Here is a comprehensive career guide for Data Analysts considering Jackson, Tennessee.

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Data Analyst Career Guide: Jackson, Tennessee

As a career analyst who has watched the Tennessee labor market for years, I can tell you Jackson is a unique proposition. It’s not Nashville’s tech boom or Memphis’s logistics dominance, but it’s a stable, affordable market with a surprising amount of data-driven opportunity, particularly in healthcare and manufacturing. If you value a low cost of living and a manageable commute over a bustling urban core, Jackson deserves a serious look.

This guide breaks down the real economics of working here, from the paycheck to the mortgage payment, and maps out exactly where the jobs are.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Jackson’s data analyst salary is slightly below the national average, but the real story is the purchasing power. With a median salary of $80,183/year, you’re earning $38.55/hour. Given the city’s low cost of living, this goes significantly further than in larger metros.

How Salary Scales with Experience in Jackson:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Est.)	Key Employers Seeking This Level
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Regional hospitals, local banks, small manufacturers
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $90,000	West Tennessee Healthcare, large credit unions, automotive suppliers
Senior-Level	8-12 years	$95,000 - $120,000	Major manufacturers, corporate regional offices, healthcare systems
Expert/Lead	12+ years	$125,000+	Specialized consulting, management roles in large firms

Comparison to Other Tennessee Cities:
While Nashville offers higher nominal salaries (often $95,000+), the cost of living is 30% higher. Memphis averages around $82,000, but its violent crime rate in certain neighborhoods is a significant concern. Jackson provides a middle ground: salaries are competitive for the region, and the cost of living index of 87.3 (US avg = 100) makes it one of the most affordable metros in the state.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base number. In Jackson, many employers offer solid benefits packages, including low-premium health insurance and 401(k) matches, which can add $10,000+ in value to your compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a Data Analyst earning the median salary of $80,183. This is a realistic picture of your take-home pay.

Estimated Monthly Budget (Single Filer, Standard Deduction):

• Gross Monthly Income: $6,682
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,650
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,032
• Average 1BR Rent: $866/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $4,166

This leaves you with a very comfortable buffer. In contrast, a $83,360 national average salary in a city with a 100 cost of living index and average rent of $1,500 would leave you with less disposable income.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With the average home price in the Jackson metro around $250,000, a 20% down payment is $50,000. On an $80,183 salary, a standard mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,400/month. This is well within the recommended 28% of gross income (~$1,870). Saving the down payment is feasible for most mid-career analysts, especially with the low rent.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson’s economy is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and education. The 136 Data Analyst jobs in the metro reflects a steady, not explosive, demand. Here’s where to look:

1. West Tennessee Healthcare: The region’s largest employer, with multiple hospitals including Jackson-Madison County General. They have a massive need for analysts in patient outcomes, operations, and finance. Hiring has been consistent to support their expansion into analytics and population health.
2. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Regional Office): While based in Memphis, St. Jude has a significant presence in Jackson for administrative and support functions. Their data needs are cutting-edge, focusing on clinical research and donor analytics.
3. Regional One Health: Another major healthcare employer with facilities in Jackson. They are increasingly focused on data to improve patient care in their trauma and specialty centers.
4. Bridgestone Americas: The massive tire manufacturer has a large footprint in Tennessee. Jackson’s plant and corporate support offices require analysts for supply chain, production efficiency, and quality control data.
5. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Tennessee: While the main plant is in Georgetown, KY, its satellite operations and logistics partners in Jackson create jobs for analysts in logistics, inventory, and manufacturing process improvement.
6. Jackson Energy Authority (JEA): This municipal utility is a stable, local employer. They need analysts for billing data, customer usage analytics, and infrastructure planning.
7. First Citizens Bank & Trust (Regional HQ): A major regional bank with its headquarters in Jackson. They are a prime employer for financial analysts and data reporting specialists.

Hiring Trend: The shift is from generalist "report builders" to analysts who can use tools like Power BI, Tableau, and SQL to provide actionable insights. Healthcare analytics is the fastest-growing niche.

Getting Licensed in TN

For Data Analysts, there is no state-specific license required to practice. However, certain certifications and credentials are highly valued by employers, especially in regulated industries like finance and healthcare.

• Required Credentials: None by state law. Employers typically look for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Business). Professional certifications like the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) or vendor-specific certs (Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate) are common expectations.
• Cost: Exam fees range from $200-$800 per certification. Study materials and prep courses can add another $300-$1,000.
• Timeline: With relevant experience, you can prepare for a certification in 2-3 months of part-time study. For someone starting from scratch, a degree or a rigorous bootcamp (6-12 months) is the typical path into the field.

