Accountant in Lebanon, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Lebanon Stands

As a local who's watched the labor market here for years, I can tell you that accounting salaries in Lebanon, NH, are a fascinating case study. You're operating in a unique ecosystem—a small city of 14,759 residents that's the commercial and medical heart of the Upper Valley. The median salary for an accountant in Lebanon is $88,404/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.5. This is actually above the national average of $86,080/year, a rare and notable advantage for a city of this size.

This premium exists because Lebanon isn't just another rural town. It's anchored by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) and a thriving small business community that needs sophisticated financial management. The 10-year job growth for accountants in the metro area is 4%, which is modest but stable. With only 29 accounting jobs in the metro, competition can be fierce, and the field is small, but those who are good—and who understand the local landscape—do very well.

Here’s a more granular look at the salary progression you can expect in Lebanon:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Local Context
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$62,000 - $72,000	Often starts at DHMC’s large back-office, local CPA firms like Proulx & Associates, or in municipal finance. You’ll handle AP/AR, basic tax prep, and ledger management.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$78,000 - $95,000	This is the sweet spot. You might be a tax manager at a regional firm, a senior accountant at a local manufacturing company, or a financial analyst for a healthcare entity.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	Often involves supervising teams, managing complex audits for local nonprofits, or serving as a controller for a business in the Lebanon Industrial Park.
Expert (12+ yrs)	$115,000+	Typically a Partner at a local CPA firm, CFO for a large local employer (like a hospital department or a sizable construction company), or a Director of Finance for the City of Lebanon.

To put this in perspective, compare Lebanon to other New Hampshire hubs. Manchester and Nashua, with their larger corporate presence, may offer slightly higher top-end salaries, but the cost of living is also significantly steeper. Concord, the state capital, offers a similar mix of government and private sector jobs, but the market is smaller. Lebanon’s $88,404 median is highly competitive for the region, especially when you factor in the quality of life and slower pace.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about the numbers. An annual salary of $88,404 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Lebanon?

First, the take-home. After federal taxes (about 22% for this bracket), state income tax (NH has no income tax on wages, but a 5% tax on interest and dividends), and FICA (7.65%), your monthly take-home pay is approximately $5,800 - $6,000. This is a strong foundation for living in the Upper Valley.

Now, the biggest fixed cost: housing. The average 1BR rent in Lebanon is $1,471/month. This is higher than the national average, reflecting the tight housing market driven by the hospital and college. Your rent-to-income ratio would be roughly 25% of your take-home pay, which is manageable by most financial standards.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for an accountant earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,900	After taxes and deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$1,471	The median for a decent apartment in town.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; winters are costly.
Groceries & Household	$600	Living well but not lavishly.
Transportation	$350	Car payment, insurance, gas (Lebanon is car-dependent).
Health Insurance	$300	Often a good employer benefit, but plan for the premium.
Student Loans/Debt	$400	Common for accountants with a bachelor’s or master’s.
Retirement (401k/IRA)	$500	Strongly recommended at this salary.
Discretionary (Dining, Fun, Savings)	$1,029	For travel, hobbies, or building a nest egg.
Total Expenses	$4,900
Remaining Buffer	$1,000	For unexpected costs or accelerated savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? It's a challenge, but possible. The median home price in the Lebanon area is approximately $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), a mortgage, taxes, and insurance, your monthly housing cost could jump to $2,200 - $2,400. That would consume nearly 40% of your take-home pay, which is stretching it. It’s doable if you’re a dual-income household or have a significant down payment saved. Many local accountants start their careers renting in Lebanon or nearby White River Junction, VT, and save aggressively for a home in a more affordable surrounding town like Hanover or West Lebanon.

