The Data Analyst's Guide to Fall River, Massachusetts

If you're a data analyst eyeing a move to the South Coast of Massachusetts, Fall River offers a unique blend of affordability, growing opportunity, and a tight-knit professional community. As a local, I’ve seen this city transform from its textile mill roots into a hub for healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics—all sectors hungry for data talent. This guide cuts through the fluff with hard numbers, neighborhood insights, and the real cost of living. Let’s dive in.

The Salary Picture: Where Fall River Stands

Fall River’s data analyst salary landscape is competitive, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary is $83,585/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.19/hour. This sits just above the national average of $83,360/year, a testament to the state’s robust economy and the demand for analytical skills in local industries.

Experience is the biggest driver of pay. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and BLS data for the region:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$60,000 - $72,000	Data cleaning, basic reporting (Excel, SQL), dashboard maintenance
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$75,000 - $92,000	Building models, advanced SQL/Python, stakeholder management, BI tools (Tableau, Power BI)
Senior (6-9 yrs)	$93,000 - $110,000	Leading projects, mentoring, complex statistical analysis, cross-departmental strategy
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$110,000 - $130,000+	Team leadership, predictive modeling, data architecture, influencing C-suite decisions

Compared to other MA cities: While Boston’s median is significantly higher (often $95,000+), the cost of living there is 40-50% greater. Worcester and Springfield are closer peers. Worcester’s median is around $82,000, but its rent is comparable to Fall River’s. Fall River’s edge is its 10-Year Job Growth of 36%, one of the fastest in the state, fueled by its strategic location between Boston and Providence. With 187 jobs in the metro area at any given time on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, the market is active but not overwhelmingly saturated like Boston.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the title "Data Analyst." In Fall River, you’ll find "Data Analyst" roles at hospitals, "Business Intelligence Analyst" positions at manufacturing firms, and "Operations Analyst" jobs in logistics. Broaden your search; the skills are transferable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary is a starting point. Let’s get practical about your monthly budget. For a single person earning the median $83,585/year:

• Gross Monthly: ~$6,965
• Estimated Take-Home (after ~28% for fed/state taxes, FICA, health insurance): ~$5,015
• Average 1BR Rent in Fall River: $1,398/month (Zillow, Rent.com)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR): $1,398
• Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet): ~$180
• Groceries: $350
• Transportation (Car payment/Insurance/Gas - essential in FR): $450
• Health Insurance (if not employer-covered): $200
• Student Loans/Debt: $300
• Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, Savings): $1,137

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Fall River is approximately $375,000. With a 20% down payment ($75,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of ~$2,000 (including taxes/insurance). This is challenging but possible on a single $83,585 salary, especially if you’re dual-income or have a significant savings for a down payment. Many local analysts partner with a spouse or roommate to enter the market. The Cost of Living Index of 100.9 (slightly above the US average of 100) is driven by housing and healthcare, but groceries and goods are on par or below national averages.

Where the Jobs Are: Fall River's Major Employers

Fall River’s economy is anchored in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. Data analysts are critical in each. Here’s where you should be applying:

1. Southcoast Health System: The largest employer in the region, operating Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. They constantly hire for Healthcare Data Analysts and Clinical Informatics roles to manage patient data, optimize operations, and track outcomes. Hiring is steady, with a focus on Epic EHR expertise and SQL.
2. Bristol Community College: The college’s IT and institutional research departments hire analysts to track student success metrics, enrollment trends, and grant compliance. It’s a great entry point with a stable work environment.
3. Manufacturing Giants (e.g., Wyman-Gordon, Borden & Remington): These aerospace and industrial manufacturers need Operations Analysts to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, and forecast demand. Knowledge of ERP systems (like SAP) and lean manufacturing principles is a plus.
4. Port of New Bedford/Fall River: The fishing and shipping industries are data-rich. Companies like Eastern Fisheries or New England Fishing need analysts to track catch volumes, logistics, and market pricing. The work is niche but fascinating.
5. State & Local Government: The City of Fall River’s IT department and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (with offices in the region) hire analysts for budget analysis, public health data, and infrastructure projects. These roles offer great benefits but slower hiring cycles.
6. Remote-First Companies with Local Hubs: While not headquartered here, companies like CVS Health (with a major office in nearby Woonsocket, RI) and Stop & Shop (based in nearby Quincy) have analysts working remotely from Fall River, tapping into the Boston/Providence talent pool without the commute.

Hiring Trend: Post-pandemic, there’s been a surge in demand for analysts who can handle hybrid roles—blending data work with operational or clinical insights. Employers here value versatility over specialization, especially in mid-sized firms.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts does not have a state-specific license for Data Analysts, unlike fields like nursing or engineering. However, certain industries require certifications.

