Data Analyst in Portsmouth, NH

As a career analyst who’s spent years navigating the professional landscape of New Hampshire’s Seacoast, I’ve seen a lot of folks move here for the quality of life and stay for the career opportunities. If you’re a data analyst looking at Portsmouth, you’re probably weighing the coastal charm against the practicalities of your career. This guide is for you—the direct, no-fluff breakdown of what your life as a data analyst in Portsmouth actually looks like, from the paycheck to the commute.

Portsmouth isn't a sprawling tech hub like Boston; it's a tight-knit, historic city with a surprisingly strong and growing professional services sector. The jobs are there, but they look different. You’ll find them in healthcare, maritime logistics, and boutique consulting firms, not at sprawling FAANG campuses. Let's dive into the numbers and the neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where Portsmouth Stands

First, let’s address the most critical question: what will you earn? The data for the Portsmouth metro area (which includes parts of southern Maine) is compelling. The median salary for a Data Analyst here is $86,260 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.47. This positions you well above the national average for the role, which sits at $83,360. The local job market, while smaller with 44 current openings in the metro, is expanding rapidly, with a 10-year job growth projection of 36%. This growth is a key indicator of sustained demand, driven by the region's established and stable industries.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys, calibrated to the Portsmouth market.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Local Drivers
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $75,000	Often at healthcare networks or local government. Strong SQL & Excel are non-negotiable.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$78,000 - $95,000	The sweet spot. Roles in logistics, insurance, and consulting. Python/R and visualization tools (Tableau/Power BI) are expected.
Senior-Level (6-9 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Leads small teams or manages complex projects. Often found at major employers like Portsmouth Regional Hospital or the Pease Trade Port.
Expert/Manager (10+ years)	$115,000 - $130,000+	Director-level roles. Requires strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and deep industry knowledge.

Portsmouth vs. Other NH Cities: This salary is highly competitive within the state. It’s significantly higher than the median for Manchester (NH’s largest city) and Nashua, which are closer to the $78,000 - $82,000 range. The premium here is due to the higher cost of living and the presence of specialized, high-value industries. You’re trading a larger job pool (Manchester has 100+ postings) for better pay and quality of life in Portsmouth.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $86,260 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s break it down with real numbers for Portsmouth.

Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, using standard 2024 tax brackets (federal + NH state tax). NH has no sales tax but does have a 5% Interest & Dividends tax (which typically doesn’t affect a salary earner’s take-home). We’ll use the local average 1BR rent of $1,582/month.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,188
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State): ~$1,650/month
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): ~$5,538
• Rent ($1,582): 28.6% of take-home pay.

This leaves you with ~$3,956/month for all other expenses (utilities, groceries, car, insurance, savings, entertainment). This is a manageable ratio, falling within the recommended 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the tougher question. The median home price in the Portsmouth area is approximately $650,000. Let’s run the numbers:

• 20% Down Payment: $130,000 (a significant upfront cost).
• Mortgage (Principal & Interest on $520k, 30-year at 7%): ~$3,460/month.
• Property Taxes (NH has high property taxes): ~$800/month (variable by town).
• Total Mortgage & Tax: ~$4,260/month.

This would be 77% of your take-home pay, which is financially unsustainable. Even with a 10% down payment, the monthly burden would be overwhelming on a single $86,260 salary. Insider Tip: Homeownership in Portsmouth proper is often a two-income household endeavor. Many analysts in the area buy in more affordable neighboring towns like Dover, Rochester, or even across the border in Kittery, ME, and commute. The 36% job growth is promising, but for now, buying is a long-term goal, not an immediate possibility on this median salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Portsmouth's Major Employers

The job market here is defined by stability and niche expertise. You won't find a "data analyst" title at every corner, but the roles that exist are well-compensated and integral to the business.

1. Portsmouth Regional Hospital (Part of HCA Healthcare): A major employer. They need analysts for patient flow, financial performance, and operational efficiency. The work is stable, benefits are good, and you’re dealing with complex healthcare data. Hiring trends show a consistent need for analysts who can handle HIPAA-compliant data and understand clinical metrics.
2. Pease Development Authority / Pease Trade Port: This is a unique economic engine. Roles here involve analyzing trade port logistics, economic impact studies for the International Trade Port, and data for the Pease International Airport. It’s a blend of public sector and business analytics.
3. BAE Systems (at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard): While the shipyard itself is federal, BAE Systems, a major contractor, has a significant presence. They need analysts for supply chain logistics, predictive maintenance on naval vessels, and project cost analysis. Security clearance can be a bonus here.
4. Local Insurance & Financial Firms: Companies like Lincoln Financial Group (with a local office) and smaller boutique wealth management firms in Market Square need analysts for risk assessment, client portfolio analysis, and marketing analytics. The work is precise and data-heavy.
5. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) & Seacoast Science Center: UNH’s main campus is in Durham, a 15-minute drive. They employ analysts for institutional research, student success metrics, and grant-funded research projects. The Seacoast Science Center and other marine research organizations also hire for environmental data analysis.
6. Seacoast Media Group (Local Gannett Paper): For those interested in media, their parent company relies on analysts for digital audience metrics, subscription analytics, and advertising performance. It’s a fast-paced, digital-first environment.

Hiring Trend Insight: The trend is toward "analyst-adjacent" roles. You’ll see titles like "Business Analyst," "Operations Analyst," or "Financial Analyst" that heavily emphasize data skills. The key is to look for postings that list SQL, Excel, and a visualization tool (Tableau is prevalent here) as core requirements.

Getting Licensed in NH

Good news: There is no state-specific license required to practice as a Data Analyst in New Hampshire. Unlike fields like nursing or accounting, data analysis is not a licensed profession. The "license" here is your skill set, portfolio, and certifications.

