Data Analyst in Burbank, CA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Data Analysts considering Burbank, CA.

The Salary Picture: Where Burbank Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Burbank isn't just the "Media Capital of the World"—it's a surprisingly robust tech and data hub in its own right. The data confirms this. The median salary for a Data Analyst in Burbank is $87,236/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.94/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $83,360/year, giving you a 4.6% premium just for being in the Los Angeles metro area.

However, that premium comes with a cost. Burbank sits within the Greater Los Angeles area, where the job market is competitive but specialized. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job boards, there are approximately 205 active Data Analyst jobs in the Burbank metro area at any given time. More importantly, the 10-year job growth is projected at 36%, a figure that significantly outpaces the national average for most professions, driven by Burbank's unique concentration of media, entertainment, and healthcare data.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level within the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	Junior Data Analyst, Data Associate	$65,000 - $78,000
Mid-Level	Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst	$80,000 - $95,000
Senior	Senior Data Analyst, Analytics Lead	$100,000 - $125,000
Expert	Principal Analyst, Data Science Manager	$130,000+

Compared to other major California cities, Burbank offers a unique value proposition. It’s more affordable than San Francisco (median salary ~$105k) and Los Angeles proper (median salary ~$92k), but it provides access to many of the same major employers without the brutal commute from the outskirts of LA. San Diego's data analyst roles pay slightly less on average, while the tech-centric Bay Area still commands a significant premium.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's crunch the numbers with a dose of reality. The median salary of $87,236 means a monthly gross income of about $7,270. After California's high state taxes (federal, state, FICA), your monthly take-home pay is closer to $5,400 - $5,600 depending on your withholding and benefits.

The biggest variable is housing. The average 1BR rent in Burbank is $2,252/month. This means a single Data Analyst living alone would spend roughly 41-42% of their after-tax income on rent. While this is standard for the L.A. basin, it's high by national standards. It leaves approximately $3,100 - $3,300 for all other expenses: utilities ($150), car insurance (high in L.A., ~$200), gas (commutes can be long, ~$150), groceries ($400), and discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home? The short answer is likely "not immediately." The median home price in Burbank hovers around $950,000. A 20% down payment is $190,000. With a 10-year job growth of 36%, salaries will likely increase, and saving is possible with a disciplined budget and potentially a dual-income household. However, on a single $87,236 salary, homeownership in Burbank is a long-term goal, not an immediate purchase. Many locals rent in Burbank and buy in the more affordable San Fernando Valley suburbs like Sun Valley or Pacoima.

Where the Jobs Are: Burbank's Major Employers

Burbank's job market is a unique ecosystem. You're not just looking at tech companies; you're looking at data-hungry industries that have called this city home for decades. Here are the key players:

1. The Walt Disney Company: The obvious giant. Their Burbank headquarters is a massive hub for data roles across film, television, streaming (Disney+), and theme parks. They hire analysts for audience insights, financial modeling, and operational efficiency. Hiring is continuous but competitive; internal networking and specialized media/entertainment experience are huge advantages.

2. Warner Bros. Discovery: Located right next to Disney, the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank is another epicenter. They need analysts for content performance, advertising sales, and global distribution. The culture is fast-paced, and they heavily rely on data to greenlight projects.

3. Providence St. Joseph Health: Three major hospitals—Providence Saint Joseph, Providence Burbank, and the nearby Children's Hospital Los Angeles (in the Toluca Lake area)—are part of this massive healthcare network. They are constantly hiring data analysts for clinical outcomes, patient flow, billing, and supply chain management. This is a stable, recession-resistant sector.

4. Amazon Studios: While their primary offices are in nearby Culver City, Amazon's creative division has a significant footprint in Burbank, especially in post-production and sound. They need analysts for content performance, viewer engagement, and operational metrics for their streaming platform.

5. Independent Film & Production Companies: Burbank is dotted with mid-sized production houses and post-production studios (e.g., Skywalker Sound, Technicolor). These companies may not have "Data Analyst" in the title, but they need freelance or contract analysts for project budgeting, scheduling, and marketing analytics.

Insider Tip: The "Burbank Media District" and "Magnolia Park" are where these companies cluster. The hiring trend is a shift from traditional data analysis to roles requiring knowledge of streaming metrics, digital advertising ROI, and cloud-based data warehouses (like Snowflake and AWS).

Getting Licensed in CA

Unlike professions like nursing or engineering, there is no state-specific license required to work as a Data Analyst in California. The field is credential-driven, not license-driven. However, there are important certifications and frameworks you should know:

