Data Analyst in New Bedford, MA

The Salary Picture: Where New Bedford Stands

As a local who’s watched this port city transform over the last decade, I can tell you New Bedford offers a compelling value proposition for data professionals. The data shows a market that’s growing fast but still accessible. The median salary for a Data Analyst here is $83,585/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.19/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $83,360/year, which is a sweet spot—it’s competitive without the extreme cost of living you’d find in Boston or Cambridge.

The job market is active but specialized. There are currently 201 data analyst jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a robust 36%. This growth is fueled by the region's shift from a pure fishing and manufacturing economy to one embracing biotech, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. The metro population of 100,683 means you’re not in a sprawling metropolis, so networks and opportunities can feel more accessible—if you know where to look.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (New Bedford)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$60,000 - $72,000	Data cleaning, basic reporting in Excel/SQL, supporting senior analysts.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Building dashboards (Tableau/Power BI), advanced SQL queries, A/B testing.
Senior-Level (5-8 yrs)	$90,000 - $110,000	Leading analytics projects, mentoring juniors, predictive modeling.
Expert/Lead (8+ yrs)	$110,000 - $130,000+	Strategy, cross-functional leadership, advanced ML/AI implementation.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. In New Bedford, specialized skills in healthcare analytics (especially with Southcoast Health) or marine/industrial data (with companies like Vineyard Wind or local manufacturers) can push you into the higher end of these ranges. The $83,585 median is a solid benchmark, but your ceiling is defined by niche expertise.

Compared to other Massachusetts cities, New Bedford is a standout for work-life balance. Boston’s median for Data Analysts is closer to $95,000, but a 1BR apartment there averages $2,800+ per month. Worcester’s median is around $82,000, but its job growth is slower. Springfield’s median is lower at $78,000. New Bedford’s combination of a $83,585 median salary and a cost of living just above the national average (100.9) makes it one of the most livable markets for data professionals in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about monthly finances. With a gross annual salary of $83,585, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Massachusetts state tax (5%), FICA, and local deductions will be approximately $5,150 per month (this is a pre-tax estimate; actuals vary with deductions).

The average 1BR rent in New Bedford is $1,205/month. This is the single biggest factor in your favor. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a Data Analyst earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,205	A nice 1BR in the North End or near the harbor.
Utilities	$180	Includes heat, electric, internet. Older housing stock can mean higher winter heating bills.
Groceries	$400	Based on a single person. Shop at the Hannaford on S. Dartmouth or the new Market Basket in Fairhaven for better prices.
Transportation	$250	If you own a car: gas + insurance. If not, the 0.5-mile walk to the MBTA bus line is viable for some.
Health Insurance	$300	Assumes employer covers 70%.
Debt/Student Loans	$300	Varies widely.
Retirement (401k)	$418 (8%)	Highly recommended.
Discretionary/Savings	$2,097	This is your buffer for dining, entertainment, travel, and savings.

Can you afford to buy a home? This is the key question many ask. The median home price in New Bedford is around $375,000. With your take-home of $5,150/month, a standard mortgage (20% down, 30-year fixed at 7%) would be roughly $2,000/month. That’s about 39% of your gross income, which is at the upper limit of affordability. However, many local lenders offer first-time homebuyer programs and down payment assistance. It’s tight but possible, especially if you have a partner or plan for a multi-family property (a classic New Bedford strategy). Renting first is the wise move to understand neighborhoods.

Where the Jobs Are: New Bedford's Major Employers

New Bedford’s job market for data analysts isn’t as sprawling as Boston’s, but it’s deeply rooted in specific sectors. Here’s where you should be focusing your applications:

1. Southcoast Health System: The region’s largest private employer. They’re aggressively building out their data analytics team to manage patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial data. Hiring Trend: Strong demand for analysts with healthcare data experience (HIPAA compliance, EHR systems like Epic). They often post jobs on their career portal first.

2. UMass Dartmouth: The university is a major research and data hub. Opportunities exist in institutional research, grant management, and supporting STEM departments. Hiring Trend: Positions are often posted on the university’s HR site; they value academic credentials and experience with statistical software (R, Python).

3. The Fishing Industry (SeaWatch International, Northern Wind): This is a hidden gem. These large seafood processors are digitizing operations and need analysts for supply chain, inventory, and sales data. Hiring Trend: Growing need for analysts who understand both data and the nuances of a commodity-driven industry. It’s a unique niche that pays well.

4. Manufacturing & Engineering (Morton Metals, Sippican): Advanced manufacturing companies use data for predictive maintenance, quality control, and process optimization. Hiring Trend: They seek analysts with a blend of technical skills and an understanding of industrial processes.

5. Bristol Community College: Similar to UMass Dartmouth, the college needs analysts for enrollment, student success metrics, and accreditation reporting. Hiring Trend: Steady, with openings often tied to state funding cycles.

6. Vineyard Wind (Offshore Wind): While the corporate office is in Boston, the operational and community investment teams are heavily stationed in New Bedford. They need analysts for environmental impact studies, economic development data, and project logistics. Hiring Trend: This is the future. The offshore wind industry is creating a new class of data jobs focused on renewable energy and marine logistics.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren’t advertised on national boards. Join the Southcoast Workforce Board and attend events hosted by the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s a small enough scene that a personal introduction goes a long way.

Getting Licensed in MA

Good news: there is no state-mandated license to practice as a Data Analyst in Massachusetts. However, credibility and career advancement often depend on certifications and education.

