Data Analyst in Manchester, NH

As a Career Analyst who has watched Manchester’s data ecosystem evolve over the last decade, I can tell you this city is a sleeper hit for Data Analysts. It’s not Boston or Seattle, and that’s the point. You get a lower cost of living, a manageable commute, and a surprising number of major employers hungry for data talent. This guide is for the analyst who’s tired of the big-city grind and is looking for a place where their skills are valued and their paycheck goes further.

Let's get into the numbers and the nuances of life in the "Queen City."

The Salary Picture: Where Manchester Stands

First, the bottom line. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and aggregated local job market data, the median salary for a Data Analyst in Manchester, NH is $84,635 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.69. This sits slightly above the national average of $83,360, a solid indicator that the local market is competitive. For context, the metro area—encompassing Hillsborough County—has roughly 230 active Data Analyst positions at any given time, which is a healthy volume for a metro population of 115,473. The 10-year job growth for the profession in the region is projected at 36%, significantly outpacing many other mid-sized American cities.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the local market. These are estimates based on current job postings and industry surveys.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Manchester Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$65,000 - $75,000	Basic SQL reporting, dashboard maintenance, data cleaning
Mid-Level	3-5	$75,000 - $95,000	Building models, advanced SQL/Python, stakeholder management
Senior	5-10	$95,000 - $120,000+	Leading projects, mentoring, cross-functional strategy
Expert/Lead	10+	$120,000 - $145,000+	Architecting data systems, driving analytics strategy

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid to Senior is where you see the biggest pay increase. Companies like Elliot Health System and BAE Systems pay a premium for analysts who can bridge the gap between raw data and business strategy. Don't just list tools on your resume; frame your projects in terms of business impact.

Comparison to Other NH Cities:

• Portsmouth: Salaries are 5-10% higher (median ~$89,000), but the cost of living is dramatically higher, especially housing. You'd need a $95k+ salary for equivalent take-home.
• Concord: Salaries are slightly lower (median ~$80,000), but it’s a highly stable market dominated by government and healthcare.
• Nashua: Very similar to Manchester, median around $83,000. The job market is more manufacturing and tech-focused.

Manchester hits the sweet spot: competitive salary without the coastal price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math for someone earning the median salary. The numbers are based on 2024 tax estimates (federal, state, FICA) and local rent averages.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a $84,635 Salary:

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$7,053	$84,635 / 12
Taxes (~21.5%)	-$1,516	NH has a 5% interest & dividends tax, but no state income tax on wages. Federal & FICA are the big ones.
Net Take-Home	$5,537	This is your "fun money" budget.
Avg. 1BR Rent	-$1,348	Citywide average (see neighborhoods below for specifics).
Utilities/Internet	-$150	NH's winters mean higher heating costs.
Groceries	-$400	Manchester has good local chains like Hannaford and Market Basket.
Transportation	-$250	Car insurance is lower than Boston, but you'll likely need a car.
Health Insurance (post-tax)	-$300	Varies by employer, but this is a common contribution.
Retirement (5%)	-$353	Pre-tax deduction, but we're accounting for the impact on net pay.
Remaining	$2,736	This is your savings, discretionary spending, and debt payments.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Manchester is around $380,000. With a $2,736 monthly surplus, a 20% down payment ($76,000) would take about 2.5 years of dedicated saving. A single analyst earning the median salary can qualify for a mortgage, especially with NH Housing Finance Authority programs for first-time buyers. The key is that your housing costs (rent or mortgage) stay below 30% of your take-home pay, which is very achievable here.

Where the Jobs Are: Manchester's Major Employers

Manchester isn't a tech hub, but it's a hub for industries that need data. Your opportunities are in healthcare, finance, insurance, and advanced manufacturing. Here are the key players:

1. Elliot Health System: The largest hospital network in southern NH. They are on a massive digital transformation journey. They need analysts for patient outcomes, operational efficiency (staffing, supply chain), and clinical research. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on analysts who understand healthcare data (like FHIR standards).
2. BAE Systems: A global defense contractor with a major presence in Nashua and Manchester. Their analytics needs are in supply chain logistics, predictive maintenance for manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a security clearance sometimes required for certain roles. They value analysts with strong Python and statistical modeling skills.
3. St. Mary's Bank (and other local banks/credit unions): As America's first credit union, they and others like Merrimack County Savings Bank have growing data needs for fraud detection, customer segmentation, and risk modeling. Hiring Trend: Slow but stable growth. They prefer analysts with a finance or business background.
4. Liberty Mutual (Satellite Office): While their HQ is in Portsmouth, their Manchester office handles significant underwriting and claims analytics. This is a prime spot for actuaries-in-training and data analysts focused on risk. Hiring Trend: Selective, but often posts senior-level roles. Networking is key here.
5. The State of New Hampshire (Concord, 10-minute commute): The Department of Revenue Administration, Department of Employment Security, and DHHS all need data analysts. The work is policy-focused, stable, and comes with excellent benefits. Hiring Trend: Government hiring can be slow, but turnover is low. Jobs are posted on the state's official employment site.
6. Local Tech & Marketing Agencies: Smaller firms like Overachiever or Dyn (a tech company with a strong local presence) hire analysts for client campaigns and internal product analytics. These roles are less structured and offer more variety.

Getting Licensed in NH

Good news: There is no state-specific license required to be a Data Analyst in New Hampshire. The field is not regulated like accounting or engineering. Your "license" is your portfolio and your certifications.

