Data Analyst in Fremont, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Fremont Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers, because in Fremont, the data tells a specific story. As of the most recent BLS and regional economic reports, the median salary for a Data Analyst in Fremont, NE is $80,984 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $38.93. While this is slightly below the national average of $83,360, it's crucial to contextualize this within the local economy. The Fremont metro area has a Cost of Living Index of 90.5 (where the U.S. average is 100), meaning your dollar stretches farther here than in most places.

The job market is small but growing. There are currently 54 Data Analyst jobs in the metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 36%. This outpaces many larger, saturated markets, indicating a steady demand for analytical talent in the region's core industries.

To understand where you might fit, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for the area:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Fremont)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$60,000 - $70,000	Data cleaning, basic reporting, supporting senior analysts, SQL queries, Excel dashboards.
Mid-Level	$75,000 - $90,000	Independent project work, building dashboards (Tableau/Power BI), statistical analysis, stakeholder management.
Senior-Level	$95,000 - $110,000+	Leading projects, mentoring juniors, advanced modeling, cross-departmental strategy, complex data architecture.
Expert/Lead	$115,000+	Departmental leadership, defining analytical strategy, advanced predictive modeling, integrating data systems.

How does Fremont compare to other Nebraska cities? It sits in a solid middle ground. Omaha and Lincoln have higher median salaries (often $85,000-$90,000) but also a significantly higher cost of living (index of ~95-100). Smaller cities like Grand Island or Kearney have lower salaries (around $70,000-$75,000) and a lower COL, but far fewer job opportunities. Fremont offers a unique balance: a competitive salary against a low cost of living, with a growing, local job market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $80,984 sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Fremont? Let's break it down. For a single filer with no dependents, federal and state taxes (NE has a flat 5.84% income tax) will take a significant chunk. After estimated federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare, your monthly take-home pay is roughly $4,800 - $5,000.

Now, the biggest variable: housing. The average 1BR rent in Fremont is $859/month. However, this is an average. Let’s consider a more realistic budget for a comfortable lifestyle, not just the absolute minimum.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Data Analyst, Median Salary):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,749
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (30%): -$2,025
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,724
• Rent (1BR in a decent area): $900 - $1,000
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $150 - $200
• Groceries & Essentials: $350 - $450
• Car Payment/Insurance (car is a necessity): $350 - $450
• Health Insurance (employer-sponsored): $150 - $300
• Discretionary/Entertainment: $300 - $500
• Savings/Investing: $800 - $1,200

This leaves you with a healthy surplus for savings and discretionary spending. The key is that housing is your largest expense, but it's remarkably affordable.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and it's a smart long-term move. The median home price in Fremont is approximately $220,000. With a 20% down payment ($44,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5% interest would have a monthly payment of around $1,100. This is only slightly more than the average rent for a 1BR. A Data Analyst earning the median salary could qualify for and afford a home in Fremont within a few years of saving, making property ownership a very realistic goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Fremont's Major Employers

Fremont's economy is rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, not tech. "Data Analyst" isn't a standalone title at most companies; it's an embedded role within operations, finance, or IT. Here are the key players:

1. Fremont Health (CHI Health): The largest employer in the region. They have a growing need for analysts to manage patient data, operational efficiency, and financial reporting. The hospital and its associated clinics are a steady source of analyst roles, often titled "Business Intelligence Analyst" or "Clinical Data Analyst."
2. Midwest Communications (Kaiser): A major broadcasting company with studios in Fremont. They require analysts for media metrics, advertising effectiveness, and audience data. This is one of the few employers where you might see more traditional "data analyst" titles.
3. Sandhills Publishing (The "Yellow Book"): A massive, locally-headquartered publisher of equipment guides. They have a significant digital transformation underway, creating a demand for analysts to interpret web traffic, sales data, and market trends. Insider Tip: Sandhills is known for promoting from within and values local talent.
4. Fremont National Bank: Like all financial institutions, they need analysts for risk assessment, customer analytics, and operational reporting. It's a stable, traditional environment.
5. Valmont Industries (Fremont Valley): A global leader in engineered structures for agriculture and utilities. Their Fremont plant requires analysts for supply chain logistics, manufacturing efficiency, and quality control data. This is a solid, industrial-tech hybrid role.
6. Local Government (City of Fremont, Dodge County): Government entities are increasingly data-driven for budgeting, public safety analytics, and urban planning. These jobs offer excellent stability and benefits.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is consistent but not rapid. The 36% growth is real, but it's from a small base. Most jobs are filled through internal promotions or local networking. Insider Tip: The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce and local LinkedIn groups are more effective for finding openings than national job boards.

Getting Licensed in NE

For Data Analysts, there is no state-specific license required in Nebraska. The field is governed by professional certifications, not government boards. However, there are important steps to establish credibility.

