech ecosystem, it may feel too slow.

FAQs

1. What’s the job market like for junior data analysts in Akron?
It’s competitive but exists. The key is to target the larger employers (hospitals, Goodyear, FirstEnergy) for entry-level roles or internships. A strong portfolio with projects relevant to healthcare or manufacturing (e.g., analyzing public health data, simulating supply chain data) will make you stand out. The 377 jobs figure is a floor, not a ceiling, as many roles are internal postings.

2. Do I need a Master’s degree to get hired here?
Not necessarily. A bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field is sufficient for most mid-level roles. However, a Master’s in Data Science, Analytics, or a related field (like The University of Akron’s programs) can be a differentiator for senior positions or in research-oriented institutions (the university itself, polymer R&D labs). It’s often the difference between a $75k and $95k starting offer.

3. How important is knowing the local healthcare systems (Epic, Cerner)?
Crucial for healthcare roles. Akron is dominated by these EHR platforms. If you have Epic certification or experience, you can command a premium and have a much easier time finding a job in Akron’s largest sector. For non-healthcare roles, it’s irrelevant.

4. Is it easy to transfer my skills from a coastal city?
Yes, the core skills (SQL, Python, visualization) are universal. The challenge is adapting to the local business context. Be prepared to speak the language of manufacturing efficiency, patient outcomes, or utility grid management, depending on your target industry. The cost-of-living adjustment will be a major positive shock.

5. What’s the networking scene like?
It’s smaller than in major hubs but very accessible. Key groups include the Akron Data Meetup (often hosted at The University of Akron or local tech cafes), women in tech groups like TechCorps, and industry-specific events at the University of Akron’s College of Business. LinkedIn is powerful here; many hiring managers are local and responsive. The community is tight-knit, and a good reputation travels fast.