Data Analyst in Derry CDP, NH

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Data Analysts considering a move to Derry CDP, New Hampshire.

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The Salary Picture: Where Derry CDP Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers because in New England, we value data. The Data Analyst profession in the Derry CDP (Census Designated Place) area is experiencing a quiet but powerful boom. The driver here isn't a single tech giant, but the region's deep roots in healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing, all of which run on data.

The median salary for a Data Analyst in Derry CDP is $86,260 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.47. It's crucial to understand this figure is a local median, not an entry-level starting point. It reflects the midpoint of all reported salaries in the area, meaning half of the analysts here earn more, and half earn less. This puts the region comfortably ahead of the national average of $83,360 per year. While the margin isn't massive (about $2,900), the real value in Derry comes from New Hampshire's lack of a state income tax, which effectively boosts your take-home pay by 5-6% compared to neighboring Massachusetts.

The job market is active, with approximately 43 Data Analyst jobs currently listed in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is a robust 36%, far outpacing the national average for most professions. This growth is fueled by the expanding Southern New Hampshire region, which acts as a satellite to the Boston tech corridor, offering a lower cost of living while tapping into the same talent pool.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While Derry's overall median is $86,260, salaries vary significantly by experience. The following table provides a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and regional data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Derry's Market
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$62,000 - $75,000	Basic SQL reporting, dashboard maintenance (Tableau/Power BI), data cleaning under senior supervision. Common in hospital systems and smaller manufacturing firms.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$80,000 - $95,000	Independent analysis, building complex models, presenting findings to non-technical stakeholders. This is where the $86,260 median sits.
Senior (5-8 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Leading projects, mentoring junior analysts, designing data pipelines, strategic business insights. Often requires domain expertise (e.g., healthcare analytics).
Expert (8+ years)	$115,000 - $135,000+	Department leadership, advanced predictive modeling (ML/AI), cross-functional strategy. These roles are less common but exist at major employers like Elliot Health System and regional insurance carriers.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

How does Derry stack up against its New Hampshire neighbors? The cost of living and salary trade-offs are key.

City/Metro Area	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Industry Drivers
Derry CDP	$86,260	111.6	Healthcare, Insurance, Manufacturing, Logistics
Manchester, NH	$88,500	110.2	Insurance (Anthem, Lincoln Financial), Tech, Healthcare
Portsmouth, NH	$91,000	125.8	Tech, Biotech, Tourism, Defense (Kittery Naval Base)
Nashua, NH	$87,200	116.4	Advanced Manufacturing, Biotech, Tech (Southern NH Tech Hub)
Concord, NH	$84,500	108.9	Government, Insurance, Healthcare

Insider Tip: While Portsmouth boasts a higher median salary, its Cost of Living Index of 125.8 (driven by coastal housing prices) often negates the financial advantage. Derry offers a "sweet spot" – salaries competitive with Manchester and Nashua, but with a slightly lower cost of living and a more suburban, family-friendly feel. For a Data Analyst, Derry provides access to the Manchester job market (a 25-minute commute) without the city's higher rent and congestion.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $86,260 salary in Derry is robust, but let's break down the monthly reality. New Hampshire's lack of state income tax is a game-changer, but property taxes are high (a key reason you might rent initially).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Data Analyst earning $86,260:

• Gross Monthly Salary: ~$7,188
• Federal Taxes (Est. 15% bracket + FICA): ~$1,250
• NH State Income Tax: $0
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,938
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,506/month (Derry CDP average)
• Remaining after Rent: ~$4,432

This leaves a substantial $4,432 for utilities ($150), transportation ($300), groceries ($500), entertainment, savings, and debt payments. The remaining buffer is healthy, allowing for aggressive savings (e.g., $1,200/month) and a comfortable lifestyle.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Derry is approximately $430,000. A 20% down payment ($86,000) is a significant hurdle for many, especially early-career analysts. However, with a $86,260 salary, you would comfortably qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home. The larger challenge is the upfront capital. Many analysts in the area choose to rent for 2-3 years to build savings before purchasing. The property tax burden is real—expect to pay $8,000-$10,000 annually on a median home, which adds ~$800/month to the mortgage payment. Still, the total monthly housing cost (mortgage + tax) would be around $2,800, which is manageable on this salary, especially if you have a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Derry CDP's Major Employers

