Data Analyst in Rochester, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Rochester Stands

As a career analyst who’s watched the Seacoast labor market for years, I can tell you that Rochester’s data analyst salaries are a fascinating case study. It’s not a tech hub like Boston, nor a government town like Concord. It’s a manufacturing and healthcare hub with a growing need for data talent. The median salary of $86,260/year ($41.47/hour) sits comfortably above the national average of $83,360/year, which is a strong signal for a city of its size. This means Rochester is actively competing for talent, often offering a premium to avoid the long commutes to Portsmouth or Manchester.

The job market here is tight but growing. We’re looking at 65 data analyst jobs in the metro area, which includes surrounding towns like Farmington and Dover. That’s not a flood, but it’s a steady stream. More importantly, the 10-year job growth of 36% is a powerhouse number, well above the national average for the field. This growth is driven by the healthcare sector, advanced manufacturing, and the slow but steady digitalization of traditional local industries.

Here’s how the salary breaks down by experience level. These are local estimates based on aggregated job postings and BLS data for the Portsmouth-Rochester metro area.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Rochester)	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$60,000 - $72,000	Frisbie Memorial Hospital, local credit unions, small manufacturing firms (e.g., Sprague Energy).
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$78,000 - $92,000	MaineHealth (primary care clinics in Rochester), Sig Sauer (manufacturing analytics), Dover-based tech firms.
Senior (5-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	Rochester-based corporate offices (e.g., financial services), larger healthcare systems, advanced manufacturing.
Expert/Lead (8+ yrs)	$120,000+	Regional healthcare system leadership, corporate strategy roles, consulting firms serving the Seacoast.

Insider Tip: The $86,260 median is your real benchmark. If you have 3-5 years of experience and are proficient in SQL, Python, and a BI tool (like Tableau or Power BI), you should be negotiating for at least the mid-to-upper range of that $78,000 - $92,000 band. Companies here are feeling the competition from the nearby Portsmouth market and are adjusting.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Let’s put Rochester’s $86,260 in context. It’s slightly below the state capital of Concord (where state government and insurance headquarters push the average higher), but it’s competitive with the Manchester-Nashua area, especially when you factor in cost of living. It’s significantly higher than cities in the Lakes Region or further north. For a data analyst, this represents a sweet spot: a strong salary without the extreme housing costs of the Boston metro.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The cost of living index for Rochester is 111.6, meaning it’s 11.6% more expensive than the national average. This is primarily driven by housing and utilities. The average 1BR rent is $1,582/month.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single Data Analyst earning the median salary of $86,260. This uses New Hampshire’s state income tax (5% on dividends/interest only; no general income tax) but accounts for federal taxes and FICA.

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,188	$86,260 / 12
Federal Tax & FICA	~$1,450	Varies by your 401k, filing status, etc.
Take-Home Pay	~$5,738	After federal taxes and FICA.
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,582	Average for the area.
Utilities	$200	Includes Internet, electric, gas. NH winters are cold.
Groceries	$400	For one person.
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-sponsored plan.
Transportation	$350	Car payment/insurance/gas. Public transit is limited.
Student Loans/Debt	$300	National average for recent grads.
Retirement Savings	$500	10% of gross is a smart target.
Discretionary & Misc.	$1,156	Everything else—entertainment, shopping, savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Rochester is around $350,000 - $400,000. With the budget above, saving for a down payment is challenging but possible. A 20% down payment on a $375,000 home is $75,000. At a savings rate of $1,000/month, that’s 6.25 years. However, many first-time buyers use FHA loans (3.5% down) or down payment assistance programs through the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. With a $86,260 salary, you’d likely qualify for a mortgage on a starter home, but your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be a significant portion of your take-home pay. It’s doable, but requires careful budgeting.

