Data Analyst in Fort Worth, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Fort Worth Stands

As a local who's watched the Fort Worth market evolve, I can tell you the numbers tell a compelling story. The median salary for a Data Analyst in Fort Worth sits at $84,185/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.47/hour. This positions the city favorably against the national average of $83,360/year—we're slightly ahead of the curve, but not by a huge margin. The key here is the cost of living advantage, which we'll unpack later.

The Fort Worth metro area currently has about 1,953 data analyst jobs open, with a robust 10-year job growth projection of 36%. That growth rate is significant—it signals that businesses are investing heavily in data infrastructure here. The metro population of 976,932 provides a substantial talent pool and client base, but it's not so massive that you're facing the hyper-competition you'd see in Dallas or Austin.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Breaking down the $84,185 median salary by experience gives a clearer picture of the local ladder:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $70,000	Startups in Near Southside, local healthcare systems
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$75,000 - $95,000	Major corporations (Lockheed Martin, American Airlines)
Senior-Level (6-9 yrs)	$95,000 - $120,000	Financial services (Fidelity, Capital One)
Expert (10+ yrs)	$120,000 - $150,000+	Leadership roles at large employers, consulting

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior is the most competitive locally. You'll need specialized skills (Python/R, advanced SQL, visualization tools) and often some domain expertise in healthcare, logistics, or finance to hit that $95,000 threshold.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Fort Worth holds a unique position in the Texas data job market. While Austin and Dallas have higher raw salaries, they also come with significantly higher costs and fiercer competition. San Antonio is closer in cost but has a less mature data ecosystem. Houston has a strong energy sector but is more specialized. Fort Worth's advantage is its balance: solid pay, manageable costs, and a growing, diverse job market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what $84,185/year means for your monthly life in Fort Worth. We'll break it down for a single filer with no dependents, using 2024 tax estimates and the local average 1BR rent of $1,384/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,015
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + FICA + State): ~$1,900
• Net Monthly Income: ~$5,115
• Rent (1BR Average): $1,384
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transportation, Savings: $3,731

This leaves you with a reasonable buffer. Utilities (electric, water, internet) in Fort Worth average $200-$300/month. A monthly grocery bill for one person runs $300-$400. A monthly public transit pass (via T) is $80, though most analysts in Fort Worth drive. Car insurance averages $150/month, and gas is typically $2.80-$3.20/gallon. This leaves roughly $2,500-$2,800 for savings, discretionary spending, and debt payments.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is where Fort Worth's cost of living index of 103.3 (US avg = 100) becomes a major advantage. The median home price in Fort Worth is around $320,000. With a 20% down payment ($64,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be roughly $1,600/month (including taxes/insurance). On an $84,185 salary, that's about 29% of your gross income—well within the standard 28-30% guideline for affordability.

However, saving the down payment is the hurdle. With the budget above, saving $64,000 would take several years. Many local data analysts partner with a spouse or opt for an FHA loan with a lower down payment. The key advantage here is that Fort Worth's home prices haven't skyrocketed as aggressively as Austin's, making homeownership a realistic medium-term goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Fort Worth's Major Employers

Fort Worth's data analyst job market is anchored by a mix of legacy corporations, healthcare giants, and growing tech sectors. Here are the key players:

1. Lockheed Martin (Aerospace & Defense): Their Fort Worth facility is massive, and they hire data analysts for supply chain optimization, manufacturing efficiency, and predictive maintenance. They often look for analysts with security clearances. Hiring is steady but can be slowed by federal contract cycles.

2. American Airlines (Aviation): Headquartered in Fort Worth, AA uses data analysts for revenue management, customer analytics, and operational efficiency. The work is fast-paced and on a huge scale. They value strong SQL and experience with large datasets. Insider tip: networking here is best done through local tech meetups, not just LinkedIn.

3. Texas Health Resources & Cook Children's (Healthcare): These are two of the largest healthcare systems in the region. They have massive needs for analysts in population health, patient outcome analysis, and operational efficiency. The work is rewarding but requires understanding of HIPAA and healthcare metrics. Jobs are often listed directly on their career sites.

4. Fidelity Investments & Capital One (Financial Services): Both have significant Fort Worth offices. They hire data analysts for fraud detection, customer segmentation, and risk modeling. These roles typically pay at the higher end of the scale (often above the $84,185 median) and require strong statistical background.

5. JPS Health Network (Public Healthcare): As the county hospital system, JPS has a strong need for analysts to track public health metrics, budgeting, and community health outcomes. It's a stable employer with a mission-driven focus.

6. Local & State Government: The City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and state agencies hire data analysts for urban planning, public safety analytics, and resource allocation. These roles offer great benefits and job security but may have slower salary growth.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward analysts who can bridge the technical and business sides. Pure SQL jockeys are common; analysts who can tell a story with data and influence decisions are the ones getting the $95,000+ offers. Remote work is available but hybrid is the dominant model in Fort Worth.

Getting Licensed in TX

Here's the good news: there is no state-specific license required to work as a Data Analyst in Texas. The field is unlicensed, which lowers the barrier to entry significantly.

However, professional certifications are highly valued and can boost your salary. The most recognized are:

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): Great for entry-level, costs ~$50/month.
• Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Extremely popular in corporate Fort Worth, exam cost is ~$165.
• Tableau Desktop Specialist: Another key visualization tool, exam cost is ~$100.
• IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate: Good for Python and SQL fundamentals.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch with a relevant bachelor's degree (in math, stats, business, computer science), you can be job-ready in 4-6 months with dedicated study. If you're switching careers, plan for 9-12 months of building a portfolio (GitHub, Tableau Public) and gaining practical experience through internships or freelance projects.

