Data Analyst in Keene, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Keene Stands

Living in Keene means trading the high-density chaos of Boston or Manchester for a quieter, more community-focused lifestyle. As a Data Analyst here, your earning potential is solid, especially when you weigh it against the cost of living. The state's data-driven economy, particularly in healthcare and education, creates a steady demand for analysts who can translate numbers into actionable insights for local institutions.

Let's get straight to the numbers. According to aggregated data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and local job postings, the median salary for a Data Analyst in Keene is $85,610 per year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.16. This is notably higher than the national average for Data Analysts, which sits at $83,360/year. While the difference isn't massive in percentage terms, it's significant in a smaller market like Keene. It signals that local employers—facing stiffer competition for skilled talent in a rural setting—are willing to pay a premium to attract and retain qualified professionals.

The job market itself is small but stable. There are approximately 45 job openings for Data Analysts in the Keene metro area at any given time. More telling is the projected 10-year job growth of 36%. This isn't a typo; it reflects the digital transformation hitting Keene's traditional sectors. Hospitals need analysts to optimize patient care and billing, manufacturers use data for supply chain efficiency, and non-profits rely on data for grant reporting and impact measurement. It's a market with room to grow, not one that's already saturated.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Keene area. Note that these are estimates based on local job descriptions and salary surveys.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$65,000 - $75,000	Data cleaning, basic reporting in Excel/Google Sheets, dashboard maintenance, supporting senior analysts.
Mid-Level	$75,000 - $95,000	Building complex SQL queries, creating interactive dashboards (Tableau/Power BI), conducting statistical analysis, presenting findings to department heads.
Senior-Level	$95,000 - $115,000	Leading projects, mentoring junior analysts, developing data models, working with cross-functional teams (IT, Finance, Operations), advanced analytics (predictive modeling).
Expert/Lead	$115,000+	Setting data strategy, managing analytics teams, architecting data infrastructure, presenting to C-level executives, deep specialization (e.g., healthcare informatics, advanced machine learning).

How does Keene stack up against other New Hampshire cities? Manchester, the state's largest city and economic hub, has a higher median salary (~$92,000), but the cost of living, especially housing, is significantly higher. Nashua follows a similar pattern. Concord, the state capital, offers salaries closer to the Keene range but with a different employer mix (more state government). For a Data Analyst prioritizing work-life balance and a lower-stress environment, Keene's salary-to-cost ratio is highly competitive. You earn a strong wage while avoiding the Boston commuter belt's relentless pace and expense.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $85,610 salary looks great on paper, but what does it actually mean for your monthly budget in Keene? Let's run the numbers.

First, taxes. For a single filer in 2024, your estimated take-home pay after federal, state (NH has no income tax on wages), and FICA taxes would be approximately $64,500 per year, or about $5,375 per month.

Now, housing. The average one-bedroom apartment rent in Keene is $1,471/month. This is a key benchmark. If you spend exactly that, your rent would consume about 27% of your take-home pay—a healthy ratio that leaves room for other expenses.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Mid-Level Data Analyst earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,375	After all taxes (federal, FICA). NH has no state income tax on wages.
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$1,471	27% of take-home. A reasonable target.
Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet)	-$250	Keene winters mean higher heating costs.
Groceries	-$400	Shopping at local spots like the Keene Farmers Market or Hannaford.
Car/Transportation	-$400	Includes gas, insurance, and maintenance. A car is essential in Keene.
Health Insurance	-$300 (employer-subsidized)	Varies by employer; this is a common premium.
Student Loans/Debt	-$300	Adjust based on your personal situation.
Retirement (401k)	-$400	5% of gross salary. A smart move early on.
Discretionary Spending	-$1,854	Dining, entertainment, travel, hobbies, savings.

This leaves you with a healthy buffer. The key is that $85,610 provides stability here. You're not scraping by.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Cheshire County (where Keene is the hub) is around $300,000 - $350,000. With a good credit score and a 20% down payment ($60,000 - $70,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,800 - $2,100. While this is a step up from renting, it's manageable on a $85,610 salary, especially if you're dual-income or have been saving aggressively. Many local analysts build equity this way, locking in housing costs while their salaries grow.