• State-Specific Requirements: There are none. The California Department of Consumer Affairs does not regulate data analysis. Your qualifications are your degree, portfolio, and certifications.
• Recommended Certifications (Cost & Timeline):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): Cost: ~$49/month. Timeline: 3-6 months at 10 hrs/week. Highly recognized for entry-level roles.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Cost: Exam fee ~$165. Timeline: 1-2 months of study. Crucial for corporate roles, especially in healthcare and finance.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Cost: ~$100. Timeline: 1 month. The standard for visualization in media and entertainment.
• Getting Started: You can start applying for jobs immediately with a strong portfolio. For a mid-career switch, budget 6 months for upskilling (SQL, Python, a BI tool) and building 2-3 public case studies.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Choosing where to live in Burbank is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. All neighborhoods have access to the 5, 134, and 101 freeways.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Media District	Walkable, central, surrounded by studios. 10-min drive to most employers.	$2,400 - $2,700	The ultimate insider. You're in the thick of it.
Magnolia Park	Charming, village-like, with great shops. 15-min commute.	$2,300 - $2,500	Lifestyle-focused professionals who want a "neighborhood" feel.
Burbank Hills	Residential, quieter, hillside views. Requires a car for everything. 15-20 min commute.	$2,200 - $2,400	Those seeking a more suburban, family-friendly environment.
Toluca Lake	Upscale, bordering Hollywood. Close to Warner Bros. & Disney. 5-15 min commute.	$2,500 - $2,800+	Established professionals with a higher budget; very competitive.
North Hollywood (adjacent)	More affordable, vibrant nightlife, direct Metro Red Line access to Universal. 20-30 min commute.	$1,900 - $2,200	Budget-conscious analysts willing to commute for savings.

Insider Tip: Parking in the Media District and near the studios is notoriously difficult. If you have a car, prioritize apartments with a dedicated spot. If you're car-free, North Hollywood (NoHo) is your best bet due to the Metro line, which connects to Universal Studios and Downtown L.A.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 36% 10-year job growth projection is your biggest asset. In Burbank, your career path diverges based on the industry you choose.

• Media/Entertainment Path: You can move from a data analyst to a Business Intelligence Lead at a studio, then to a Director of Analytics. The premium for analysts who understand content performance, subscriber churn, and licensing metrics is significant. A Senior Analyst in this niche can command $110,000+.
• Healthcare Path: At Providence or a large practice, you can grow into Clinical Data Manager or Healthcare Informatics Specialist. This path offers stability and often includes robust benefits. Specializing in HIPAA-compliant data systems is a key differentiator.
• Tech/Corporate Path: Companies like Disney and Amazon offer clear ladders into Product Analytics or Data Science roles. These require advanced skills in Python, statistical modeling, and A/B testing. The salary ceiling here is the highest.

10-Year Outlook: The role of the Data Analyst will become more automated for basic reporting, but more strategic for interpretation and storytelling. The analysts who thrive in Burbank will be those who can translate data into actionable insights for creative decisions (e.g., "This script element led to a 20% drop in viewer completion") or operational efficiencies (e.g., "Optimizing hospital discharge processes saves $X annually").

The Verdict: Is Burbank Right for You?

Burbank offers a compelling mix of opportunity and cost. It's not the cheapest place to live, but it provides access to a specialized, high-growth job market without the extreme costs of San Francisco or the logistical nightmare of commuting from far-flung L.A. suburbs.

Pros	Cons
Access to Top Employers: Unmatched density of media/healthcare giants.	High Cost of Living: Rent consumes a large portion of income.
Strong Job Growth: 36% growth projection is robust.	Traffic & Commutes: Despite its size, freeway traffic is a reality.
Salary Premium: $87,236 median vs. $83,360 national average.	Competitive Market: You're competing with talent from all over L.A.
"Insider" Culture: Living where you work creates networking opportunities.	Limited Entry-Level Roles: Many jobs require 2-3 years of experience.
Diverse Industries: Not reliant on a single sector (tech, media, healthcare).	Parking & Housing Stress: A daily reality for residents.

Final Recommendation: Burbank is an excellent choice for a Data Analyst with 2-5 years of experience looking to specialize in media, entertainment, or healthcare analytics. It's less ideal for those seeking a low cost of living or a purely remote tech role. If you can secure a job paying near or above the $87,236 median, have a budget that can handle $2,252/month in rent, and are energized by the creative hustle of the media world, Burbank is a fantastic place to build a career.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to work remotely for a Burbank company?
Remote work is common post-pandemic, but hybrid models are the norm for major employers like Disney and Providence. Many roles require occasional in-person meetings. Fully remote positions exist, but you may lose the local networking advantage.

2. Do I need a car in Burbank?
For most residents, yes. Public transit is limited, and the city is spread out. If you live in North Hollywood or near the Metro station, you can manage with a car-share or bicycle for short trips. Most professionals have a car for commuting to studio lots or hospitals.

3. How competitive is the job market?
It's moderately competitive. The 205 jobs in the metro area mean opportunities, but they are not as abundant as in Silicon Valley. Tailoring your resume with industry-specific keywords (e.g., "streaming analytics," "clinical data") is crucial. Networking through LinkedIn and local groups like the Los Angeles Data Science Meetup is highly effective.

4. What skills are most in-demand in Burbank?
Beyond SQL and Python, employers here heavily value Tableau/Power BI, A/B testing methodologies, and domain knowledge. For media, understanding metrics like Cost Per Acquisition (CPA) and Subscriber Lifetime Value (LTV) is key. For healthcare, familiarity with EHR systems and data governance is a plus.

5. Can I live in Burbank on a single entry-level salary?
It would be very tight. With an entry-level salary starting around $65,000, your take-home would be roughly $4,000/month. After $2,252 in rent, you'd have only ~$1,750 for everything else. You would likely need roommates or to live in a more affordable adjacent neighborhood like NoHo or Sun Valley.