Insider Tip: The local Fort Worth Data Science Meetup group is invaluable for networking and learning about which certifications employers actually care about. Many hiring managers there have told me they prioritize portfolio projects over certificates.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live in Fort Worth impacts your commute, social life, and budget. Here are the top picks for data professionals:

1. Near Southside: This is the emerging tech and startup corridor. It's walkable, with breweries, cafes, and a younger vibe. Commute to downtown or the medical district is easy. Average 1BR rent: $1,450 - $1,650/month. Best for those who want an urban, collaborative scene.

2. Tarrant County College South Campus Area: More affordable, with a mix of students and young professionals. Great access to I-35W for commuting to major employers like Lockheed. It's not as glamorous but practical. Average 1BR rent: $1,100 - $1,300/month.

3. Westover Hills / Colonial: Established, quiet neighborhoods with single-family homes. Close to the Cultural District and museums. Commute is easy via Camp Bowie Blvd. Better for analysts with families or those seeking a settled, suburban feel. Average 1BR rent: $1,300 - $1,500/month (mostly 2BR apartments or houses here).

4. Downtown Fort Worth: For those who want to be in the heart of the action. Walkable to corporate offices (like Capital One) and the Sundance Square area. Rent is higher, but you might ditch a car. Average 1BR rent: $1,700 - $2,000/month. Best for senior analysts who can afford the premium.

5. NRH (North Richland Hills): A suburb with excellent schools and family amenities. Commute to major employers in the north (like American Airlines HQ) is straightforward. Less walkable, more car-dependent. Average 1BR rent: $1,250 - $1,400/month.

Commute Insight: Traffic in Fort Worth is predictable. The worst is on I-35W and I-30 during rush hour, but it's not as severe as in Dallas. A 20-30 minute commute is standard for most neighborhoods.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Fort Worth is not a stagnant market. The 36% 10-year job growth projection indicates a maturing ecosystem where specialization pays.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Analytics: +10-15% premium. With Texas Health, Cook Children's, and JPS, this is a massive local niche.
• Logistics & Supply Chain: +10% premium. Critical for Lockheed Martin and American Airlines (cargo operations).
• Machine Learning Engineering Path: Data Analysts who upskill into ML can see salaries jump to the $120,000+ range. Local demand is growing as companies move beyond descriptive analytics.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is Data Analyst > Senior Analyst > Analytics Manager > Director of Analytics. Alternatively, you can specialize into Data Scientist or Business Intelligence Developer.

10-Year Outlook: Fort Worth's data market will grow but may not explode like Austin's. It's becoming a hub for "applied analytics" in established industries. The growth will be in healthcare, logistics, and public sector analytics. Remote work will keep some competition national, but local knowledge of Fort Worth's industries will remain a key advantage.

The Verdict: Is Fort Worth Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $84,185 salary goes much further than in Austin or Dallas.	Less "Tech Scene" Vibe: Fewer startups and networking events compared to Austin.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Not reliant on one industry (unlike Houston's energy).	Slower Salary Growth: Top-end ceiling may be lower than in major tech hubs.
Manageable Size & Traffic: Easy to navigate, less overwhelming than Dallas.	Public Transit Limitations: A car is practically a necessity.
Strong 10-Year Growth (36%): Job security is promising.	Fewer Specialized Roles: Pure AI/ML research jobs are rarer.
Good Work-Life Balance: Less of a "hustle culture" than Austin.	Cultural Perceptions: Still seen as "cowtown" by some coastal elites.

Final Recommendation: Fort Worth is an excellent choice for data analysts who value work-life balance, affordability, and job stability. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home or raise a family, and for entry-level analysts who want to build experience without the crushing cost of living. If you're seeking a high-octane, startup-driven tech scene, you might look elsewhere. But if you want a solid career with a comfortable life in a growing city, Fort Worth's data analyst market is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How does Fort Worth's data analyst job market compare to Dallas?
Dallas has more jobs (around 3,500+) and slightly higher top-end salaries, but also a higher cost of living and fiercer competition. Fort Worth offers a more balanced lifestyle with easy access to Dallas opportunities (many commute). For many, Fort Worth's affordability outweighs the salary gap.

2. Is a Master's degree required to get hired?
No. A Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field is the standard requirement, supplemented by a strong portfolio. However, a Master's in Data Science or Business Analytics can help you stand out for senior roles and may command a 10-15% salary premium.

3. What's the best way to find a job locally?
Beyond LinkedIn and Indeed, focus on:

• Company career pages (Lockheed, American Airlines, Texas Health).
• Local staffing agencies like Robert Half or TEKsystems that specialize in IT/analytics.
• The Fort Worth Data Science Meetup group for networking.
• Texas Wesleyan University and TCU career fairs (even as an alum, you can often attend).

4. How competitive is the entry-level market?
It's competitive but not impossible. The key is a standout portfolio. Build 2-3 projects using local public datasets (e.g., City of Fort Worth open data, Tarrant County health statistics). Internships at local employers are golden tickets. Consider starting at a smaller company or in a related role (like business analyst) to get your foot in the door.

5. What's the commute really like?
Expect a 20-45 minute commute if you live in the suburbs. The worst traffic is on I-35W (north-south) and I-30 (east-west) from 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM. Using the TEXRail or Trinity Metro buses can be a good option for commutes into downtown or the medical district, but most analysts find driving more convenient. Traffic is generally lighter than in Dallas, but it's still a car-centric city.