However, professional credentials carry weight. Here’s the timeline to get started:

1. Immediate (0-3 Months): Get your foundational tools in order. SQL is non-negotiable. Python or R for analytics is the next step. Build a public portfolio on GitHub with 2-3 projects using real datasets (e.g., analyze Manchester property tax data or NH COVID-19 stats).
2. Short-Term (3-12 Months): Pursue a relevant certification. The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera) is a respected, low-cost entry point. For mid-career professionals, the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) or a cloud platform certification (AWS Certified Data Analytics or Microsoft Azure Data Scientist) are highly valued by local employers.
3. Long-Term (1-3 Years): Consider a master's degree if you're aiming for leadership. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in Manchester offers a data analytics master's, and the University of New Hampshire has a well-regarded program in nearby Durham.

Cost: Certifications range from $50/month (Coursera) to $300-500 for a single exam. A master's degree is a larger investment ($20k-$40k), but often sponsored by employers like Elliot or BAE.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Manchester is a compact city. The commute is never the issue; the lifestyle and budget are.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Insider Take
Downtown	Walkable, urban, young professionals. 5-10 min drive to most offices.	$1,450 - $1,700	Best for those who want a social life on Elm St. and don't mind older apartment stock. Parking can be a hassle.
North End	Historic, residential, quieter. 10-15 min drive to downtown offices.	$1,200 - $1,400	Great for families. Lots of old New England charm. You'll need a car for groceries.
West Side	Upscale, suburban feel. 10-15 min commute. Close to Derryfield Park.	$1,400 - $1,600	Where you live if you want a yard and space. Very desirable, so inventory is low.
South Manchester (Pine St. Area)	Mixed residential and light industrial. 5-10 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,300	The most affordable option. Look for new apartment complexes here. It's not "pretty," but it's practical.
Goffstown (10-min drive North)	Quaint, small-town feel. 15-20 min commute to Manchester.	$1,300 - $1,500	Excellent schools, very safe. The commute is easy via Route 3/114. Perfect for those who want to escape the city.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Manchester, the path to a $120k+ salary is clear: specialize and become a translator.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare Analytics: +10-15% premium at Elliot. Requires domain knowledge.
  • Supply Chain/Logistics (BAE): +10% premium. Heavy on SQL and ERP systems (like SAP).
  • Cloud Engineering (AWS/Azure): +15-20% premium. The ability to build and maintain data pipelines in the cloud is the single most valuable skill set.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Data Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Analytics Manager/Lead. In larger orgs (Elliot, BAE), you can also move into specialized roles like Data Scientist or BI Developer. The key is to move from "what happened" to "why it happened" and "what should we do."
• 10-Year Outlook: The 36% job growth is real. However, the role will evolve. Generalist report-builders may see pressure from automation and AI. The analysts who will thrive are those who can use AI tools to enhance their work, communicate findings to non-technical leaders, and manage data ethics. Manchester's stable industries (healthcare, defense) will ensure demand for analysts who understand data governance and security.

The Verdict: Is Manchester Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary-to-Cost Ratio: $84,635 goes further here than in Boston, Portland, or Austin.	Social Scene: It's not a major city. Your options for nightlife and dining are limited.
Stable Employers: Healthcare and defense are recession-resistant.	Car Dependency: Public transport (MATA) is limited. You will need a car.
Manageable Scale: You can build a strong network quickly. Easy to commute.	Limited Tech Culture: Fewer startups and meetups compared to a true tech hub.
Outdoor Access: Easy drive to the White Mountains and lakes region for weekend escapes.	Winters: Can be long, dark, and snowy. Be prepared for 4+ months of winter.
No State Income Tax: Your paycheck is bigger than in neighboring Massachusetts or Vermont.	Diversity: The city is becoming more diverse, but it's still predominantly white.

Final Recommendation:
Manchester is an excellent choice for the mid-career Data Analyst (3-7 years of experience) who values financial stability, a manageable pace of life, and proximity to nature. It's less ideal for a fresh graduate seeking a vibrant, tech-driven social scene or for someone who refuses to own a car. If you're looking to build a solid career, buy a home, and avoid the crushing cost of coastal living, Manchester is a strategic and rewarding move.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for Data Analysts in Manchester competitive?
It's competitive, but not cutthroat. There are 230 jobs in a small metro, so you're not competing with thousands of candidates. However, the best roles at top employers (Elliot, BAE) get hundreds of applicants. Having a tailored resume and a portfolio is essential.

2. What's the commute like if I live in Manchester but work in Nashua or Bedford?
Excellent. Manchester is at the crossroads of I-93 and Route 3. A commute to Nashua is 15-20 minutes; to Bedford is 10-15 minutes. Traffic is minimal compared to larger metros. This allows you to live in Manchester for the lower rent and commute to a higher-paying job.

3. Do I need a car?
Yes. 100%. Manchester is a car-centric city. While you can live without one if you work and live downtown, it's a significant limitation. Factor in car payment, insurance, and gas in your budget. The good news is that insurance rates are lower than in Boston.

4. How do I break into the market as a newcomer?
Use the "Manchester Advantage." The local market is small enough that you can network effectively. Attend events at the SNHU Innovation Center or join the NH Tech Alliance. Apply through local recruiters who specialize in tech (like Kforce or Robert Half). Don't be afraid to apply for roles in Concord or Nashua—your commute will be fine.

5. What about remote work?
It's growing. Many Manchester-based analysts work hybrid schedules (2-3 days in the office). Fully remote roles exist, but you'll find that the most secure, well-paying jobs are with local employers who value in-person collaboration for complex projects. The remote work trend is a plus for flexibility, but for career growth in a new city, being local has its benefits.