Insider Tip: The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development offers workforce training grants that can sometimes be applied to certification programs for in-demand fields like data analytics. Check their website for current offerings.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Jackson is a car-centric city. Commutes are short, but choosing the right area impacts your lifestyle. Here are the top picks:

1. North Jackson / The Villages: This is where many professionals and families live. It’s close to the Toyota and Bridgestone plants, has newer housing stock, and is just a 10-15 minute drive to downtown hospitals and banks. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,100.
2. Downtown Jackson: Revitalized and walkable, with historic homes and apartments. Perfect for someone who wants to be near restaurants (like the historic Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store) and the energy of the city. Commutes are minimal. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $1,200.
3. East Jackson: More residential and quiet, with established neighborhoods. It’s a straight shot to West Tennessee Healthcare’s main campus. Good value for renters and homebuyers. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $950.
4. Medina / Jackson outskirts: If you want more space and a small-town feel, these suburbs are popular. Commutes are slightly longer (20-25 mins) but you get more house for your money. Rent for a 1BR: Not common; better for buying a home.

Insider Tip: Traffic is not a major issue here. The I-40 beltway and US-45 are the main arteries. You can live almost anywhere in the metro and have a commute under 20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in Jackson is not about rapid job hopping but about deepening your expertise and transitioning to leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: Niche skills can boost your salary by 10-20%. The most in-demand specialties in Jackson are:
  • Healthcare Analytics: Understanding clinical data (EHRs like Epic) and regulations (HIPAA) is a gold mine.
  • Supply Chain & Logistics: For manufacturing roles, expertise in inventory and production analytics is key.
  • Financial Reporting: For banking and credit unions, SQL and regulatory reporting skills are essential.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Data Analyst (reports) -> Senior Analyst (insights) -> Analytics Manager (strategy). Many managers in Jackson are former analysts who stayed with a company for 5+ years. The small-town business culture values loyalty and institutional knowledge.
• 10-Year Outlook (36% Growth): The projected 36% job growth over 10 years is well above the national average for many fields. This is driven by the digitization of Jackson’s core industries—healthcare and manufacturing. As these sectors become more data-driven, the demand for analysts will rise proportionally. Remote work is an option, but local employers are increasingly creating hybrid roles.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward assessment of the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: $80,183 goes much further here than in Nashville or Memphis.	Limited Tech Scene: Few tech meetups, hackathons, or startups compared to major hubs.
Low Competition: The job market (136 jobs) is not flooded with applicants like larger cities.	Slower Pace: Career advancement can be more gradual; it’s not a "move in 2 years" culture.
Stable Employers: Major hospitals and manufacturers provide job security.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you will need a reliable car.
Short Commutes: Average commute is under 20 minutes, freeing up personal time.	Limited Entertainment: Fewer concerts, major sports, and cultural events than big cities.
Community Vibe: It’s a true community where your network can grow quickly.	Educational Gaps: While there are good schools, the metro lacks a major research university.

Final Recommendation:
Jackson is an excellent choice for pragmatic, value-oriented Data Analysts. If your priority is financial stability, a low-stress lifestyle, and the ability to afford a home early in your career, Jackson is a standout. It’s less ideal for those who thrive on constant networking, cutting-edge tech innovation, or a bustling nightlife. For the right person, it offers a rare combination of professional opportunity and life balance.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to live in Jackson?
Yes, absolutely. Jackson is a sprawling city with no meaningful public transportation system. A reliable car is essential for commuting and daily life.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level analysts?
It’s moderately competitive. While there are fewer openings than in Nashville, the candidate pool is also smaller. Having a portfolio of projects (even from GitHub or bootcamp work) and solid SQL skills will set you apart. The 36% growth indicates the market is expanding, which helps newcomers.

3. Is Jackson’s tech industry growing?
It’s growing, but slowly. The growth is happening within traditional industries (healthcare, manufacturing) rather than in pure tech startups. The most significant tech demand is for data infrastructure and analytics roles supporting these core employers.

4. What’s the salary outlook for seniors?
Senior analysts with 8+ years of experience and specialization can command $100,000 - $120,000. Management roles (Analytics Manager, Director of Business Intelligence) can exceed $130,000, though these positions are fewer and often filled internally.

5. Are there networking opportunities?
Yes, but they are more industry-focused. The Tennessee Economic Development Council and local chambers of commerce host events. For data specifically, look for healthcare IT or manufacturing excellence groups. Building a network here is about quality, not quantity; personal referrals are powerful.