Unlike a tech hub like Austin or Boston, Derry's Data Analyst jobs aren't at "FAANG" companies. They're embedded in the backbone of the local economy: healthcare, insurance, and specialized manufacturing. Here’s where you’ll find the 43 open roles:

1. Elliot Health System (Manchester, 15-min commute): The largest employer in the region. Elliot is aggressively building its data analytics team for patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial modeling. Look for titles like "Clinical Data Analyst" or "Healthcare Information Analyst." Hiring trend: Strong growth as they move to value-based care models.
2. TUFTS Health Plan (Portsmouth, 45-min commute): A major insurer with a significant New Hampshire footprint. They need analysts for claims analysis, provider network performance, and member risk stratification. Hiring trend: Steady, with a focus on SQL, Python, and healthcare claims data.
3. BAE Systems (Nashua, 30-min commute): This defense contractor is a hidden gem for data analysts with a security clearance (or willingness to obtain one). Roles involve supply chain analytics, manufacturing process data, and cybersecurity threat analysis. Hiring trend: Consistent due to long-term government contracts.
4. Local Manufacturing (Derry & Londonderry): Companies like Mitek Industrial (in nearby Londonderry) and various precision machining firms rely on analysts for quality control data, supply chain optimization, and production efficiency. These are often less advertised roles found through local networking. Hiring trend: Growing as Industry 4.0 (smart manufacturing) takes hold.
5. Amadeus North America (Burlington, MA, 45-min commute): While technically in Massachusetts, it's a major employer for Southern NH residents. As a global travel tech company, they hire data analysts for everything from booking pattern analysis to dynamic pricing models. Hiring trend: Very strong, but competitive.
6. Derry School District: The administrative office and IT department occasionally post for data analysts focused on student performance metrics, budget analysis, and operational reporting. Hiring trend: Seasonal/periodic, aligned with budget cycles.
7. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU - Manchester, 20-min commute): A massive employer in online education. SNHU's analytics teams work on student engagement data, predictive modeling for retention, and marketing analytics. Hiring trend: Consistent growth as their online programs expand.

Insider Tip: Don't just rely on LinkedIn. Many of the local manufacturing and insurance roles are posted on NH Job Match (the state's job board) or through direct company career pages. For the manufacturing sector, a personal connection through the NH Manufacturing Extension Partnership can be invaluable.

Getting Licensed in NH

For Data Analysts, there is no state-specific license required to practice. New Hampshire does not have a "Data Analyst License" like some professions. However, certifications are highly valued and can significantly impact your salary potential.

