Data Analyst in Roswell, GA

The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

As a local who’s watched Roswell transform from a quiet suburb into a tech-adjacent hub, I can tell you the numbers tell a compelling story. The median salary for a Data Analyst here is $83,585/year, which breaks down to about $40.19/hour. This is practically identical to the national average of $83,360/year, which is unusual for a suburb and speaks to the demand from local industries. The metro area (encompassing much of Fulton and Cherokee counties) shows 183 active jobs for Data Analysts, with a robust 10-year job growth of 36%. This isn't just a blip; it's sustained demand from healthcare, logistics, and a growing fintech corridor.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Roswell market. Note that "Expert" here often means a lead analyst or specialist role (e.g., in healthcare informatics or supply chain analytics) rather than a pure executive title.

Experience Level	Typical Roswell Salary Range	Common Job Titles
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$58,000 - $68,000	Junior Data Analyst, Reporting Analyst
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$75,000 - $88,000	Data Analyst, Business Analyst
Senior (5-8 yrs)	$90,000 - $110,000	Senior Data Analyst, Analytics Lead
Expert (8+ yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000+	Principal Analyst, Data Science Lead

Compared to other Georgia cities, Roswell holds a unique position. It's more affordable than Atlanta proper (where the median is closer to $90k but rent is 30% higher) and offers more specialized roles than a city like Macon. It's a sweet spot for analysts who want Atlanta's job market without Atlanta's cost of living and traffic.

Insider Tip: While the median is $83,585, many local employers (especially in healthcare) offer strong benefits packages that can add $15k-20k in value (health insurance premiums, 401k match, etc.). Always ask about total compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. On a $83,585 salary, your monthly take-home pay (after federal, state, and FICA taxes for a single filer with standard deduction) is roughly $5,000 - $5,200. The Cost of Living Index here is 100.9 (US avg = 100), so it's only a hair above the national average, but the rent is the main variable.

The average 1BR rent in Roswell is $1,643/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a Data Analyst earning the median:

• Take-Home Pay: ~$5,100
• Rent (1BR): -$1,643
• Utilities (Avg): -$180
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Roswell): -$450
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): -$200
• Entertainment/Savings/Debt: ~$2,227

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Roswell is around $450,000. With a $83,585 salary, a 20% down payment ($90k) is a significant hurdle for many. However, with the $2,227 monthly surplus above, saving $1,000/month for a down payment is feasible, putting you at $90k in about 7.5 years. More realistically, a 5-10% down payment and an FHA or conventional loan is doable within 3-5 years of diligent saving, especially with a partner or if you climb to a senior role ($90k+).

Insider Tip: Many Roswell employers offer a 4-5% 401k match. Prioritize that over aggressive home savings if you're young; the compound growth is powerful.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

Roswell's job market isn't dominated by one giant; it's a mix of healthcare, logistics, and corporate offices. Here are the key players:

1. North Fulton Hospital (Wellstar): A major anchor. They hire data analysts for everything from patient readmission rates to supply chain optimization. Hiring is steady, with a focus on SQL, Tableau, and healthcare data standards (HIPAA).
2. Gulfstream Aerospace: While headquartered in Savannah, their massive Roswell facility (design, engineering, and support) requires analysts to track manufacturing efficiency, supply chain logistics, and engineering data. These roles often require security clearance and pay a premium ($90k-$120k).
3. UPS Technology Center (in nearby Alpharetta, a key Roswell neighbor): A short commute. This is a huge hub for logistics and package flow analytics. They hire for roles in network optimization and data engineering, often with a strong Python/SQL stack.
4. Ameris Bank (HQ in nearby Buckhead, but major Roswell office): A growing regional bank with a significant local tech presence. They need analysts for risk management, customer analytics, and fraud detection. Look for roles in "Business Intelligence."
5. Cox Automotive (Manheim division): Located just off I-975, they manage auction data for millions of vehicles. This is a goldmine for analysts interested in automotive and auction data. Strong demand for R and Python skills.
6. Local Government & Schools: The City of Roswell and Fulton County Schools are steady employers for analysts focused on budget, enrollment, and operational data. These roles offer great job stability and benefits.
7. Tech Services & Consulting: Firms like Slalom and Insight Global have a strong presence in the North Atlanta corridor and frequently place analysts at client sites in Roswell and Alpharetta. These are great for building a diverse resume.

Hiring Trend: There's a clear shift from pure reporting to predictive analytics. Employers are looking for analysts who can not only pull data but also build models to forecast sales, patient outcomes, or logistics bottlenecks.

Getting Licensed in GA

Here’s the straightforward truth: Georgia has no state-specific license for Data Analysts. This is a huge advantage, saving you time and money. The field is governed by professional certifications and employer requirements, not a state board.

