Data Analyst in Arlington, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Arlington Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Arlington’s data analyst market isn’t the runaway star of the DFW metroplex, but it’s a solid, steady performer. It lacks the booming tech startup scene of Frisco or the corporate HQ density of Plano, but it makes up for it with lower barriers to entry and a unique blend of public sector, healthcare, and logistics analytics roles. The median salary of $84,185/year is competitive for the region, especially when you factor in the lower cost of living compared to Dallas proper. At $40.47/hour, the compensation reflects a market that values mid-level competency over junior enthusiasm. The 36% 10-year job growth is a key indicator—this isn't a stagnant market. It’s expanding, driven by the relentless need for data in healthcare, public administration, and the logistics hubs feeding DFW International Airport.

The 796 jobs in the metro is a realistic figure. In my experience, Arlington’s job market for data roles is highly networked. You’ll find more opportunities through local recruiters specializing in healthcare IT and public sector contracts than on generic job boards. The national average of $83,360/year is nearly identical, which tells you that Arlington pays market rate. You won't take a pay cut to live here, but you also won't find the premium salaries of Silicon Valley. This is a "work-to-live" market with a reasonable cost of living.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of experience levels. Note that these are generalized brackets; your specific industry (e.g., healthcare vs. logistics) will shift these numbers.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Arlington)	Key Local Employers for this Level
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$60,000 - $75,000	Texas Health Resources, City of Arlington, UTA
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$75,000 - $95,000	Texas Health Resources, Bell Helicopter (Textron), various logistics firms
Senior/Lead	5-10 years	$95,000 - $115,000	Baylor Scott & White, City of Arlington, Parkland Hospital (Dallas)
Expert/Manager	10+ years	$115,000 - $140,000	Major hospital systems, UT Southwestern (Dallas), corporate HQs in Las Colinas

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid to Senior is where you’ll see the most significant pay increase. This is where you specialize—moving from general BI reporting to predictive modeling or clinical data outcomes. In Arlington, senior roles are often tied to managing data for specific service lines (e.g., cardiology at Baylor Scott & White) or municipal operations (traffic flow, utility usage).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s crunch the numbers. A $84,185 median salary sounds good, but the reality of take-home pay in Arlington requires a clear-eyed view of taxes and housing. In Texas, you get the benefit of no state income tax, which is a significant boost to your net pay. However, property taxes are high (Tarrant County averages around 2.1-2.3%).

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single data analyst earning the median salary. This assumes a standard tax filing, health insurance contributions, and 401(k) contribution.

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,015	($84,185 / 12)
Est. Taxes & Deductions	-$1,825	Federal tax, FICA, health insurance, 401(k) (5%)
Net Monthly Pay	$5,190	Your take-home cash
Average 1BR Rent	-$1,384	Arlington's average (see neighborhoods below for range)
Utilities (Electric, Internet)	-$180	Texas summers = high A/C bills
Car Insurance & Gas	-$250	Arlington is car-dependent; insurance rates are mid-range
Groceries & Essentials	-$400
Discretionary / Savings	$2,976

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Arlington is approximately $315,000. With a 20% down payment ($63,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~7%) would be roughly $1,650/month (including taxes and insurance). Given the potential monthly savings of nearly $3,000, a data analyst at the median salary could realistically save for a down payment in 2-3 years of disciplined saving. This is a major advantage over living in Dallas or Austin, where home prices are significantly higher.

