Data Analyst in Round Rock, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Round Rock offers a solid, if not flashy, salary landscape for data analysts. It’s not Austin-level tech startup money, but the cost of living is lower, and the stability is higher. The median salary for a Data Analyst here is $82,759/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.79/hour. This is remarkably close to the national average of $83,360/year, meaning you aren't taking a pay cut to live in the Austin suburbs. The local job market is hungry, with 263 Data Analyst positions currently listed in the metro area and a robust 10-year job growth projection of 36%.

Here’s how that median salary typically breaks down by experience level. Note that these are illustrative ranges based on local market data, with the median sitting firmly in the mid-career bracket.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Round Rock)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $75,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$75,000 - $95,000
Senior	5-10 years	$95,000 - $120,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$120,000 - $150,000+

When you compare Round Rock to other major Texas cities, it holds its own. While Dallas and Houston might offer slightly higher top-end salaries for senior roles, they come with significantly higher costs of living and stress. Austin, just 20 miles south, offers more tech-centric roles but also has a housing market that can be brutal. Round Rock provides a "Goldilocks" zone: proximity to Austin's opportunities without the Austin price tag. It's a pragmatic choice for analysts who value a family-friendly environment and manageable commutes.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A $82,759 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Round Rock?

First, we need to estimate take-home pay. After federal, state (Texas has no state income tax), and FICA taxes, a single filer with no dependents can expect to take home approximately $63,500 annually or about $5,290 per month. This is a crucial advantage—no state income tax means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket.

Now, let's layer on housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Round Rock is $1,635/month. This is slightly below the national average and represents a manageable 31% of your take-home pay. This leaves you with $3,655 for all other expenses.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Data Analyst, Median Salary):

• Take-Home Pay: ~$5,290
• Rent (1BR Avg): $1,635
• Remaining for Utilities, Groceries, Car, Insurance, Healthcare, & Savings: $3,655

This is a comfortable budget. Utilities (electricity, water, internet) for a 1BR might run $150-$200/month. Groceries for one can be kept under $400. A car is essential in Round Rock; a monthly payment and insurance might average $500-$700. This still leaves significant room for savings, dining out, and entertainment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Round Rock hovers around $350,000-$375,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000-$75,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $2,000-$2,200. This would be about 38-42% of your take-home pay, which is on the higher end but feasible with a dual-income household or significant savings. For a single analyst, building a down payment while renting is the most common path.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

Round Rock's economy is anchored by a mix of major corporate HQs, healthcare, and education. Data analysts are in demand across these sectors, not just in tech. Here are the key players:

1. Dell Technologies: The namesake of the city's tech pedigree. Dell's global headquarters is here, and they hire data analysts for everything from supply chain logistics to customer analytics. They have a constant pipeline of roles, and insider tip: check their careers portal directly, as many local tech recruiters specialize in Dell placements.
2. Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD): A massive employer. Data analysts here work on student performance metrics, budget forecasting, and operational efficiency. These roles are stable, come with great benefits, and offer a clear mission. Hiring is often tied to the academic calendar.
3. Ascension Seton Williamson: The primary hospital in the area. Healthcare is a data-heavy industry, and analysts here work on patient outcomes, operational metrics, and financial reporting. These roles offer excellent job security and are less susceptible to tech industry volatility.
4. Texas State University (Round Rock Campus): The university's expanding presence in the area creates roles in institutional research, enrollment analytics, and grant management. It's a great environment for analysts who enjoy the academic setting.
5. Samsung Austin Semiconductor: While the massive fab is in Austin, the ripple effects are felt in Round Rock. Many engineers and analysts live here, and some corporate support roles are based locally. Supply chain and manufacturing data roles are key.
6. Amazon (Fulfillment Centers): Round Rock has several Amazon facilities. These are hubs for logistics and operations data. Analysts here focus on inventory turnover, shipping efficiency, and workforce management. The roles are fast-paced and data-intensive.

Hiring Trends: The market is competitive but not cutthroat. There's a steady demand for analysts who are proficient in SQL, Excel, and data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI). Knowledge of healthcare-specific data standards (like HL7) or education metrics gives you an edge in those sectors. Remote work is common for corporate roles, but many positions require hybrid schedules with 2-3 days in the local office.

Getting Licensed in TX

Here's the good news: Texas does not have a state-specific license or certification required to practice as a Data Analyst. The field is credential-driven, not license-driven. Your "license" is your skill set and portfolio.

However, pursuing certifications is highly recommended and can significantly boost your salary potential. The most respected are:

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) from INFORMS.
• Tableau Desktop Specialist/Certified Associate.
• Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate.
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (a great entry point).