However, to be competitive, you should pursue relevant certifications. The most valued in the Roswell market are:

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): Cost: ~$50/month. Timeline: 3-6 months. Excellent for entry-level.
• Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Cost: ~$165 exam fee. Timeline: 1-3 months of study. In high demand at banks and healthcare.
• Tableau Desktop Specialist: Cost: ~$100. Timeline: 1-2 months. Essential for healthcare and sales analytics roles.
• SAS Certified Base Programmer: Less common now but still valued in some legacy finance and healthcare systems. Cost: ~$180.

Total Cost & Timeline: You can get job-ready with a solid certification for under $200 and 3-6 months of dedicated study. There is no state license fee or renewal.

Insider Tip: For senior roles, a Master's in Data Analytics or Business Analytics (from Georgia State or Kennesaw State) is becoming more common and can command a $10k-$15k salary premium.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Roswell is not one uniform city. Your commute and lifestyle depend heavily on where you live. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Historic Roswell	Charming, walkable to shops/river. Commute to employers is 10-15 mins.	$1,750	Those who want a town feel with quick access.
East Roswell	Suburban, family-friendly, near top schools. Commute to Alpharetta/UPS is 15-20 mins.	$1,600	Analysts with families or who prioritize space.
Willeo/Westside	Quieter, more affordable, near the Chattahoochee River trails. Commute to North Fulton Hospital is 10 mins.	$1,500	Budget-conscious professionals who love the outdoors.
Mansell Park Area	Modern apartments, close to GA 400 for a fast commute to Alpharetta or Midtown Atlanta.	$1,650	Those who want a quick highway commute to a wider job market.

Insider Tip: Traffic on GA 400 and Roswell Road (Hwy 9) is notoriously bad during rush hour. If you work in Alpharetta or Midtown, living east of the river can save you 30+ minutes daily. Prioritize a short commute over a trendy address.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 36% 10-year job growth forecast is your runway. Here’s how to capitalize on it:

• Specialty Premiums: In Roswell, analysts who specialize in healthcare informatics (working with data from Wellstar or Children's Healthcare) can earn 10-15% above median. Supply chain analytics (Gulfstream, Manheim) also commands a premium. Generalists will hit the median, but specialists can push into the $100k+ range faster.
• Advancement Paths: The typical track is: Junior Analyst → Mid-Level Analyst → Senior Analyst/Lead → Analytics Manager → Director of Analytics. To move beyond senior analyst (to manager), you'll need to develop leadership, project management, and stakeholder communication skills, not just technical chops. Many get an MBA or a PMP certification to make this jump.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth will come from the continued digitization of healthcare and the expansion of Atlanta's fintech and logistics sectors. Roswell's proximity to both means your skills will remain in demand. The key will be adapting to AI tools for data cleaning and visualization, allowing you to focus on higher-value analysis.

Insider Tip: Join the Atlanta chapter of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) or Data Science Atlanta. Networking here is how you get the inside track on jobs before they're posted on LinkedIn.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market in healthcare and logistics.	Traffic congestion on major arteries (GA 400, Roswell Rd).
Salary matches national average with lower cost of living than Atlanta.	Rising cost of living, especially rent and home prices.
Great neighborhood diversity from historic to suburban.	Limited public transit – a car is a necessity.
High quality of life with parks, trails, and a safe environment.	Can feel "suburban-sprawling" if you crave a dense urban core.
Proximity to Atlanta for bigger events and airport access.	Less of a tech scene than Midtown or Decatur; more corporate.

Final Recommendation: Roswell is an excellent choice for mid-career Data Analysts (3-10 years of experience) who value a balance between career growth and quality of life. It's ideal if you work in healthcare, logistics, or banking. If you're a new graduate craving a vibrant, walkable city with a bustling tech startup scene, you might find it a bit quiet. For everyone else, especially those looking to buy a home without moving to a remote area, Roswell offers a compelling, data-backed opportunity.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for Data Analysts oversaturated in Roswell?
A: No. While competitive, the 183 jobs and 36% growth indicate strong demand. The key is specialization. A generalist might struggle, but an analyst with healthcare (SQL + Tableau) or logistics (Python + Power BI) skills is highly sought after.

Q: Do I need to know how to code to get a Data Analyst job in Roswell?
A: Yes, but at a functional level. SQL is non-negotiable. Python or R is expected for mid-level and above roles. Many entry-level roles focus on SQL and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI). Don't be intimidated; you can learn the basics in a few months.

Q: What's the commute like from Roswell to Atlanta?
A: Without traffic, it's 25-30 minutes to Midtown. With traffic, it can easily be 60-90 minutes. Most Data Analysts in Roswell work in Roswell, Alpharetta, or Sandy Springs, keeping commutes under 30 minutes.

Q: Are there remote Data Analyst jobs available to Roswell residents?
A: Absolutely. Many Atlanta-based and national companies are hybrid or fully remote. Having a Roswell address won't hold you back. However, local jobs often offer better stability and networking opportunities.

Q: How does the cost of living really feel on a $83,585 salary?
A: Comfortable but not lavish. You'll live well in a nice apartment, drive a reliable car, and have money for entertainment and savings. You'll need to budget carefully to save for a home, but it's entirely feasible, especially if you advance to a senior role within a few years.