Where the Jobs Are: Arlington's Major Employers

Arlington’s employment landscape is a mix of legacy industry, public service, and healthcare. It’s not a tech hub, so don’t expect Google or Amazon offices here. The data roles are embedded within these traditional sectors. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Texas Health Resources (THR): With major facilities in Arlington (Texas Health Arlington Memorial), THR is a massive employer of healthcare data analysts. Roles here focus on patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial analytics. Hiring is continuous, driven by regulatory reporting and value-based care initiatives.
2. Baylor Scott & White Health: The Baylor Arlington and Mansfield campuses are just on the edge of the city. They compete directly with THR for talent. Their data teams are often more focused on clinical research and population health analytics. They have a strong reputation and offer excellent benefits.
3. City of Arlington: Municipal government is a surprisingly robust employer for data analysts. The City’s IT and Public Works departments need analysts for everything from traffic signal optimization (using data from the entertainment district) to utility usage forecasting. These are stable, union-protected jobs with great pensions. Hiring cycles are tied to the city’s fiscal year (Oct 1 - Sep 30).
4. UT Arlington (UTA): The university employs analysts for institutional research (tracking student success, enrollment trends) and, increasingly, for its research grants. UTA is a growing research institution, especially in engineering and nursing, which creates demand for data support.
5. Logistics & Manufacturing: Arlington is a stone’s throw from DFW Airport and has a strong manufacturing base (e.g., Bell Textron). While Bell’s primary data roles are in Fort Worth, their supply chain and operational analytics often have satellite needs in Arlington. Additionally, the massive logistics distribution centers around the airport (for companies like Amazon, FedEx, and Walmart) hire data analysts for inventory, routing, and demand forecasting. These jobs are less "sexy" but are always in demand.
6. Parkland Hospital (Dallas): While not in Arlington proper, Parkland is a major employer just 20 minutes south in Dallas. Many Arlington residents commute there for high-level healthcare analytics roles. It’s worth expanding your search to the entire DFW metro.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward healthcare analytics and public sector data. The pandemic accelerated the need for real-time data in both sectors. Employers now prioritize analysts who can not only pull data but communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders (doctors, city council members). Cloud skills (AWS, Azure) are becoming a baseline expectation.

Getting Licensed in TX

For data analysts, "licensing" is a misnomer. There is no state-mandated license to practice data analysis in Texas, unlike for accountants or engineers. However, certifications are the currency of credibility. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

• Core Certifications: The most valued are vendor-specific and vendor-neutral. For Arlington’s market, the top ones are:

  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Critical for healthcare and government jobs that rely on the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: A good entry-level signal for logistics and smaller companies.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Still relevant, especially in research roles at UTA.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): A more advanced, vendor-neutral certification that carries weight for senior and managerial roles.

• Costs: Certification exams typically cost between $100 - $250. Study materials (Udemy, Coursera) can add $50 - $200. Many employers, especially the large hospital systems, offer tuition reimbursement for certifications.

• Timeline to Get Started: If you have a bachelor’s degree (any field, but STEM or business is common), you can break into the market in 3-6 months. This timeline assumes you complete a foundational course like Google's Data Analytics Cert or a focused Power BI bootcamp, build 2-3 portfolio projects using public datasets (e.g., City of Arlington open data portal), and start applying. For those without a degree, the path is longer (12-18 months), requiring a stronger portfolio and potentially starting in a lower-level data coordinator or reporting specialist role to gain experience.

Insider Tip: The City of Arlington and Texas Health often post jobs that list "equivalent experience in lieu of degree." This is your foot in the door if you’re self-taught. Your portfolio, not your diploma, will get you the interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Arlington is a sprawling city, and your commute matters. The best neighborhoods balance access to major employers, reasonable rent, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Proximity to Employers	Avg. 1BR Rent (Est.)
North Arlington (Viridian/Estates)	Quiet, newer, family-oriented. Easy access to I-30. 15-20 min to Baylor/THR.	Excellent for Baylor Scott & White (Nolan Ryan Expwy). Decent for City Hall.	$1,500 - $1,700
Central/Downtown Arlington	Urban, walkable, young professionals. Home to UTA, AT&T Stadium.	Best for UTA jobs. 10-15 min to City Hall. 20 min to Baylor/THR.	$1,300 - $1,550
South Arlington (Mansfield Rd Corridor)	Suburban, affordable, quiet. Close to major retail.	15 min to Texas Health Arlington Memorial. 25 min to DFW logistics hubs.	$1,200 - $1,400
East Arlington (I-20 Corridor)	Older, more affordable, good highway access.	10 min to Texas Health. 20 min to DFW Airport/logistics.	$1,150 - $1,350
West Arlington (SW Arlington)	Upscale, near Kennedale/Forest Hill. More secluded.	20 min to most employers. Best for remote workers wanting space.	$1,400 - $1,600

Personal Insight: For a data analyst new to Arlington, Central/Downtown Arlington offers the best blend of professional networking (UTA events, downtown meetups) and a social life. If you’re looking to buy a home and prioritize school districts, North Arlington (Viridian area) is the top choice, though it commands a rent premium. South Arlington is the unsung hero for affordability—it’s where many young professionals from the hospital systems live.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A data analyst in Arlington has a clear, if traditional, career advancement path. The 10-year outlook is positive, driven by the 36% job growth. Here’s how to grow:

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization. In Arlington, this means:

