Accountant in Dover, NH

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape of New England, I can tell you that Dover, New Hampshire, offers a unique proposition for accountants. It’s not the bustling financial hub of Boston, and it’s not a sleepy rural town. Dover is a historic mill city that has reinvented itself, sitting in the heart of the Seacoast region. For an accountant, that means a stable job market, a reasonable cost of living (by New England standards), and a quality of life that balances professional opportunity with coastal access. This guide is your no-fluff, data-driven roadmap to building a career in accounting right here in the 03820.

The Salary Picture: Where Dover Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers. The accounting profession in the Dover metro area (which includes surrounding towns like Rochester and Somersworth) pays competitively, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage data, the median salary for an accountant in Dover is $89,075/year, or an hourly rate of $42.82/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $86,080/year, a notable advantage given Dover's lower cost of living compared to major metro areas.

The job market is steady but not explosive. There are approximately 66 accounting jobs listed in the metro area at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This indicates a stable, consistent demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle—ideal for those seeking long-term security.

To understand where you fit, here’s a breakdown of salary progression based on experience within the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Local Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0-2	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Career	3-7	$75,000 - $95,000
Senior	8-15	$95,000 - $120,000
Expert/Manager	15+	$120,000 - $150,000+

Insider Tip: The median of $89,075 sits squarely in the mid-career range. To push past this number, you’ll need to specialize or move into management. Public accounting firms (like the regional offices in nearby Portsmouth or Rochester) often pay at the higher end of these ranges for senior roles, while corporate accounting positions at local manufacturers or healthcare systems might offer more stability but slightly lower caps.

Comparison to Other NH Cities:

• Portsmouth, NH: The Seacoast's financial center. Salaries here are 10-15% higher (median ~$98,000), but the cost of living, especially housing, is significantly steeper. A 20-minute commute from Dover can get you that Portsmouth salary without the Portsmouth rent.
• Manchester, NH: The state's largest city. Wages are competitive with Dover, but the cost of living is lower. It’s a larger job market with more corporate headquarters, but it lacks the coastal lifestyle.
• Concord, NH: The state capital. Similar median salaries to Dover, with a strong mix of state government, non-profit, and corporate jobs. The lifestyle is more centralized and less coastal.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what lands in your bank account. For an accountant earning the Dover median of $89,075, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown.

Let’s assume you’re single, filing as Head of Household, with standard deductions (this is a simplified estimate; consult a tax professional). After federal and state taxes (NH has no income tax, but a 5% interest & dividends tax), your take-home pay is approximately $5,400/month.

Monthly Budget for an Accountant ($89,075 Salary):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,400	After taxes & basic deductions
Rent (1BR)	($1,506)	Average 1BR rent in Dover
Utilities	($200)	Eversource (electric/gas), trash, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	($450)	Essential in Dover; limited public transit
Groceries	($400)	Shopping at Hannaford, Market Basket, local butchers
Health Insurance	($200)	If employer doesn't cover 100%
Retirement/Student Loans	($400)	401(k) match, student loan payments
Discretionary	($1,244)	Dining, entertainment, savings, travel

Can they afford to buy a home?
The average home price in Dover is approximately $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be around $2,260/month, including taxes and insurance. That’s 42% of your gross monthly income, which exceeds the recommended 30% rule. For a single income earner at the median salary, buying a home immediately is a stretch. However, with a dual-income household (common in the area), strategic budgeting, or a few years of career advancement (moving into the $95,000-$120,000 senior range), home ownership becomes very feasible. Many Dover residents work in Portsmouth and commute back, using that higher salary to secure a mortgage.

Where the Jobs Are: Dover's Major Employers

Dover's economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The accounting roles here are often internal, supporting these core industries. Public accounting opportunities are more prevalent in neighboring cities.

1. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital: A major employer in the region, part of the Mass General Brigham system. They hire staff accountants, accounts payable specialists, and financial analysts. Hiring Trend: Steady growth due to system integration and expansion of outpatient services.
2. Cocheco Mill & Riverwalk Development: While not a single employer, the historic mill complex houses a mix of businesses, including tech companies and professional service firms. Look for accounting roles at firms like Gossler Park or other professional services located in the Riverwalk area.
3. Local Manufacturing (e.g., Lindt & Sprüngli, Velcro Companies): Several large manufacturers have facilities in or near Dover. They require cost accountants, plant controllers, and financial analysts to manage operational budgets. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on efficiency and cost control.
4. University of New Hampshire (Durham, adjacent): UNH is a massive employer. They hire accountants for grants management, departmental budgets, and central finance. While the main campus is in Durham, many staff live in Dover for the shorter commute and lower cost of living.
5. Public Accounting Firms (Portsmouth/Rochester): While not in Dover proper, firms like KPMG (Portsmouth office), RSM, and Gibson & Associates (Rochester) serve Dover's business community. These are the best paths for CPA exam candidates seeking audit and tax experience. Insider Tip: A commute to Portsmouth (20-30 minutes) is common and often leads to higher-paying public accounting roles.
6. City of Dover: Municipal government jobs offer stable, pension-eligible positions for accountants in the finance department. Pay is competitive for the sector, and the work-life balance is famously good.