• State-Specific Requirements: None from a licensing board. Your qualifications are your degree (in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Business, etc.) and your portfolio of skills (SQL, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI).
• Recommended Certifications (Costs & Timeline):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): Cost: ~$49/month. Timeline: 3-6 months part-time. Excellent for entry-level candidates.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Exam cost: ~$165. Timeline: 1-2 months of dedicated study. Extremely valuable in corporate settings that use the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Exam cost: ~$100. Timeline: 1-2 months. A great entry-point into Tableau, which is widely used in healthcare and insurance.
  • AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty: Exam cost: ~$300. Timeline: 3-6 months. For those targeting cloud-based roles, which are increasingly common even in traditional industries.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you're transitioning from another field, a realistic timeline is 4-6 months of self-study or a bootcamp to build a portfolio and earn a foundational certification, followed by 3-6 months of active job hunting. The local market values practical skills and project work over purely academic credentials.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Derry is a classic New England town with distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Insider Tip
Derry Village	Historic, walkable, close to shops and restaurants. Commute to Manchester is easy via Route 102.	$1,600	Ideal for those who want a "main street" feel. Older buildings, so check for modern amenities.
East Derry	Quieter, more residential, with larger lots. Slightly longer commute to I-93 but easy access to Londonderry.	$1,550	Great for those who want space and a suburban feel. Look near the Derry Public Library area.
West Derry	Condo and apartment complexes dominate. Very convenient for commuting via I-93 or Route 28.	$1,450	The most apartment-heavy area. Ideal for young professionals who prioritize a short, predictable commute over neighborhood charm.
Londonderry (adjacent town)	More suburban, with a strong focus on families and newer housing developments.	$1,700	If you work at BAE or in the tech corridor, Londonderry's proximity to the airport and highways is unbeatable.
Salem (10 mins south)	A larger, busier town with more shopping and dining options. Commute is straightforward on I-93.	$1,650	For those who want more suburban amenities (Target, large gyms, chain restaurants) without being in a dense city.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Derry, career growth for Data Analysts is less about jumping to a new company every two years and more about deepening domain expertise and expanding your technical toolkit.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a 10-20% salary premium by specializing.
  • Healthcare Analytics: Expertise in EHR data (Epic, Cerner), HIPAA compliance, and clinical outcomes is gold. It can push you from the $86,260 median to over $100,000.
  • Manufacturing/Supply Chain: Knowledge of IoT data, predictive maintenance, and lean manufacturing principles is highly sought after in the region's industrial base.
  • Advanced Analytics (ML/AI): While still emerging, there's growing demand for analysts who can build and deploy simple machine learning models (e.g., churn prediction, demand forecasting). This path leads to a Data Scientist role, with salaries starting at $110,000+.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Senior Data Analyst (focus on leading projects and mentoring).
  2. Analytics Manager (requires strong communication and business acumen; $120,000+).
  3. Data Architect (requires deep database and systems knowledge; $130,000+).
  4. Data Scientist (requires advanced statistical and ML knowledge; $115,000+).
• 10-Year Outlook: The 36% job growth is real. However, the nature of the jobs will shift. The demand for basic reporting analysts may stabilize, while the demand for analysts who can handle unstructured data, work with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and communicate insights to executives will surge. The key to longevity is continuous learning—staying current on tools and understanding the business drivers of your industry.

The Verdict: Is Derry CDP Right for You?

Derry offers a unique proposition for Data Analysts: it's a lower-cost gateway to the high-powered Boston job market, with a strong local economy of its own. Here’s a final breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Strong, growing job market (36% growth) with diverse industries.	Limited "pure tech" companies; most roles are in traditional industries.
High take-home pay due to no state income tax.	High property taxes if you choose to buy a home.
Significantly lower cost of living than Boston or coastal NH.	Social life can be quiet; you'll need to drive to Manchester or Boston for major events.
Access to major employers in Manchester, Nashua, and the Seacoast within 30-45 minutes.	Commuting is a fact of life; public transit is limited.
Excellent work-life balance and family-friendly environment.	Winters are long and cold; be prepared for snow from November to March.

Final Recommendation:
Derry CDP is an excellent choice for Data Analysts who value financial stability, work-life balance, and proximity to major economic hubs without the Boston price tag. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home and build equity, or for entry-level analysts who want a manageable city to start their career while having easy access to a larger job market.

If you're a Data Analyst who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced startup cultures and wants to be in the heart of the tech scene, Derry might feel too quiet. But if you appreciate a pragmatic, data-driven approach to your career and life, Derry provides a solid, rewarding foundation.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Derry CDP?
Yes, absolutely. Derry is a car-dependent suburban community. Public transportation is extremely limited (STRIDE regional bus service exists but is not comprehensive for daily commutes). A car is essential for getting to work, groceries, and enjoying the wider region.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level analysts?
It's competitive but not saturated. You're competing with graduates from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and the University of New Hampshire (UNH), as well as career-changers from Boston. To stand out, have a polished portfolio on GitHub, a strong LinkedIn profile, and a certification like the Google Data Analytics or Microsoft Power BI. Apply directly on company websites, not just job boards.

3. Are remote work options common for Data Analysts in this area?
Post-pandemic, hybrid models are very common, especially at larger employers like Elliot Health System and SNHU. Fully remote roles exist but are less frequent for local companies. Many analysts in Derry live within commuting distance of Manchester and work a hybrid schedule (e.g., 2-3 days in the office). Be prepared for some in-office presence, particularly in the first year.

4. What's the best way to network locally?
Join the New Hampshire Technology Association and attend their events (often in Manchester). The NH Data Analytics Meetup group is a growing resource. For healthcare analytics, look for events hosted by NH HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society). The local Derry Rotary Club can also be a surprisingly effective place to meet business leaders