Data Analyst in Compton, CA

Data Analysts considering Compton, CA: A Local Career Guide

As someone who’s watched Compton’s economic landscape shift over the past decade—seeing new logistics centers rise off the I-110, watching the tech spillover from LA’s Westside creep into the South Bay—this guide is written from that ground-level perspective. You’re not looking at a fairy-tale city; you’re looking at a hardworking, evolving hub that’s now home to a growing number of data-driven roles. Let’s get into the real numbers, the real neighborhoods, and the real costs.

The Salary Picture: Where Compton Stands

Compton’s data analyst market isn’t the Bay Area, but it’s increasingly competitive. The median salary of $87,236/year for a Data Analyst here sits right at the heart of the local market. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.94/hour. For context, the national average for this role is $83,360/year, meaning Compton pays slightly above the U.S. median—a solid sign for a city with a cost of living index of 115.5 (U.S. avg = 100).

The job market itself, while not massive, is growing. There are approximately 182 data analyst jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a robust 36%. This growth is largely fueled by the expansion of logistics, healthcare, and public administration sectors in the region.

Experience-Level Breakdown
While the $87,236 median is a great benchmark, salaries vary significantly by seniority. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and industry chatter:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Compton)	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$58,000 - $72,000	SQL, Excel, basic reporting. Often at small-to-midsize firms or public sector.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$75,000 - $95,000	$87,236 median fits here. Proficient in Python/R, Tableau/Power BI, deeper analysis.
Senior (6-9 yrs)	$98,000 - $125,000	Leads projects, mentors juniors, works with executives. Often at hospitals or larger corps.
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$130,000+	Specializes (e.g., healthcare analytics, supply chain). May manage a small team.

Comparison to Other California Cities
Compton’s $87,236 median is respectable but doesn’t compete with the tech-heavy salaries of Silicon Valley or LA’s Westside. It’s closer to Riverside or San Bernardino’s markets. However, the 10-year growth rate of 36% here outpaces many established metros, suggesting a rising demand curve. You’re trading top-tier salary for a lower entry point into the California market and a potentially faster advancement path as local companies build out their analytics teams.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be blunt: Compton’s cost of living is 15.5% above the national average. The biggest hit is housing. The average 1-bedroom rent is $2,252/month. Using a $87,236 salary, here’s what your monthly budget looks like.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Data Analyst, Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,269.67	($87,236 / 12)
Taxes (Est. ~28%)	-$2,035.51	CA has high state tax (9.3%+). Includes Fed, FICA, SDI. This is a rough estimate.
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,234.16	Your actual paycheck.
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$2,252.00	43% of take-home—high but common in CA metros.
Utilities & Internet	-$180.00	Varies by season.
Groceries	-$400.00	Compton has several affordable grocery chains (Food 4 Less, El Super).
Transportation	-$350.00	Gas, insurance, public transit (Metro Rail, bus). Car is recommended.
Healthcare	-$250.00	If employer covers a portion.
Savings/Debt/Other	$1,802.16	Discretionary. Can be used for student loans, retirement, or savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
At the median salary, buying a home in Compton is challenging but not impossible. The median home price in Compton hovers around $550,000. A 20% down payment is $110,000. With a $87,236 salary, you’d likely qualify for a loan, but the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would exceed $3,500/month—well over the recommended 30% of your gross income. Most analysts at this salary level rent, often splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate to lower costs, or live further east in more affordable cities like Lynwood or South Gate and commute.

Insider Tip: Look for employers offering a 401(k) match and transit subsidies. The Metro A Line (Blue) runs from Compton to Downtown LA, and many Compton-based employers are near the Compton station, making a car-free commute feasible and saving you hundreds.

Where the Jobs Are: Compton’s Major Employers

Compton’s data job market is anchored in sectors that generate massive amounts of operational data: healthcare, logistics, public services, and manufacturing. Here are the key players:

1. St. Francis Medical Center: A major Level II trauma center. They hire data analysts for patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and billing analytics. Hiring has been steady as healthcare data compliance (HIPAA) becomes more complex.
2. Compton Unified School District: One of the largest employers in the city. They need analysts for student performance data, budgeting, and grant reporting. Public sector roles offer strong job security and pensions.
3. Port of Los Angeles / Long Beach (Adjacent): While not in Compton proper, the massive port complex is a 20-minute drive and is a huge employer of supply chain and logistics analysts. Many Compton residents work here. Skills in SQL, Excel, and logistics software (like SAP) are key.
4. Southern California Edison (SCE): SCE has a major office in nearby Rosemead and hires analysts for grid management, customer usage data, and outage analytics. They value analytical rigor and often sponsor certifications.
5. Amazon Fulfillment Centers: The Inland Empire’s logistics boom spills over. Several Amazon facilities are within a 30-minute drive (e.g., in San Bernardino). They hire data analysts for warehouse optimization, inventory, and workforce planning. High turnover, but great for building experience.
6. City of Compton: The city government itself hires analysts for budget tracking, public safety data (police/fire), and community development metrics. Public sector jobs often require specific certifications (see below).
7. Local Manufacturing & Food Processing: Companies like L.A. Burdick Chocolate (in nearby Vernon) or Kraft Heinz plants in the region need analysts for supply chain and quality control data.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift from pure reporting to predictive analytics, especially in healthcare and logistics. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can not only pull data but also build dashboards (Tableau/Power BI) and suggest business actions.

Getting Licensed in CA

Unlike fields like accounting or nursing, data analysis in California has no state-mandated license to practice. However, professional certification is the de facto standard for career advancement.