Getting Licensed in NH

To practice as a licensed CPA in New Hampshire, you must follow the state's specific pathway, regulated by the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 credit hours) is the minimum, but you need 150 credit hours to sit for the exam and be licensed. Most candidates complete a master’s in accounting or an MBA to meet this.
2. Exam: Pass all four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can apply for the exam once you have 120 credit hours.
3. Experience: You need one year of qualifying experience (2,000 hours) under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the New Hampshire-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (for all four sections)
• Application Fees: ~$200 (state board)
• Education: Varies widely; a master’s program in NH can cost $20,000-$40,000.
• Timeline: From starting your 150-hour education to full licensure, expect 3-4 years. You can work as an "associate" or "senior" while completing your experience and exam.

Insider Tip: Many Dover accountants work for firms in Portsmouth or Boston while completing their experience requirement, then return to Dover for a senior corporate role once licensed. The cost of living advantage makes this a financially savvy career path.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Dover is a compact city, and most neighborhoods offer a comfortable commute to major employers. Here’s a breakdown by lifestyle and commute.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown Dover (03820)	Walkable, historic, close to restaurants, bars, and the Cocheco Riverwalk. 5-10 min drive to most employers.	$1,600 - $1,800	Young professionals who want an urban feel without Boston prices.
Garrison Road / Six Points	Established residential area with single-family homes and some apartments. Quiet, family-friendly. 10-15 min drive to downtown or hospital.	$1,400 - $1,600	Accountants looking for space, stability, and a suburban feel.
South Dover / Near the Mall	Modern apartment complexes, easy access to I-95 and Route 108. Newer constructions. 10-15 min drive to most employers.	$1,550 - $1,750	Those who prioritize modern amenities, easy highway access, and proximity to shopping.
Madbury / Durham Border	More rural, with larger lots and a quiet atmosphere. Close to UNH. 15-20 min commute to Dover core.	$1,300 - $1,500 (for less space)	Accountants who want a quiet home base, possibly working remotely or at UNH.

Insider Tip: The area around Six Points is often called "the Golden Triangle" by locals—it's centrally located, safe, and has a mix of housing options perfect for a professional starting out.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Dover is not a place for rapid, explosive career growth unless you're in a niche specialty. It’s a place for building a solid, well-compensated career with excellent work-life balance.

• Specialty Premiums: In Dover, the most valuable specialties are Cost Accounting (for manufacturing), Grants Management (for UNH and non-profits), and Healthcare Reimbursement (for Wentworth-Douglass). These can add a 10-15% premium to your base salary.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager/Controller. The jump to Controller is significant; at a mid-sized company in Dover, a Controller can earn $130,000+. The path to CFO is rarer and often requires moving to a larger firm in Portsmouth or Manchester.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% growth rate, the field is stable. Automation will reduce some transactional roles (AP/AR), increasing demand for analysts who can interpret data. The key to longevity is moving from data entry to data interpretation. Certifications (CPA, CMA) remain the gold standard for advancement.

The Verdict: Is Dover Right for You?

Dover is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize quality of life and a stable, livable salary. It’s ideal for those who want to be near the ocean and mountains, avoid the chaos of a major city, and still have a professional career path. It’s less suitable for those aiming for the highest echelons of finance or a fast-paced, high-growth tech startup environment.

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost of Living: $89,075 goes further here than in Boston or Portsmouth.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity.
Work-Life Balance: Strong local culture values evenings and weekends.	Smaller Job Market: Fewer employers means less immediate choice.
Location: 1 hour to Boston, 1 hour to Portland, ME, 10 mins to the beach.	Slower Career Pace: Growth is steady, not rapid.
Sense of Community: You'll become a local quickly.	Housing Prices: Are rising, though still below coastal averages.

Final Recommendation: If you're a mid-career accountant seeking a stable role, a manageable commute, and a life where you can afford a home and enjoy your free time, Dover is a top-tier choice. For entry-level CPAs, it's a smart place to start—but plan on commuting to Portsmouth for the foundational experience and higher starting salary.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Dover without a car?
Technically, yes, but it’s challenging. Downtown Dover is walkable, and there’s a local bus service (COAST), but most employers (hospital, manufacturers) require a car. For a professional, a reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable part of the budget.

2. How does the cost of living in Dover compare to the national average?
Dover’s Cost of Living Index is 111.6, meaning it’s 11.6% more expensive than the U.S. average. However, this is driven by housing. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are close to the national average. The key is that your $89,075 salary here buys a better lifestyle than the same salary in a major metro.

3. Is the accounting job market in Dover competitive?
With only 66 jobs in the metro, it’s not as fluid as Boston. However, the 4% growth and stable industries mean there’s steady demand. Networking is crucial. Join the local chapter of the NH Society of CPAs and attend events at the University of New Hampshire or the Dover Chamber of Commerce.

4. Are there remote accounting jobs available from Dover?
Yes. Dover’s location makes it a viable home base for remote positions with Boston or national firms. The local internet infrastructure is decent, and many companies now offer hybrid roles. This can significantly expand your job options beyond the local 66 listings.

5. What’s the biggest surprise for accountants moving to Dover?
The pace. It’s not just about leaving the city; it’s about the shift in professional culture. Business meetings might get interrupted by a discussion about the high school football game or a weekend hike. The community is tight-knit, and your professional reputation is part of your personal one. It’s a place where you can build a deep, integrated life, not just a career.