Where the Jobs Are: Keene's Major Employers

The data analyst job market in Keene is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, manufacturing, and non-profit/financial services. It's not the tech scene of Austin, but it's a tight-knit professional community where your skills directly impact the community. Here are the major players:

1. Cheshire Medical Center / Dartmouth Health: This is the largest employer in the region. As part of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock system, its data needs are sophisticated. Analysts here work on everything from patient outcome analytics and operational efficiency to population health and financial forecasting. Hiring is consistent, and they value analysts with healthcare-specific knowledge (HIPAA, clinical workflows). Insider Tip: Knowing SQL and a BI tool like Tableau is the baseline here; familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) data models is a huge plus.

2. Keene State College: The college has a dedicated Institutional Research department. Analysts here track enrollment trends, student success metrics, retention rates, and budget allocations. It's a great environment for those who enjoy academic rigor and see their work influence educational policy. Jobs are often posted on the college's HR site and tend to be stable, with good benefits.

3. BBSI (Bristol Bay Business Solutions) & Other Local Manufacturers: Keene has a strong base of small to mid-sized manufacturers. BBSI, which provides business solutions, and other local firms need analysts to optimize supply chains, monitor production quality, and manage inventory. These roles often blend data analysis with some operational oversight. It’s a good fit for analysts who like tangible, product-focused environments.

4. Monadnock Family Services: A leading non-profit in the region providing behavioral health and community services. They rely on data analysts for grant reporting, program evaluation, and impact measurement. This work is mission-driven and can be incredibly rewarding. The pay might be slightly below the median, but the benefits and work-life balance are often excellent.

5. Local Financial Institutions (e.g., Savings Bank of Walpole, Keene Federal Savings Bank): Community banks and credit unions in Keene need analysts for credit risk assessment, customer segmentation, and regulatory compliance reporting. These roles are less about big data and more about precision and accuracy. They offer a stable career path with deep local roots.

6. State & Local Government (City of Keene, Cheshire County): Government agencies use data for budgeting, public works, public safety, and economic development. Jobs can be slower to post but are very stable. The work often involves public data sets and requires a clear, communicative style to present findings to non-technical officials.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward hybrid roles. Employers in Keene are increasingly looking for analysts who can not only crunch numbers but also communicate insights effectively to stakeholders. Python and R skills are moving from "nice-to-have" to "expected" for mid-to-senior roles, especially for more complex modeling. Remote work for local companies is rare; most roles require you to be onsite or hybrid, given the collaborative nature of the work.

Getting Licensed in NH

Here’s the straight talk: New Hampshire has no state-specific license or certification required to work as a Data Analyst. The field is credential-driven by skills and experience, not government licensing.

However, to be competitive and credible, you'll want to pursue voluntary certifications. The most respected are:

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): An affordable, accessible entry point. Cost: ~$50/month. Timeline: 3-6 months.
• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate: Focuses on Power BI. A key tool, especially in corporate and government settings. Cost: ~$165 for the exam. Timeline: 2-4 months of study.
• Tableau Desktop Specialist/Certified Associate: Tableau is widely used in healthcare and higher education. Cost: ~$100-$250. Timeline: 1-3 months.

State-Specific Considerations:

• Background Checks: For roles in healthcare (Cheshire Medical) or education (Keene State), you will undergo a standard background check. This is a routine process.
• Professional Licenses: If you work in a highly regulated field like finance (handling consumer data) or healthcare, your employer may require you to adhere to industry-specific compliance standards (e.g., FINRA, HIPAA). This is employer-specific, not a state license.
• Getting Started: The best first step is to build a portfolio. Use public datasets (like those from the City of Keene or the NH Department of Employment Security) to create a local project. For example, analyze housing cost trends in Cheshire County or public school performance metrics. This shows local knowledge and initiative.

Timeline: If you're starting from scratch, budget 6-12 months to gain foundational skills, build a portfolio, and start applying. The local market values practical application over theoretical knowledge.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Living in Keene is about choosing your vibe. The town is compact, walkable in the center, but you'll likely want a car. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Downtown Keene: Commute: 0-5 minutes. The heart of the action. You can walk to work (if your office is here), coffee shops, restaurants, and the Colonial Theatre. It's lively, especially during Keene State's school year. Rent is at the higher end for Keene: $1,400 - $1,700 for a 1BR apartment. Best for young professionals who want an urban vibe without the big-city scale.

2. West Keene / Route 12 Corridor: Commute: 5-10 minutes. More residential and quieter. You'll find single-family homes and apartment complexes. It's close to the retail hubs (Wal-Mart, Lowe's) and offers easy access to Route 12 for commuting to surrounding areas. Rent is closer to the city average: $1,300 - $1,500 for a 1BR. Ideal for those who want space and peace but still need quick access to amenities.

