The Data Analyst's Guide to Dayton, Ohio

Welcome to Dayton. If you're considering a move here, you're likely looking for a place where your data skills can build a stable, affordable life without the chaos of a major coastal metropolis. As a Dayton local and career analyst, I've seen data professionals thrive here. The city is a quiet beast of industry and innovation, powered by aerospace, healthcare, and a growing tech scene. This guide cuts through the promotional fluff. We'll use hard numbers, local specifics, and a realistic look at the day-to-day to help you decide if the Gem City is your next home.

The Salary Picture: Where Dayton Stands

Let's start with the most important number: your paycheck. For a Data Analyst in Dayton, the median salary is $81,434/year, translating to an hourly rate of $39.15/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, which is typical for the Midwest's lower cost of living. With 271 jobs currently listed in the metro area and a 36% 10-year job growth projection, the market is stable and expanding. It's not a wildfire boom like some tech hubs, but it's a steady, reliable climb.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Dayton area (based on local job postings and BLS data for the Cincinnati-Dayton region):

Experience Level	Typical Dayton Salary Range	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $70,000	Premier Health, Dayton Children's, local marketing agencies, smaller manufacturing firms.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$70,000 - $95,000	Wright-Patterson Air Force Base contractors (Booz Allen, Leidos), LexisNexis, Dayton Freight Lines.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$95,000 - $120,000	Kettering Health Network, large credit unions (Dayton Daily News Credit Union), corporate HQs like Reynolds and Reynolds.
Expert/Lead (12+ yrs)	$120,000+	Leadership roles at aerospace contractors, director-level positions at major healthcare systems, consulting.

Insider Tip: The 36% growth isn't evenly distributed. The highest growth is in healthcare analytics (driven by Kettering Health and Premier Health expansions) and aerospace/defense contracting linked to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. If you have a security clearance or experience with government data, you can command a premium well above the median.

How Dayton Compares to Other Ohio Cities:
Dayton sits comfortably in the middle of Ohio's major metros. It's more affordable than Columbus or Cincinnati, with salaries that aren't drastically lower.

City	Median Salary (Data Analyst)	Cost of Living Index	Job Market Vibe
Dayton	$81,434	92.3	Stable, growing, defense/healthcare heavy.
Columbus	~$85,000	95.8	Fast-paced, diverse, finance/tech/government.
Cincinnati	~$84,000	94.5	Corporate HQs (P&G, Kroger), strong healthcare.
Cleveland	~$80,000	93.0	Healthcare, manufacturing, great lake access.
Toledo	~$77,000	88.5	Manufacturing, logistics, lower cost.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what's left for groceries, savings, and fun. Dayton's affordability is its biggest draw. With an average 1BR rent of $800/month and a Cost of Living Index of 92.3 (100 is national average), your money stretches further here.

Let's break down the monthly budget for a Data Analyst earning the median $81,434.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,786
• Taxes (Est. ~25% - Fed, State, FICA): -$1,697
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,089
• Monthly Budget Breakdown:
  • Housing (1BR Apartment): $800 - $1,100 (depending on neighborhood)
  • Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200
  • Groceries: $400
  • Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500 (Dayton is a driving city; public transit is limited)
  • Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $300
  • Entertainment/Dining Out: $300
  • Savings/Debt/Other: $1,489+ (This is a very healthy amount for savings or student loans.)

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely, and this is where Dayton truly shines. The median home price in the Dayton metro is around $180,000 - $220,000. With the savings potential outlined above, a Data Analyst here can realistically save for a down payment in 2-4 years while renting comfortably. A 20% down payment on a $200,000 home is $40,000. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be roughly $1,260/month (including taxes and insurance), which is manageable on a $81,434 salary. This is a stark contrast to markets where buying is a distant dream for median earners.

Where the Jobs Are: Dayton's Major Employers

Dayton's job market is anchored by a few key sectors. Your target list should be dominated by these local giants, which consistently hire data professionals.

1. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) & Its Contractors: This is the economic engine of the region. WPAFB itself is a massive employer of civilian analysts (via USAJobs.gov). The real hiring surge is in the contract ecosystem. Companies like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, CACI, and Northrop Grumman have significant offices in the Dayton area. They need analysts for logistics, cybersecurity, intelligence, and engineering data. Hiring Trend: Increasing demand for TS/SCI clearance holders. If you can get a clearance, your value skyrockets.