Where the Jobs Are: Rochester’s Major Employers

Rochester’s economy is anchored by a few key sectors. Data analysts here often find work supporting operational efficiency, patient care analytics, or supply chain management. Here are the main players:

1. Frisbie Memorial Hospital (Part of MaineHealth): A major employer in the city. They need analysts for patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial reporting. Hiring trends: Steady, with a growing need for analysts who understand healthcare data (EHR systems like Epic).
2. Sig Sauer: The firearms manufacturer has a significant presence in Rochester and nearby Epping. They need analysts for production forecasting, quality control data, and supply chain logistics. Hiring trends: Cyclical but strong, aligned with manufacturing demand.
3. Rochester School District: Public school districts need data analysts for student performance metrics, budget analysis, and state reporting. This is a stable, public-sector path.
4. Local Financial Institutions: Banks like Northeast Credit Union or local branches of large banks (TD Bank, etc.) have back-office operations in the area. They need analysts for risk assessment, fraud detection, and marketing analytics.
5. Advanced Manufacturing Firms: Companies like Sprague Energy (in nearby Portsmouth, but a major regional employer) and local machine shops are increasingly using data for process optimization. They’re often looking for analysts with a manufacturing or engineering bent.
6. State Government & Municipal Services: The City of Rochester and the State of NH have offices that require data analysts for everything from public works (traffic, utilities) to grant management and demographic studies.

Insider Tip: Many of these roles aren’t heavily advertised on national job boards. They’re posted on the NH Employment Security website, LinkedIn (with location filters set to Rochester), or directly on company career pages. Networking with professionals at the Seacoast HR Association or Seacoast Young Professionals can uncover these hidden opportunities.

Getting Licensed in NH

For data analysts, there is no state-specific “license” required. New Hampshire does not license data analysts. However, there are certifications and steps that will make you a stronger candidate and are required by some employers.

• Professional Certifications: While not state-mandated, employers often look for certifications like Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate, or Tableau Desktop Specialist. These are globally recognized and prove your skills. Cost: $100 - $200 for exam fees.
• Background Checks: Most employers, especially in healthcare (Frisbie) and finance, will require a criminal background check and may require a credit check. Cost: $20 - $50.
• Driving: If your role requires travel between local sites (e.g., visiting different manufacturing plants), a valid driver’s license is a must.
• Timeline: You don’t need a long “licensing” timeline. If you have the right skills, you can apply for jobs immediately. If you need to upskill, a 3-6 month course to get a certificate like the Google Data Analytics cert is a solid investment.

Key Resource: The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security is your go-to for job listings and labor market information. The New Hampshire Licensing Board is not relevant for this profession.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Rochester is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute time to the main employer hubs (hospital, downtown, industrial parks).

1. Downtown Rochester: The heart of the city. Walkable to City Hall, the library, and some local restaurants. Best for those who want a short commute to municipal jobs and a more urban feel. Rent for a 1BR here can be slightly above average, around $1,650/month. Commute to Frisbie Hospital or Sig Sauer is under 5 minutes by car.
2. Gonic: A quieter, more residential neighborhood on the eastern side. Primarily single-family homes and a few apartment complexes. Good for families or those wanting more space. Rent is closer to the city average, $1,500 - $1,600/month. Commute to all major employers is 5-10 minutes.
3. East Rochester / Route 125 Corridor: This area is dominated by retail, restaurants, and light industrial parks. It offers convenience (lots of shopping, easy highway access) but can be noisier. Rent here is very competitive, often $1,400 - $1,550/month. Commute to anywhere in Rochester is under 10 minutes.
4. North Rochester (near the Lilac Mall area): Similar to East Rochester, with a mix of retail and residential. Very convenient for running errands. Rent is in the $1,500 - $1,600/month range. Easy access to Route 108 for commuting to Dover or Portsmouth.
5. South Rochester (near the Spaulding Turnpike): This area is more rural on the outskirts, with larger properties and farms. Rents can be lower ($1,300 - $1,500/month), but you’ll rely heavily on a car. Commute times increase to 10-15 minutes for most employers.