3. East Swanzey (just outside Keene): Commute: 10-15 minutes. A popular choice for those seeking more land and a suburban feel. You can find newer apartment complexes and rental houses. It's a straight shot into Keene via Route 101. Rent can be slightly lower: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR. A great option for analysts who work at Cheshire Medical on the east side of town.

4. The "College Hill" Area: Commute: 2-8 minutes. This is the neighborhood surrounding Keene State College. It's filled with student housing, but there are also quieter streets with older homes and some professional rentals. The vibe is youthful and academic. Rent varies widely: $1,100 - $1,600 depending on the property. Perfect for analysts working at the college or who enjoy the energy of a campus environment.

5. Surrounding Towns (Marlborough, Swanzey, Spofford): Commute: 10-20 minutes. For those who truly want to "get away." These towns offer rural charm, lakes, and hiking trails. You'll have a longer commute, but a lower rent and more privacy. $900 - $1,300 for a 1BR or small rental house. A fantastic choice if your employer offers flexible hours and you prioritize nature and quiet over immediate urban convenience.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Keene, career growth for Data Analysts is less about climbing a rigid corporate ladder and more about deepening your expertise and expanding your impact within the local ecosystem.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Analytics: Analysts with experience in EHR data, clinical outcomes, or healthcare finance can command a 10-15% premium over the median salary. Cheshire Medical and the regional health network are the primary drivers.
• Advanced Analytics & Machine Learning: While still emerging in Keene, analysts proficient in Python (for data cleaning and analysis), R (for statistics), and basic machine learning concepts can access higher-paying projects. This skill set can push you from the mid-level to the senior bracket ($100,000+).
• Business Intelligence (BI) Leadership: Moving from a report-builder to a BI developer/manager is a common path. This involves mastering tools like Tableau or Power BI at an architect level and leading dashboard initiatives. This can lead to roles like BI Manager or Data Services Lead.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Track: Junior Analyst → Analyst → Senior Analyst → Data Scientist/Modeler. This path focuses on increasing technical complexity and independence.
2. Management Track: Analyst → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager → Director of Analytics. This path requires strong soft skills, project management, and the ability to translate data for executives.
3. Domain Expert Track: Analyst → Senior Analyst (Healthcare, Education, Finance) → Subject Matter Expert → Consultant. This path involves becoming the go-to person for data in a specific industry, leveraging deep local knowledge.

10-Year Outlook: The 36% job growth projection is key. Over the next decade, expect Keene's data landscape to mature. We'll see more integration of predictive analytics, especially in healthcare and manufacturing. Remote work may become more common for senior roles, allowing you to work for Boston-based companies while living in Keene. The local talent pool will need to upskill continuously. Those who stay current with cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure) and advanced programming will have the most mobility.

The Verdict: Is Keene Right for You?

Keene offers a compelling package for Data Analysts who value quality of life, community, and tangible impact. It's not for everyone, but for the right person, it can be an ideal home base.

Pros	Cons
High Salary-to-Cost Ratio: $85,610 goes far here.	Limited Job Market: Only ~45 openings at a time. Networking is crucial.
Stable, Growing Demand: 36% 10-year growth in a stable sector.	Few "Big Tech" Employers: Career paths are more traditional (healthcare, education, manufacturing).
Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, easy access to nature, less hustle.	Can Feel Isolated: It's a 70-minute drive to Brattleboro or Greenfield; 1.5+ hours to major airports.
Tight-Knit Professional Community: Easier to build a strong local network.	Slower Pace of Innovation: Tech trends reach here later than in major hubs.
Four-Season Recreation: Hiking, skiing, lakes, and vibrant fall foliage.	Weather: Long, snowy winters and humid summers.

Final Recommendation: Keene is an excellent choice for mid-career Data Analysts seeking stability and a better quality of life, or for those early in their careers who want to build a strong foundation in a supportive environment. It's less ideal for those whose primary goal is to work for a cutting-edge tech startup or climb a Fortune 500 corporate ladder at breakneck speed. If you value community, want your work to serve a local population, and prefer a life where your commute is measured in minutes, not hours, Keene is a fantastic fit.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to live and work in Keene?
Yes, absolutely. While the downtown core is walkable, most employers (Cheshire Medical, Keene State, manufacturers) are spread out. Public transportation is limited, and winter weather makes walking or biking impractical for much of the year. Factor car ownership into your budget.

**2. How