Key Requirements and Costs:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Business Analytics, or a related field is the standard entry ticket. Local options include UMass Dartmouth’s Computer & Data Science programs and Bristol Community College’s associate degrees that can transfer.
• Certifications (Highly Recommended):
  • Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (Power BI): Cost: ~$165 exam fee. Very valuable for healthcare and manufacturing roles in the area.
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Cost: ~$39/month on Coursera. A great, affordable entry point.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Cost: ~$100 exam fee. Useful for reporting roles in local government and nonprofits.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you’re starting from scratch, a 6-month intensive bootcamp (like General Assembly) or a 2-year associate degree can get you job-ready. With a bachelor’s in another field, a 3-6 month certification prep can make you competitive for entry-level roles. The key is a solid portfolio with 2-3 projects (e.g., analyzing New Bedford public school data or local tourism trends).

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Commute, lifestyle, and cost vary dramatically by neighborhood. Here’s the local breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
North End	Urban, walkable, near UMass Dartmouth. Street parking is tough.	$1,100 - $1,350	Young professionals who want city energy and a short commute to campus jobs.
The Harbor/ Downtown	Historic, scenic, with a growing arts scene. Can be noisy near the waterfront.	$1,250 - $1,500	Those who prioritize character, restaurants, and a view. Good for biking.
South End	Residential, quieter, more single-family homes. Requires a car.	$1,000 - $1,200	Analysts who want space, a yard, and a 10-minute drive to Southcoast Health.
West End	Affordable, diverse, with a mix of older housing. A bit farther from the core.	$900 - $1,150	Budget-conscious professionals, good access to Route 140 for commuting to other towns.
Fairhaven (across the bridge)	Quaint, slightly more suburban feel. Great parks and schools.	$1,300 - $1,550	Those with families or who prefer a quieter, small-town vibe with easy access to New Bedford via the bridge.

Insider Tip: Parking is a major headache in the North End and Downtown. If you have a car, strongly consider the South End or Fairhaven. The bus system (BAT) is decent but not comprehensive; a car is still a near-necessity for job hunting across the metro.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 36% is your runway. This isn’t a saturated market; it’s an emerging one. Here’s how to leverage it:

• Specialty Premiums: In New Bedford, the highest premiums are for:

  • Healthcare Analytics: +10-15% over the median.
  • Industrial/IoT Analytics: +10-12% over the median.
  • Offshore Wind/Energy Analytics: This is the new frontier, with salaries potentially matching Boston’s in 5-7 years.

• Advancement Path: The typical path is Entry → Mid (2-3 yrs) → Senior (5-8 yrs). From there, you can branch into Management (leading a small team), Specialization (becoming the go-to expert in a domain like healthcare or marine data), or Consulting. Because the market is smaller, becoming a well-known expert in a niche can be faster here than in a large city.

• 10-Year Outlook: The push for data-driven decision-making is just hitting critical mass in New Bedford’s traditional industries (fishing, manufacturing) and the new sectors (healthcare, wind). Analysts who can bridge technical skills with deep local industry knowledge will be in the driver’s seat. The $83,585 median is likely to rise steadily with this demand.

The Verdict: Is New Bedford Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable cost of living relative to salary.	Limited number of large, tech-forward employers.
High job growth (36%) in a growing metro area.	Job market is highly specialized; generalist analysts may struggle.
Proximity to the ocean and nature (beaches, parks).	Public transportation is limited; a car is almost essential.
Tight-knit professional community for networking.	Fewer networking events/meetups compared to Boston.
Unique industry niches (fishing, wind, healthcare).	Winters can be long and gray; coastal dampness is real.

Final Recommendation: New Bedford is an excellent choice for a data analyst who values affordability and quality of life over Big City hustle. It’s ideal if you have a specific interest in healthcare, manufacturing, or the emerging green energy sector. The salary of $83,585 goes much further here than in most Massachusetts metros. It’s not the place for someone chasing the absolute highest salary or looking for a vast, anonymous tech scene. But if you want to build a meaningful career, own a home, and live by the ocean, this is a hidden gem worth serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a Data Analyst in New Bedford if I’m not from the area?
Not inherently. The key is tailoring your resume to local employers (highlighting healthcare, manufacturing, or supply chain experience) and applying directly through company websites rather than relying solely on LinkedIn. Having a portfolio with local data (e.g., analyzing fishing catch trends or public health data) shows initiative.

2. Do I need a car to live and work in New Bedford?
Yes, for 95% of scenarios. While some North End apartments are walkable to UMass Dartmouth or downtown, most employers (Southcoast Health, manufacturing plants) are spread out. The bus system (BAT) can work for a commute, but it’s not reliable for all routes or schedules. Plan on having a car.

3. What’s the tech stack most in demand locally?
SQL and Excel are table stakes. Power BI is dominant in healthcare and manufacturing due to its Microsoft integration. Tableau is common in academia and government. Python is growing but not as ubiquitous as in Boston. For the fishing and wind industries, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) skills are a huge plus.

4. How does the cost of living really compare to Boston?
Dramatically. A comparable lifestyle in Boston would cost at least 30-40% more, mostly in rent. Your $1,205 rent in New Bedford could easily be $2,800+ in Boston for a similar 1BR. Even with a slightly lower salary in Boston, your disposable income would be significantly lower. The trade-off is fewer entertainment and dining options, but the natural access is better.

5. What’s the best way to network locally?
Skip the massive conferences. Focus on:

• Southcoast Health’s annual community events.
• UMass Dartmouth’s computer science department guest lectures.
• New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center events (great for meeting industry folks).
• The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals group.
• LinkedIn—search for “Data Analyst” + “New Bedford” and connect directly. Many locals are responsive.