• State Requirements: None for general data analysis. For healthcare (Southcoast Health), you may need HIPAA compliance training, which employers usually provide. For government roles, a background check is standard.
• Recommended Certifications (Cost & Timeline):
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate (Coursera): ~$39/month. 3-6 months part-time. Excellent for entry-level.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: ~$165 exam fee. 2-3 months of study. Highly sought after in local manufacturing and healthcare.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: ~$100 exam fee. 1-2 months. Useful for BI roles.
  • SQL Certification (e.g., from Microsoft or Oracle): ~$200. 1-2 months.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you’re transitioning from another field, plan for a 6-month skill-building period. Start with a foundational SQL/Python course (free on Codecademy), then add a visualization tool like Power BI. Many local employers value a strong portfolio (GitHub, Tableau Public) over formal degrees.

Insider Tip: The Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC) hosts networking events in the Boston area, but many Fall River professionals attend. It’s worth the drive for connections.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Fall River is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Commute times are minimal (10-15 minutes across town), but lifestyle varies greatly.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
The Highlands	Quiet, residential, near Bradford-Durfee Tech. 10 mins to downtown.	$1,250 - $1,450	Young professionals seeking a peaceful home base.
Downtown/North Main	Urban, walkable, near government offices and restaurants. 5-10 min walk to work.	$1,300 - $1,600	Those who want a city feel with a short commute.
Flint Village	Family-oriented, affordable, with local parks. 15 mins to major employers.	$1,100 - $1,300	Analysts starting a family or seeking lower rent.
Westport/Fall River Line	Suburban, near I-195 for easy access to Providence jobs. 15-20 mins to core.	$1,400 - $1,700	Those who value space and might commute to RI.
South Main/Maplewood	Up-and-coming, mix of old and new housing, close to Southcoast Health. 10 mins.	$1,200 - $1,400	Proximity to the largest local employer.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate "South End" near the old mills if you prioritize modern amenities. The Highlands and Downtown offer the best balance of safety, walkability, and access to the few local cafes with good Wi-Fi (like The Chef’s Table or Cafe Beyond).

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Fall River, growth often means moving into specialized niches or taking on leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with healthcare informatics skills can command a 10-15% premium over the median, given Southcoast Health’s dominance. Supply chain analytics in manufacturing also pays well, especially with experience in SAP or IoT data.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Junior Analyst → Mid-Level → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager or BI Developer. From there, you can pivot to Data Scientist (rare in Fall River, often remote) or Director of Operations. Many senior analysts leave for Boston or Providence for higher pay, but the 36% job growth suggests local opportunities will expand.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 36% 10-year job growth, the field will become more competitive. Expect a rise in demand for AI/ML literacy even in traditional analyst roles. Fall River’s proximity to the tech corridors of Boston and Providence will keep it integrated, but the city’s own industries will need analysts who understand maritime logistics, healthcare costs, and manufacturing efficiency.

The Verdict: Is Fall River Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable living compared to Boston/Providence.	Limited networking events locally; you’ll need to travel for major conferences.
Strong job growth (36%) in a stable, diverse economy.	Smaller job market (187 jobs) means fewer specialized roles (e.g., pure ML engineering).
Median salary ($83,585) is competitive with cost of living.	Car-dependent city; public transit (BAT) is unreliable for professionals.
Tight-knit community—easier to stand out and build relationships.	Fewer tech meetups and startup scenes compared to larger cities.
Strategic location between two major metros (Boston & Providence).	Salary ceiling may be lower than in major tech hubs long-term.

Final Recommendation: Fall River is an excellent choice for mid-career analysts seeking a balance of affordability and meaningful work in healthcare or manufacturing. It’s less ideal for those chasing startup culture or ultra-high salaries. If you value community impact, manageable commutes, and a real chance to buy a home, this city is a smart, data-driven move.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Fall River?
Yes, absolutely. The public bus system (BAT) is limited and not conducive to a professional commute. Most analysts drive to work, and parking is generally easy and affordable.

2. What’s the tech scene like?
It’s nascent but growing. You’ll find more activity in nearby Providence (45 mins) and Boston (1 hour). Join the South Coast Tech group on LinkedIn for local job postings and occasional meetups.

3. Is the salary enough for a family?
On a single $83,585 salary, it’s tight but manageable with careful budgeting. Dual-income households live very comfortably. The public school system is improving, and neighborhoods like the Highlands and Westport are popular with families.

4. How competitive is the job market?
With 187 jobs in the metro, it’s active but not cutthroat. Tailor your resume to local industries (healthcare, manufacturing). Having a certification like Power BI or Tableau will put you ahead of 50% of applicants.

5. What’s the best way to prepare for a move?
Start building a local network on LinkedIn—connect with analysts at Southcoast Health and local manufacturers. Visit for a weekend, drive through the neighborhoods, and have a coffee downtown to get a feel for the city. Also, line up a remote job first if possible; it’s easier to transition once you’re on the ground.

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Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for metro area data, Zillow and Rent.com for housing costs, MIT Living Wage Calculator for cost of living, Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development for job growth projections. All salary data provided is specific to the Fall River metro area.