2. Premier Health & Kettering Health Network: The two largest healthcare providers. They generate vast amounts of patient, operational, and financial data. They hire analysts for population health, clinical outcomes, revenue cycle management, and operational efficiency. Hiring Trend: Focus on value-based care models is driving demand for analysts who can predict patient risks and reduce costs.

3. LexisNexis (a RELX Company): Headquartered in nearby Miamisburg, this is a global tech and information services giant. They have a massive data analytics operation, from legal research to risk management. Hiring Trend: Heavy investment in AI/ML and big data platforms, creating roles for data engineers and advanced analysts.

4. Reynolds and Reynolds: A major provider of business software and services to automotive dealerships. Their HQ is in Dayton. They need analysts for sales data, customer behavior, and operational metrics. Hiring Trend: As dealerships digitize, the need for analytics on sales processes and customer retention is growing.

5. Dayton Freight Lines: A premier regional LTL (less-than-truckload) carrier. Logistics is a data-intensive field. They need analysts for route optimization, fuel efficiency, and customer analytics. Hiring Trend: The rise of e-commerce fuels demand for logistics analytics to improve last-mile delivery and warehouse management.

6. Dayton Children's Hospital: A top-ranked pediatric hospital. They use data to track patient outcomes, manage resources, and guide clinical research. A great niche for analysts passionate about healthcare impact.

Insider Tip: Attend the Dayton Tech Council events or Data Day Ohio (held annually in Columbus but attracts Dayton professionals). Networking here is less about flashy pitches and more about genuine conversations. Many jobs at WPAFB contractors are filled through referrals.

Getting Licensed in OH

Good news: Ohio has no state-specific "Data Analyst" license. The field is credential-driven through experience and certifications. However, here’s the practical path to getting started or transferring your career here.

• State-Specific Requirements: None for the job title itself. If you are moving from another state, you don't need to "transfer" any license. Your skills and portfolio are your currency.
• Key Certifications (Highly Recommended):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: A solid entry-point credential, recognized by many Ohio employers.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Extremely valuable in Dayton, as many local companies (including healthcare and manufacturing) use Microsoft's suite.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): For mid-to-senior level, this adds significant credibility.
• Costs & Timeline:
  • Google Certificate: ~$39/month on Coursera (3-6 months to complete).
  • Power BI Exam: ~$165, requires study time (1-2 months).
  • CAP Exam: ~$695 for members, ~$895 for non-members (requires 3-5 years of experience).
• Getting Started: You can begin applying for jobs immediately if you have a portfolio. For a career changer, a 6-month timeline is realistic: 3-4 months for a foundational certificate (like Google's) and 2 months of building a portfolio with local datasets (e.g., analyzing Dayton public school performance data or COVID-19 case rates by county).

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Dayton is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe. Your choice depends on your commute, budget, and lifestyle.

1. Downtown Dayton: The urban core. Home to the Oregon District (entertainment), restaurants, and a growing number of loft apartments. You'll be close to many corporate offices and startups. Commute: 0-10 minutes by car, walkable to some offices. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
2. Kettering (South of Dayton): A major suburb with excellent schools, parks, and a quiet, family-friendly feel. It's a hub for healthcare workers (close to Kettering Health). Commute: 10-20 minutes to most Dayton offices. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
3. Centerville: Another premier suburb, known for its top-rated schools, shopping, and historic downtown. Slightly more upscale than Kettering. Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,250 for a 1BR.
4. Beavercreek: Home to the Mall at Fairfield Commons and major retail. It's a commercial hub with many corporate offices (like Reynolds and Reynolds) nearby. Commute: 10-20 minutes. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,150 for a 1BR.
5. Oakwood: A small, affluent, and highly walkable suburb with strict zoning and a strong community feel. It's quieter and more residential. Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR (mostly houses, but some apartments).