Where the Jobs Are: Lebanon's Major Employers

Lebanon’s job market is dominated by the healthcare and education sectors, with a strong backbone of small businesses and municipal government. Here’s where you’ll find the 29 accounting jobs in the metro:

1. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC): The 800-pound gorilla of the local economy. DHMC’s finance department is massive, employing dozens of accountants, financial analysts, and auditors. They handle everything from patient billing (a complex beast) to departmental budgeting and grant management for their research arms. Hiring is steady, but often for internal transfers. The work environment is corporate, with excellent benefits.
2. The City of Lebanon: The municipal government is a significant employer for public sector accountants. The Finance Department manages the city’s $30M+ annual budget, property taxes, and various funds. It’s a stable, pension-based career path. They often post for Accountant I/II positions.
3. Regional CPA Firms: Firms like Proulx & Associates, PC and KPMG LLP (which has a local office serving the Upper Valley) are the primary private-sector hubs. They serve the local ecosystem of small businesses, non-profits (like the Hood Museum of Art and local conservation trusts), and high-net-worth individuals. Hiring here is cyclical, with a big push before tax season (Jan-April). This is where you build a broad skill set.
4. Local Manufacturing & Tech: Companies like Hypertherm (a global manufacturer of plasma and laser cutting systems, headquartered in nearby Hanover/Lebanon) and King Arthur Baking Company (in Norwich, VT) have finance teams that need local accountants. The work is focused on cost accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting for a global company with a local footprint.
5. Non-Profit Sector: A huge part of the Upper Valley economy. Organizations like the Upper Valley Haven (a food and shelter charity), Kilton Public Library, and various arts and environmental groups rely on accountants for grant compliance, financial oversight, and budget management. These roles often come with a mission-driven focus but may offer slightly lower salaries than the corporate world.
6. Dartmouth College: While the main campus is in Hanover, its financial operations have a significant presence in the area. Accountants here manage endowments, research grants, and departmental budgets. The environment is academic and can be a good fit for those who value education.
7. The Upper Valley Business Alliance: This is your best resource for networking. They host events where you can meet controllers and CFOs from smaller local companies that aren't big enough to post on Indeed but are always looking for good, local accounting help.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a growing need for accountants who understand grant management (for non-profits and research) and compliance for healthcare billing. If you have even basic experience in these areas, you’ll stand out. The 4% growth rate means jobs don’t open up daily, so networking is critical.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire’s licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The New Hampshire Board of Accountancy governs the process.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree with 120 credit hours is the minimum to sit for the CPA exam. However, to get the license, you need 150 credit hours. Most accountants in Lebanon get their 150th hour through a master’s in accounting or taxation from a local program like the one at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) or through online programs.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You must apply through the NH Board and get your Authorization to Test (ATT).
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government. The work must involve the application of accounting, attest, or management advisory skills.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,200 - $1,500 (Varies by section).
• Application/Licensing Fees: ~$300 - $500 (to the NH Board).
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000 (Becker, Wiley, Roger).
• Total Upfront Cost: $3,000 - $5,000 is a realistic estimate.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Exam: Once you have your 120 credits, you can apply for your ATT. Studying and passing all four sections typically takes 12-18 months of dedicated effort.
• Experience: If you’re hired as an entry-level accountant, you can complete your experience requirement within 1-2 years.
• Full License: From starting your exam journey to holding your CPA license, expect 2.5 - 3 years if you’re working full-time.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially DHMC and larger firms, will support your CPA journey with tuition reimbursement for your 150th credit and paid time off for exam days. When interviewing, ask about this benefit upfront.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Living in Lebanon is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. The city itself is small, but the options expand when you consider the Upper Valley.