• State-Specific Requirements: None from a licensing perspective. You do not need a "Nebraska Data Analyst License."
• Relevant Certifications (Industry Standards):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: A common entry point.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Highly valued in corporate settings.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Useful for visualization-heavy roles.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): For more senior, advanced roles.
• Costs: Certification exams range from $100 (Google) to $250 (Microsoft/Tableau). Study materials can be free (Coursera) or cost a few hundred dollars.
• Timeline to Get Started: You can begin applying for entry-level roles while completing a certification. The process to land a first job can take 3-6 months of active searching. Having a portfolio of projects (even from online courses) is critical, as Fremont employers value practical skills over just a degree.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Fremont is a compact city, so commute times are minimal (typically 10-20 minutes anywhere in town). Your choice will come down to lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical Rent (1BR)	Best For
Downtown	Historic charm, walkable, near restaurants and bars. 5-10 min commute to most offices.	$900 - $1,100	Young professionals, those who want a social scene.
Northwest (near Hospital)	Quiet, established, family-friendly. Easy access to Fremont Health. 10-15 min commute.	$850 - $1,000	Those seeking stability, easy commute to the hospital.
Eastside	More affordable, mix of older and newer homes. Central location, 5-15 min commute.	$750 - $900	Budget-conscious analysts, first-time renters.
Southwest (near Sandhills)	Residential, safe, with good amenities. 10-15 min commute to major employers.	$800 - $950	Those who value quiet, suburban feel.
Lake Victoria Area	Upscale, scenic, with lake access. 15-20 min commute to downtown offices.	$1,000 - $1,300+	Senior analysts seeking a more premium lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Unlike big cities, you can find quality 1BR apartments in all these areas for under $1,000. The difference is in the local vibe. Visit on a Friday night or Saturday morning to get a true feel for each neighborhood.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Fremont, career growth for a Data Analyst is less about jumping companies and more about deepening expertise and taking on leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: You can boost your salary by specializing in niches relevant to local employers:
  • Healthcare Analytics (Fremont Health): Professionals with experience in HIPAA, clinical data, and EHR systems can command a 10-15% premium.
  • Supply Chain/Manufacturing (Valmont): Expertise in logistics, IoT data, and efficiency metrics is highly valued.
  • Financial/Banking (Fremont National): Risk modeling and fraud detection skills are a direct path to higher pay.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is: Data Analyst → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager → Director of Business Intelligence. Another path is to move laterally into a related field like Data Engineering (building pipelines) or Business Strategy. In Fremont, moving from Sandhills to Valmont or from the hospital to a bank is a typical way to advance.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 36% projected growth, the field is expanding. However, the small market size means you must be adaptable. The analyst who masters a local industry (e.g., agricultural data at Valmont) will become a local expert, insulating themselves from competition. Remote work is an option, but hybrid roles with local employers are more common and stable.

The Verdict: Is Fremont Right for You?

Fremont is not for everyone. It's a pragmatic choice for a data professional who values cost of living, job security, and a slower pace of life over the scale of a major tech hub.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than the national average. $80,984 feels like $100,000+ in bigger cities.	Limited Job Market: Only 54 jobs means less variety and slower turnover. You must be patient.
Affordable Homeownership: Buying a home is a realistic goal within a few years.	Limited Networking: Fewer tech meetups and conferences; growth is dependent on local industry.
Low Commute & Stress: 10-20 minute commutes are the norm. A calmer, less hectic lifestyle.	Cultural & Social Scene: Limited compared to Omaha or Lincoln; fewer events, diverse restaurants, etc.
Growing Demand: 36% growth shows the field is expanding, offering long-term stability.	Specialization is Key: You must align with local industries (health, ag, manufacturing) to maximize career growth.
Stable Employers: Major institutions like CHI and Valmont provide job security.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant new challenges and rapid change, Fremont may feel stagnant.

Final Recommendation: Fremont is an excellent choice for entry to mid-level Data Analysts who are financially savvy, prioritize work-life balance, and are willing to specialize in local industries. It's a fantastic place to build equity, save money, and grow into a senior role without the intense competition of major metros. However, senior experts seeking a dynamic, high-velocity tech environment may find the opportunities and pace limiting.

FAQs

1. What's the biggest surprise about working in Fremont?
The community. It's common for data teams at local companies to be small—sometimes just 2-3 people. You'll know everyone in your industry quickly, and collaboration is expected. It's not anonymous; your work directly impacts the community.

2. Do I need a car?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is minimal. A reliable car is essential for commuting and getting around town. Factor in $350-$450/month for a car payment and insurance.

3. How long does it take to find a job?
Plan for 3-6 months. The market is small, so openings aren't constant. Networking locally (Chamber events, LinkedIn) is crucial. Having a portfolio of work to show is more important than a generic resume.

4. Is remote work an option?
Yes, but it's more common for hybrid roles. Many Fremont employers (like Sandhills) offer 1-2 days of remote work per week. Fully remote analyst roles do exist but are competitive. The local market still values in-person collaboration, especially in manufacturing and healthcare.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a move?
Start with a certification (Power BI or Tableau is a great start). Build 2-3 portfolio projects using public datasets. Research the major local employers (listed above) and tailor your resume to their industries. Finally, visit for a weekend to experience the neighborhoods and pace. The data says Fremont is affordable and growing—now you need to see if it fits your life.