  • Healthcare Analytics: Understanding HIPAA, clinical terminologies (SNOMED, ICD-10), and outcomes research can add a 15-20% premium to your salary. This is the most lucrative path locally.
  • Public Sector Analytics: Knowledge of municipal finance, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and grant reporting is highly valued by the City and school districts.
  • Logistics/Supply Chain: Expertise in routing algorithms, inventory optimization, and real-time data streams from IoT devices is in demand near the airport.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Data Analyst -> Senior Data Analyst (Mastery of SQL, Python, a BI tool, and stakeholder management).
  2. Senior Analyst -> Analytics Manager (Leadership, budgeting, strategic planning). This often requires an MBA or a Master’s in Data Science.
  3. Senior Analyst -> Data Scientist (Advanced ML, predictive modeling). This path is less common in Arlington’s traditional employers but is emerging in the DFW metro.
  4. Specialist -> Consultant (Many analysts eventually leave Arlington’s employers to work for consulting firms that serve them, gaining higher pay and variety).

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is strong. As DFW’s population grows (the 398,423 metro population is just the start), the need for data-driven decision-making in healthcare, public services, and logistics will only intensify. The key to long-term growth is to avoid siloing yourself. Move between sectors—go from healthcare to public sector, or from logistics to a corporate role in Las Colinas. This cross-pollination of experience is highly valued.

The Verdict: Is Arlington Right for You?

Arlington is a pragmatic choice for a data analyst. It offers a solid career foundation without the extreme cost and competition of Austin or Dallas. It’s a place for building a stable career and potentially owning a home, not for chasing startup unicorn stock options.

Pros	Cons
Median Salary ($84,185) aligns with a Cost of Living Index (103.3) that’s only slightly above the US average.	Lack of a major tech scene. Few pure tech companies; most roles are embedded in traditional industries.
Strong job growth (36%) in stable sectors (healthcare, government).	Car-dependent city. Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is a necessity.
Affordable housing allows for home ownership on a data analyst’s salary.	Can feel suburban. If you crave a vibrant, 24/7 urban core, you may find Arlington sleepy.
Proximity to DFW Airport offers global connectivity and some logistics jobs.	Networking is key. You must be proactive to find opportunities; they won’t fall in your lap.
No state income tax boosts your take-home pay significantly.	Extreme weather. Texas summers are brutally hot, and severe storms are a reality.

Final Recommendation: Arlington is an excellent choice for data analysts who are early to mid-career and value financial stability and home ownership. It’s perfect for those interested in healthcare, public service, or logistics. If you’re a data scientist focused on cutting-edge ML and want to work at a tech giant, you’ll likely be commuting to Dallas or Plano. But if you want a balanced life, a meaningful impact on your local community, and a mortgage you can afford, Arlington is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to know Python or R for data analyst jobs in Arlington?
While SQL is non-negotiable, Python or R is increasingly a baseline expectation for mid-level roles, especially in healthcare and logistics. For entry-level roles at the City or smaller firms, advanced Excel and Power BI might suffice. However, to be competitive and command the median salary, learning Python (specifically pandas and numpy) is highly recommended.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level analysts?
It’s moderately competitive. You’re competing with UTA graduates and career-changers. The key differentiator is a strong portfolio. Use Arlington’s open data portal (data.arlington.tx.us) to build a project analyzing traffic patterns or utility usage. This shows local knowledge and initiative. Don’t just apply online; connect with recruiters from firms like Beeline or Kforce who specialize in DFW placements.

3. Do I need a master’s degree to advance?
Not necessarily for a Senior Analyst role. Demonstrable experience and certifications can get you there. However, for Analytics Manager or Data Science roles, a master’s (especially an MBA with a data focus or an MS in Data Science) is often preferred or required by large employers like Baylor Scott & White. Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement, so you can pursue it while working.

4. What’s the commute like from Arlington to Dallas or Fort Worth?
From central Arlington, you’re looking at a 25-35 minute commute to downtown Dallas on I-30 during peak hours, and about 20-25 minutes to Fort Worth. The real challenge is the lack of direct, efficient public transit. Most Arlington residents drive to work. If you’re considering a job in Dallas, factor in the cost of gas and tolls (DFW has a lot of toll roads).

5. Are there opportunities for remote work?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many Arlington-based employers (like Texas Health and Baylor) have hybrid models. However, fully remote data analyst roles are more common with companies based outside Arlington. If you live in Arlington, you can easily apply for remote jobs with Dallas, Plano, or even national companies. The local market still leans towards hybrid or in-office, particularly in healthcare and government for data security reasons.