What You Do Need:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree is the standard entry requirement. Degrees in Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, or Business are common.
• Certifications (Optional but Recommended): While not mandated, these boost credibility. Locally, employers recognize:
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (great for entry-level).
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (Power BI is widely used in corporate settings here).
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist (common in marketing and consulting firms).
  • Cost: $100 - $200 per exam.
• Timeline: If you have a relevant degree and basic skills, you can start applying immediately. If you're upskilling, a 3-6 month focused study plan with a certification project is a solid timeline to become competitive for mid-level roles.

Insider Tip: For roles at BAE Systems or other defense contractors, you will likely need to obtain a Security Clearance. This process is lengthy (6-12 months) and requires a clean background, but it’s a career accelerator once in place.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live in the Seacoast drastically impacts your lifestyle and commute. Here’s a breakdown of key areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown Portsmouth	Walkable, historic, bustling. 5-10 min walk to most offices. Parking is a nightmare.	$1,800 - $2,200	The urban professional who wants to be in the heart of it all.
West End	Quieter residential, historic homes. 5-10 min drive to downtown. Good value.	$1,600 - $1,900	Those seeking a community feel with easy access to downtown amenities.
Kittery, ME (across the bridge)	Quaint, coastal village. 10-15 min drive to Portsmouth. No NH income tax (but ME income tax applies).	$1,400 - $1,700	Budget-conscious analysts who don’t mind a short commute and love a small-town feel.
Dover, NH	A larger, more affordable city with a growing downtown. 20-25 min commute to Portsmouth.	$1,300 - $1,600	Those prioritizing affordability and space, willing to commute. A popular choice.
Rye/Greenland	Upscale, coastal suburbs. 10-15 min commute. Very high rent and home prices.	$1,700 - $2,000+	Established professionals with higher salaries or dual-income households.

Personal Insight: The commute from Dover is easy via Route 101, but the traffic bottleneck at the Portsmouth traffic circle can add 10-15 minutes during rush hour. Living in Kittery offers a beautiful coastal commute and the chance to shop at the Kittery Outlets, but remember to factor in Maine state income tax if you work in NH.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 36% 10-year job growth is your most important metric for long-term planning. This isn’t a stagnant market.

• Specialty Premiums: In Portsmouth, domain knowledge pays. An analyst who understands maritime logistics (for the trade port), healthcare finance (for the hospital), or defense contracting (for BAE) can command a 10-15% salary premium over a generalist. Focus on an industry vertical early.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is:
  1. Data Analyst (0-3 yrs) -> Senior Analyst (3-6 yrs) -> Analytics Manager (6-10 yrs).
  2. Alternatively, move into specialized roles: Business Intelligence (BI) Developer, Data Scientist, or Quantitative Analyst (especially in finance/insurance).
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth will likely come from the continued digitization of legacy industries (healthcare, maritime, manufacturing) and the expansion of the Seacoast's professional services sector. Remote work has opened doors, but local employers still value analysts who understand the regional business context. To stay ahead, continuously update your skills in cloud analytics (AWS/Azure) and machine learning basics.

The Verdict: Is Portsmouth Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision hinges on what you value most in your career and life.

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary ($86,260 median) for the role.	High cost of living, especially for housing.
Excellent 10-year job growth (36%) in a stable market.	Limited job volume (44 openings) compared to major metros.
Unbeatable quality of life: coastal access, historic charm, low crime.	Competition for housing is fierce; buying a home is a significant challenge.
No state sales tax and a manageable state tax structure.	Commute challenges if you live in more affordable neighboring towns.
Niche, stable industries offer long-term career security.	Fewer "big tech" opportunities; career paths are more traditional.

Final Recommendation: Portsmouth is an ideal choice for a data analyst who prioritizes quality of life and long-term stability over rapid-fire career hops in a cutthroat tech scene. If you have 3-5 years of experience, the salary allows for a comfortable lifestyle if you rent. It's a fantastic place to build deep expertise in a specific industry. However, if your primary goal is to break into FAANG or a high-growth startup scene, you will find more immediate opportunities in Boston or remotely. For the analyst who wants a rewarding career and a life where you can be on the beach after work, Portsmouth is a compelling, data-driven choice.

FAQs

Q: Is it feasible to work remotely for a Boston company while living in Portsmouth?
A: Absolutely. Many professionals do this to access a higher Boston salary ($95k-$120k+) while enjoying Portsmouth's lifestyle. The commute to Boston is 1 hour without traffic, but remote work is the norm. Just be mindful of your company's tax nexus policies.

Q: What's the biggest skill gap I need to fill to get hired here?
A: While SQL is king everywhere, the specific gap in the Portsmouth market is often domain knowledge. Demonstrating you understand the basics of healthcare metrics, supply chain logistics, or financial risk will set you apart from generic applicants. Tailor your portfolio projects to local industries.

Q: How competitive is the entry-level market?
A: It's competitive but not impossible. The key is to be local. Employers here often prefer candidates who are already in the region or have a clear plan to relocate. Highlight any experience with local industries (even through academic projects) and consider certifications to stand out.

Q: Are there networking opportunities for data professionals?
A: Yes, but they're smaller and more intimate than in huge cities. Look for meetups through NH Tech Alliance (based in Portsmouth), UNH's Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics events, and industry-specific groups on LinkedIn. The community is tight-knit, so a good reputation travels fast.

Q: What's the public transportation like for commuting?
A: Limited. The Coastal Route bus service exists but is not reliable for daily professional commuting. You will need a car to live and work effectively in the Seacoast and its surrounding towns. Factor this into your budget for car payments, insurance, and gas.