1. Downtown Lebanon: The urban core. You’re a 5-10 minute walk to DHMC, the Lebanon City Hall, and the main strip of restaurants and shops on North Park Street. It’s walkable, has some older but charming apartments, and a lively feel. Rent for a 1BR is $1,400 - $1,600. Ideal for young professionals who want to be in the mix and minimize their commute. Parking can be a hassle in winter.
2. West Lebanon: More suburban and commercial. This is where you’ll find the big box stores (Target, Lowe’s), the movie theater, and many newer apartment complexes. It’s a 10-minute drive to downtown Lebanon or DHMC. The vibe is family-friendly and convenient. Rent is similar: $1,350 - $1,550. A great choice if you have a car and prioritize space and amenities.
3. Hanover, NH (5 miles north): The “college town” counterpart. Home to Dartmouth College, it’s more expensive and upscale. The commute to Lebanon is easy (10-15 minutes on I-89). You get a walkable, cultural-rich environment with great restaurants and bookstores. Rent for a 1BR is higher, around $1,600 - $1,800+. Attracts accountants working in academia or who value the cultural amenities.
4. White River Junction, VT (5 miles south): Just across the river. Offers a more artsy, gritty, and affordable vibe. Rent is noticeably lower, with 1BRs often found for $1,100 - $1,300. The commute to Lebanon is 10 minutes. The trade-off is you’re in a different state (Vermont), which for an accountant means managing state income tax filings if you live and work across state lines. Great for those wanting to save on housing.
5. Etna, NH / Enfield, NH (10-15 mins west): Rural, quiet, and scenic. These are classic New England villages. You’ll find older homes and more space, but you’ll be driving everywhere. Rent is lower, but the rental market is very tight. Ideal if you want a piece of land and don’t mind a 15-20 minute commute. A 2-bedroom house might rent for $1,500 - $1,700.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth rate tells you this isn’t a boomtown for rapid advancement. Growth here is lateral and specialty-driven, not vertical.

• Specialty Premiums: To earn above the median, you need to develop a niche.
  • Healthcare Finance: Expertise in Medicare/Medicaid billing, reimbursement models, and HIPAA compliance commands a premium. This is your most direct path to a six-figure salary as a manager or director at DHMC.
  • Tax Specialization: The Upper Valley has a complex tax landscape with high-net-worth individuals and multi-state businesses. A CPA with a focus on individual and small business tax is always in demand at local firms.
  • Grant Management & Non-Profit Accounting: As the non-profit sector grows, so does the need for professionals who can navigate federal grant compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance). This is a stable, growing niche.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Controller/Director. In a small market, you often have to move between employers to climb. A common route is to start at a local CPA firm for 3-5 years to get broad experience, then move to a controller role at a local business or the hospital.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the stability of DHMC and the non-profit sector, the job market is resilient to economic downturns. However, don’t expect massive new firms to open. The key to long-term growth is building a deep local network. Your reputation in this small community will be your most valuable asset. Consider joining the New Hampshire Society of CPAs and attending their events. The 10-year outlook is stable and prosperous for those who are well-connected and have specialized skills.

The Verdict: Is Lebanon Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary for a small city ($88,404 median).	Tight, competitive job market with only 29 openings.
Exceptional work-life balance and access to outdoors.	High cost of living (109.0 index) and competitive housing market.
Stable employers like DHMC and the City.	Limited career advancement without changing employers.
Low traffic and crime. Safe, community-focused environment.	Car-dependent; public transit is minimal.
Proximity to Dartmouth and all it offers (lectures, culture).	Can feel isolating if you’re used to a large metropolitan area.

Final Recommendation:
Lebanon, NH, is an excellent choice for an accountant who prioritizes quality of life, stability, and a close-knit community over rapid, urban-style career advancement. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals, those with families, or anyone who loves outdoor recreation. If you’re a new graduate looking for the fastest possible career ladder and a bustling social scene, you may find the pace and opportunities limiting. However, if you want to build a comfortable life, be valued by your employer, and have a world-class ski slope or hiking trail 20 minutes away, Lebanon is a hidden gem that pays its accountants very well.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for accountants in Lebanon?
It’s quite competitive due to the small number of openings (29). Most jobs are filled through networking. It’s crucial to connect with the Upper Valley Business Alliance and the NH Society of CPAs. Applying online is good, but a personal referral from a local professional is far more effective.

2. Is it worth getting a Master’s degree for this market?
Yes, absolutely. Since New Hampshire requires 150 credit hours for licensure, a Master’s in Accounting or Taxation is the most efficient path. It also makes you a more competitive candidate for the higher-paying roles at DHMC and regional CPA firms. Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement.

3. What’s the commute like if I live in Hanover or White River Junction?
Both are excellent options. Commuting from Hanover (north) or White River Junction (south) to Lebanon takes 10-15 minutes via I-89. Traffic is minimal, even at rush hour. The main consideration is toll