Insider Tip: If you work at Frisbie Hospital, living in the Gonic or East Rochester neighborhoods gives you the easiest commute. Avoid living directly on busy routes like Route 11 or Route 125 if you value quiet evenings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Rochester is an excellent place to build the first 5-7 years of your career. The 36% growth projection means you won’t be stuck. Here’s how you advance:

• Path 1: The Healthcare Analyst: Start at Frisbie or a MaineHealth clinic. Learn the ropes of healthcare data (HIPAA, EHRs). Move to a senior analyst role in the larger MaineHealth system (which has a presence in Portland and Portsmouth), where salaries can jump to $100,000+.
• Path 2: The Manufacturing Specialist: Start at Sig Sauer or a similar firm. Develop expertise in supply chain analytics or production data. This niche is highly valuable and can lead to roles at larger manufacturing companies in the region (like in the Portsmouth/Seacoast tech corridor).
• Path 3: The Public Sector Ladder: Start with the Rochester School District or city government. Gain experience in public data, grants, and reporting. Move into a senior role at the state level in Concord or a larger municipal government like Manchester.
• Specialty Premiums: Skills in SQL, Python, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) are the baseline. The real premium comes from domain expertise. A healthcare analyst with experience in Epic or Cerner EHRs can command a 15-20% salary premium. A manufacturing analyst with lean/Six Sigma certification is also highly sought after.

10-Year Outlook: Over the next decade, Rochester’s data analyst market will mature. As more companies in the region adopt digital tools, the demand will shift from basic reporting to predictive analytics and data science. The analysts who will thrive are those who move beyond pulling data to telling strategic stories with it. The $86,260 median today could easily reach $110,000+ for mid-level analysts with specialized skills by 2034.

The Verdict: Is Rochester Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary relative to a low cost of living (outside of housing).	Housing costs are rising and inventory is low; the $1,582/month average rent is a real constraint.
Strong, growing job market (36% growth), especially in stable sectors like healthcare.	Limited nightlife and cultural amenities compared to Portsmouth or Manchester.
No state income tax on wages, only on dividends/interest.	The job market is smaller (65 jobs); you must be flexible and network aggressively.
Easy commutes within the city; you can live 10 minutes from work.	You will need a car; public transit is minimal.
Gateway to the Seacoast. Close to Portsmouth (20 mins) and its amenities, but without its housing prices.	The economy can feel tied to a few large employers; layoffs in one sector (e.g., manufacturing) can ripple.

Final Recommendation:
Rochester is an excellent choice for a data analyst in the early to mid-stages of their career (0-8 years). It offers a financially sensible path—where your $86,260 salary goes further than in Boston or Portsmouth—while providing real professional growth opportunities. It’s ideal for someone who values a short commute, a sense of community, and easy access to natural beauty (the White Mountains and Seacoast are nearby) over a bustling urban core. If you’re willing to be proactive in your job search and strategic about your neighborhood choice, Rochester provides a stable and rewarding launchpad for a data career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a master’s degree to get a data analyst job in Rochester?
A: No. A bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field (Stats, Math, CS, Economics) is the standard requirement. Many employers value practical experience and certifications (like the Google Data Analytics cert) more than an advanced degree, especially for entry and mid-level roles.

Q: How competitive is the job market with only 65 jobs in the metro?
A: It’s competitive, but manageable. The 36% growth means new jobs are being created. The key is to be one of the first to apply and to have a tailored application. Use your network—many jobs are filled through referrals before they’re widely posted.

Q: What’s the best time of year to look for jobs in Rochester?
A: Hiring cycles often align with the fiscal year (Q1 for many companies) and the end of summer (after vacations). However, healthcare and education hiring can happen year-round. Set up job alerts and be ready to apply immediately when a posting goes live.

Q: Is remote work an option for data analysts in Rochester?
A: Yes, increasingly so. Many local employers offer hybrid schedules (2-3 days in the office). Fully remote roles are also available from companies based in other parts of NH, Massachusetts, or even nationally. This gives you the best of both worlds: a Rochester salary and cost of living with the flexibility of remote work.

Q: What are the must-have skills for Rochester employers?
A: SQL is non-negotiable. Excel (advanced, with PivotTables, Power Query) is essential. A BI tool (Tableau or Power BI) is highly desired. For healthcare roles, familiarity with EHRs is a huge plus. For manufacturing, knowledge of ERP systems (like SAP) is valuable. Python is a growing asset, especially for more senior roles.