State-Specific Requirements:

• No License Required: You can work as a data analyst without a state license.
• Recommended Certifications: While not state law, employers heavily favor:
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): Great for entry-level.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Extremely valuable in corporate settings.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Key for visualization-heavy roles.
• Costs: Certification exams range from $100 - $250. Many employers will reimburse this cost.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Month 1-3: Build a portfolio with public datasets (e.g., LA County Open Data, Compton city data). Complete an online certificate.
2. Months 4-6: Apply for entry-level roles, internships, or contract positions. Target the employers listed above.
3. Months 7-12: Once employed, pursue a more advanced certification (e.g., AWS Certified Data Analytics) to specialize and boost your salary toward the $98,000+ senior range.

Insider Tip: The California Department of Technology (CDT) offers resources and sometimes training for public sector data roles. If you’re considering city or state jobs, check their site.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live in Compton affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
North Compton (near I-110)	More residential, quieter. Easy freeway access to LA or Long Beach.	$2,100 - $2,300	Analysts working at St. Francis or commuting to LA.
Downtown Compton	Urban, walkable. Near Metro station, city hall, and local businesses.	$1,900 - $2,100	Those who want a walkable lifestyle and use public transit.
West Compton	Established, family-oriented. Closer to major employers like SCE.	$2,000 - $2,200	Analysts with families or who value community.
East Compton	More affordable, but older housing stock. Closer to the 91 freeway.	$1,800 - $2,000	Budget-conscious analysts who don’t mind a shorter commute to the IE.
Adjacent: Lynwood/South Gate	Not Compton, but 10 minutes away. Often more affordable, safer.	$1,800 - $2,100	Analysts prioritizing safety and slightly lower rent, willing to commute.

Insider Tip: The Compton Metro station is a major asset. Living within a 10-minute walk of it opens up jobs in Downtown LA, Long Beach, and beyond without a car. The A Line is clean and efficient.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Compton, your career growth hinges on specialization. A generalist Data Analyst at the median $87,236 is a good start, but to break into the $125,000+ range, you need a niche.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare Analytics: Skills in HIPAA, electronic health records (EHR), and patient risk modeling can add a 15-20% premium. St. Francis is a key employer here.
  • Supply Chain/Logistics: With the Port and Amazon nearby, expertise in inventory forecasting and route optimization is highly valued.
  • Public Sector Analytics: Understanding government budgets, grants, and public safety data is a unique skill set for city and school district roles.

10-Year Outlook: The 36% job growth is your biggest ally. As automation handles basic reporting, the demand for analysts who can interpret data for business strategy will soar. In 10 years, Compton’s data scene will likely be more integrated with the larger LA metro, with remote work allowing you to tap into higher-paying coastal jobs while living in Compton’s more affordable housing. The key is to build a versatile skill set now, specialize later, and leverage local employers as stepping stones.

The Verdict: Is Compton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary growth (36% over 10 years).	High cost of living (115.5 index), especially rent.
Strong entry-level market with lower competition than LA core.	Buying a home is difficult on a single median salary.
Strategic location near Port, LA, and IE job hubs.	Public perception can be a hurdle; research neighborhoods carefully.
Diverse employer base (healthcare, public sector, logistics).	Fewer pure tech companies compared to Westside or Silicon Beach.
Vibrant, culturally rich community.	Commute to higher-paying jobs in LA or OC can be traffic-heavy.

Final Recommendation: Compton is an excellent choice for data analysts in their first 5-7 years. It offers a solid median salary ($87,236), a growing job market, and a lower barrier to entry into the competitive California market. It’s ideal for those who value community, are savvy with budgeting, and are willing to specialize to advance. If your goal is to eventually break into the $150,000+ tech salaries, Compton is a viable launchpad, not a final destination. For those seeking work-life balance away from the ultra-high cost of coastal cities, it’s a compelling, data-backed option.

FAQs

Q: Is the median salary of $87,236 enough to live comfortably in Compton?
A: It’s enough to live, but not lavishly. With rent at $2,252/month, you’ll spend over 40% of your take-home pay on housing. Comfort requires strict budgeting, roommates, or a longer commute from a more affordable adjacent city.

Q: Do I need a car to work as a Data Analyst in Compton?
A: Highly recommended. While the Metro A Line is useful, many employers (like St. Francis, Amazon warehouses, and SCE offices) are not directly on the rail line. A car provides flexibility for commuting to nearby cities and is essential for grocery shopping and errands.

Q: How competitive is the job market with only 182 jobs in the metro?
A: The number seems small, but remember the 36% growth rate. Competition is moderate compared to LA or SF. You’ll face less competition from out-of-state candidates, and local employers often prefer candidates familiar with the community. Networking with local professionals on LinkedIn is key.

Q: What’s the single most important skill to get hired here?
A: SQL proficiency. It’s the baseline for almost every data analyst job in Compton, from healthcare to logistics. Pair it with a visualization tool like Tableau or Power BI, and you become a highly hireable candidate.

Q: Can I work remotely for a higher-paying LA company while living in Compton?
A: Absolutely, and this is a growing trend. With the $87,236 local median as your baseline, a remote role with an LA-based company could push your salary toward the $100,000+ mark. Ensure you have a strong home internet connection and a dedicated workspace. This hybrid model is arguably the best financial strategy for a data analyst in Compton.

Sources: Salary and job growth data derived from provided figures. Cost of living and rent metrics are based on local market averages (Zumper, BestPlaces.net). Employer information is based on local business directories and industry reports. Always verify specific job requirements and salary offers directly with employers.