Insider Tip: If you're working with a WPAFB contractor, consider living in Fairborn or Huber Heights. They are closer to the base, have lower rents ($750 - $950 for a 1BR), and offer a direct commute via I-75 or SR-4.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Dayton isn't a "jump ship in two years" market. It's a "build a deep career" market. The 36% growth over 10 years indicates a maturing ecosystem.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare Analytics: +10-15% above median, due to demand and complexity.
  • Aerospace/Defense (with Clearance): +20-30% above median. This is the highest-paying niche.
  • Supply Chain/Logistics: +5-10% above median, thanks to companies like Dayton Freight Lines and Procter & Gamble's nearby presence.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Individual Contributor Track: Data Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Principal Analyst -> Data Scientist/Architect. The jump to Data Scientist is less common here than in tech hubs; most growth is in deep specialization.
  • Management Track: Analyst -> Analytics Manager -> Director of Analytics. This often requires moving into a specific industry (e.g., Director of Clinical Analytics at a hospital).
  • Consulting: A viable path with firms like BearingPoint or Crowe having a presence, or going independent to serve local businesses.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth will be in AI/ML integration and real-time analytics. The healthcare and defense sectors will continue to drive demand. Salaries are projected to grow steadily, likely keeping pace with national averages but retaining Dayton's cost-of-living advantage.

The Verdict: Is Dayton Right for You?

Dayton offers a pragmatic, value-driven career path for data analysts. It's a place to build equity, have a comfortable lifestyle, and work on meaningful problems in stable industries.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far; homeownership is achievable.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Compared to Columbus or Cincinnati, it's quieter.
Stable, Growing Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, defense, and logistics.	Dependent on Driving: Public transit is limited; a car is a necessity.
Short Commutes: Average commute is under 25 minutes.	Less "Tech" Culture: Fewer startups and tech meetups; more corporate.
Strong Community Feel: Easy to build a network and settle down.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries may be lower than in major coastal hubs.
Proximity to Nature: The Five Rivers MetroParks and bike trails are exceptional.	Winters Can Be Gray: Seasonal affective disorder is a real consideration.

Final Recommendation: Dayton is an excellent choice for data analysts who value work-life balance, affordability, and long-term stability over high-risk, high-reward startup culture. It's ideal for early-career professionals looking to build experience without crushing debt, mid-career analysts seeking to buy a home and start a family, and senior experts who can leverage niche skills in defense or healthcare for a high-quality life. If you crave constant innovation, a bustling social scene, and don't mind a 2-hour drive to a bigger city, you might find it slow. But if you want your data career to support a full, grounded life, Dayton is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Do I need a security clearance to work in Dayton?
No, but it opens the highest-paying doors. Many roles at WPAFB contractors require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a clearance. You can work in analytics without one, especially in healthcare, logistics, or corporate roles, but your ceiling will be lower.

2. How is the tech community in Dayton?
It's growing but smaller than Columbus's. The Dayton Tech Council is the main hub, with events like the Innovation Showcase. For more frequent tech meetups, many Dayton professionals join groups in Cincinnati (a 45-minute drive). The vibe is collaborative and less competitive than in Silicon Valley.

3. What's the best way to find a job here?

1. LinkedIn: Filter for Dayton and use keywords like "data analyst," "business intelligence," or "healthcare analytics."
2. Company Career Pages: Directly check the websites of Premier Health, Kettering Health, Reynolds, and the major WPAFB contractors.
3. Local Job Boards: Dayton Daily News Jobs and OhioMeansJobs Dayton are worth checking.
4. Networking: Connect with local analysts on LinkedIn and ask for a virtual coffee. Dayton professionals are generally open and helpful.

4. Is Dayton family-friendly?
Extremely. The suburbs (Kettering, Centerville, Oakwood) have top-rated schools, numerous parks, and family-oriented events. The cost of living allows for a single-income household to be feasible, which is rare in many metro areas.

5. What about taxes?
Ohio has a progressive income tax system (currently 2.75% - 3.5%). Sales tax is around 7% in the Dayton area. Property taxes are moderate but vary by county. Overall, the tax burden is lower than in high-tax states like California or New York, contributing to the net affordability.

6. Can I work remotely for a company outside Dayton?
Yes, and many do. The rise of hybrid work means you can live in Dayton's affordable market while earning a salary from a Cincinnati, Columbus, or even a national company. This is a powerful strategy to maximize your income-to-cost ratio. Just ensure you understand the company's remote work policies and any state tax implications.

7. What's the weather like?
Four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid (average high 85°F). Winters are cold, with averages in the 30s and occasional snow (average 20 inches). Spring and fall are beautiful. It's a true Midwest climate, so be prepared for layering.

**8. How do I break into the field here with