State-Specific Requirements & Costs:

• Cost: Exam fees range from $100-$250 per certification. Study materials can add another $200-$500.
• Timeline: You can start studying immediately. Most entry-level certifications can be prepared for and achieved within 3-6 months of dedicated study, even while working full-time. There is no mandatory state board or continuing education requirement for data analysts in Texas.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, like Dell and healthcare systems, offer tuition reimbursement or professional development funds. Ask about this during the interview process—it can cover the cost of these valuable certifications.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live in Round Rock drastically affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Dell/Seton Area	Corporate, modern apartments. Walkable to some shops. Central commute to most major employers.	$1,500 - $1,700	Young professionals, short commutes.
Old Town	Historic charm, walkable to local restaurants and parks. Older housing stock, some apartments.	$1,400 - $1,600	Those who want character and a walkable core.
Forest Creek	Suburban, family-friendly. Near golf courses and greenbelts. Commute to Austin (I-35) can be heavy.	$1,600 - $1,800	Analysts with families or who love outdoor activities.
Teravista	Master-planned community, very suburban. Quiet, more car-dependent. Good schools.	$1,550 - $1,750	Those seeking a quiet, suburban feel with amenities.
Round Rock West	Established, affordable, mix of apartments and single-family homes. Central location.	$1,350 - $1,550	Budget-conscious analysts who want a central location.

Commute Insight: Traffic on I-35 is the daily reality. Living north of I-35 (like in Forest Creek or Teravista) means a reverse commute if you work in Dell or Seton. Living south of I-35 (Old Town, Dell Area) puts you closer to Austin, but you'll hit rush hour traffic heading south. Most local jobs are within a 15-minute drive, barring I-35 gridlock.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Round Rock is a fantastic place to build a long-term career, but you need a strategy. The 10-year job growth of 36% is strong, but the path from Analyst to Lead requires specialization.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Data (Seton): Analysts with experience in HIPAA, HL7, and clinical outcomes can command a 10-15% premium over generalists.
• Supply Chain/Manufacturing (Dell/Samsung): Expertise in ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle) and logistics modeling is highly valued and can push you into the $100k+ range faster.
• Education Data (RRISD/Texas State): Knowledge of student information systems (SIS) and federal reporting standards offers stability and a clear advancement path to director-level roles.

Advancement Path: The typical trajectory is Junior Analyst -> Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Analytics Manager. To move up, you must move beyond just reporting data to telling the story and influencing strategy. This means improving your stakeholder communication and business acumen. Many local analysts take MBA courses at Texas State's Round Rock campus to bridge that gap.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong. As companies in Austin spill over into Round Rock for cheaper office space and housing, the need for data-driven decision-making will grow. The key will be adapting to new technologies (AI/ML) and continuing to specialize. Analysts who can blend technical skills with deep industry knowledge will see the highest growth and salary increases.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, growing job market with major employers.	Traffic on I-35 can be a major headache, especially for Austin commutes.
No state income tax boosts your take-home pay.	Limited nightlife and cultural scene compared to Austin; it's a suburb.
Lower cost of living than Austin, Dallas, or Houston.	Car is essential; public transit is minimal.
Excellent school districts and family-friendly environment.	Can feel suburban/sleepy if you're a young professional seeking an urban vibe.
Proximity to Austin's tech ecosystem without the high price tag.	Limited direct flights from AUS; often connect through DFW or IAH.

Final Recommendation:

Round Rock is an excellent choice for data analysts who are prioritizing financial stability, family life, and a manageable commute. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, or for entry-level analysts who want to build experience at a major company without being priced out of the market.

If you are a recent grad seeking a vibrant, walkable urban environment with endless networking events and nightlife, you might find Round Rock too quiet. The smarter move for that profile is to live in Austin and commute to Round Rock for work. But for the vast majority of data analysts building a long-term career, Round Rock offers the best balance of opportunity, affordability, and quality of life in Central Texas.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to know how to code to be a Data Analyst in Round Rock?
A: SQL is non-negotiable. Python or R is a major plus, especially for mid-to-senior roles at tech companies like Dell. For healthcare or education roles, advanced Excel and BI tools (Tableau/Power BI) are often sufficient at the entry and mid-level.

Q: How competitive is the job market for a newcomer?
A: It's competitive but not impossible. The key is tailoring your resume to local industries. Highlight any experience with large datasets, and be prepared to discuss business impact, not just technical tasks. Use local job boards like Built In Austin and LinkedIn, filtering for Round Rock.

Q: Is the commute from Austin to Round Rock manageable?
A: It's a reverse commute (south in the morning, north in the evening), which is better than the opposite. However, I-35 is notoriously congested. A 20-mile drive can take 30-50 minutes. Many people use the Toll 130 (SH-130) to bypass it, but that costs money. Factor this into your housing decision.

Q: What's the best way to network locally?
A: Join the Austin chapter of groups like the Data Visualization Society or Women in Analytics. Attend meetups (often held in Austin but attended by many Round Rock professionals). Also, connect with recruiters who specialize in the Round Rock/Dell ecosystem on LinkedIn.

Q: Will I have to travel for work?
A: It depends on the employer. Dell and Samsung have global operations, so occasional travel is possible. Healthcare and education roles are typically local. Remote work flexibility is common post-pandemic, reducing the need for daily travel.

Sources:

• Salary Data: Provided by user (sourced from BLS/O*NET, Glassdoor, local job postings).
• Cost of Living/Rent: Sourced from local real estate market reports (Zillow, RentCafe) and Cost of Living Index data.
• Employer & Neighborhood Information: Derived from local business directories, city planning documents, and community insights.