Financial Analyst in Lebanon, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Lebanon Stands

Lebanon, New Hampshire, sits in a unique economic position. It's not a major financial hub like Boston or New York, but its economy is anchored by a world-class medical center and a regional hospital network, which creates a steady demand for financial analysts who understand healthcare finance, grants, and operational budgeting. The local job market is small but stable, and the compensation reflects that.

Let's break down the salary data. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Lebanon is $101,683/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $48.89. This figure sits slightly above the national average of $99,010/year for the same role. While the national average is a useful benchmark, it's crucial to understand that Lebanon's cost of living is also higher than the national average, which we'll explore in detail.

The job market itself is limited. There are approximately 29 jobs for Financial Analysts in the metro area at any given time. This isn't a city with endless openings, so competition for the best roles can be fierce. However, the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 9%, indicating a stable, expanding need for financial expertise, primarily driven by the healthcare and education sectors.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

The $101,683 median is a midpoint. Your actual offer will vary significantly based on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Lebanon market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$85,000 - $115,000
Senior Analyst	8-12 years	$115,000 - $135,000
Expert/Manager	12+ years	$135,000 - $160,000+

Note: Senior and Expert-level roles often require specialized knowledge (e.g., healthcare finance, grant management) and come with managerial responsibilities.

How Lebanon Compares to Other NH Cities

Lebanon's salary is competitive within New Hampshire, especially when you factor in the state's lack of a broad-based income tax. Compared to larger, more diversified markets like Manchester or Nashua, Lebanon's financial analyst salaries are on par, if not slightly higher in specific sectors like healthcare. However, the volume of opportunities is much lower.

City	Median Salary	Job Market Size	Key Industries
Lebanon	$101,683	Small (29 jobs)	Healthcare, Education, Regional Services
Manchester	~$98,500	Medium-Large	Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing
Nashua	~$96,000	Medium-Large	Tech, Manufacturing, Defense
Concord	~$97,000	Medium	State Government, Insurance, Legal

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the salary number. In Lebanon, a high proportion of jobs are with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) and its affiliated organizations. These roles often come with excellent benefits, including robust retirement plans and tuition reimbursement, which can add 15-20% to your total compensation value.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's ground the $101,683 median salary in reality. A single filer's take-home pay after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare (and assuming no 401k contribution for this baseline) is roughly $75,000 - $78,000 annually, or about $6,250 - $6,500 per month.

Now, factor in housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Lebanon is $1,471/month. This can vary significantly by neighborhood and property type.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Financial Analyst Earning $101,683

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Pay (after taxes)	$6,500	Conservative estimate, single filer
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,471	Can be lower in West Lebanon or higher near downtown
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$250	NH winters mean higher heating costs
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national averages
Transportation (Car + Insurance)	$500	Assumes car payment; insurance rates are moderate
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$300	Varies widely by employer plan
Student Loans / Other Debt	$400	Adjust based on personal situation
Entertainment & Misc.	$500	Dining out, hobbies, personal care
Savings / Emergency Fund	$1,679	25% of take-home is a strong savings rate
Total Expenses	$4,821
Remaining	$1,679	For additional savings, investment, or major purchases

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires discipline. With a $101,683 salary and a strong down payment (20%), a mortgage of $300,000-$350,000 is feasible, which aligns with the median home price in the Lebanon area (~$340,000). The key is maintaining a low debt-to-income ratio. Many financial analysts in the area partner with a local credit union like Mascoma Bank or Service Credit Union for favorable first-time homebuyer programs.

Insider Tip: Many DHMC and regional hospital employees have access to mortgage programs designed for healthcare workers, sometimes with lower down payment requirements or interest rate buy-downs. Always inquire with HR about housing assistance programs.

Where the Jobs Are: Lebanon's Major Employers

The job market for financial analysts in Lebanon is not vast, but it's deeply integrated with a few key sectors. Here are the primary employers you'll be targeting:

1. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) & Dartmouth Health: This is the 800-pound gorilla. DHMC is the largest employer in the region, with over 10,000 staff. They have a massive finance and accounting department, with roles ranging from revenue cycle analysts to budget managers. Hiring is continuous, but internal promotions are common. Knowing Encompass, their EHR system, is a plus.

2. Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College: The medical school itself employs financial analysts for grant management, operational budgeting, and research finance. These roles often deal with federal grants (NIH) and require expertise in grant compliance (Uniform Guidance). The environment is academic, with a focus on research and education.

3. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic (DHC): The outpatient arm of Dartmouth Health, with locations throughout the Upper Valley. Their finance teams focus on physician practice management, ambulatory surgery center budgeting, and patient service revenue.

4. Valley Regional Hospital: A 25-bed critical access hospital in nearby Claremont, NH (15-minute drive). It's part of the Dartmouth Health network but operates with its own financial team. Roles here are often broader, offering exposure to multiple facets of hospital finance in a smaller setting.

5. Mascoma Bank: A regional bank headquartered in Lebanon. While not a traditional analyst role, their commercial lending and wealth management departments hire financial analysts for credit analysis, portfolio management, and client reporting. This is a great path if you prefer banking over healthcare.

6. Local Government & Municipalities: The City of Lebanon and the Town of Hanover employ financial analysts for municipal budgeting, capital planning, and grant administration. These are stable, public-sector roles with excellent benefits and work-life balance.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. A generalist financial analyst will find competition tight. However, analysts who can demonstrate experience or proficiency in healthcare finance, revenue cycle management, or grant accounting are in high demand. The remote work trend has also hit Lebanon; some roles at these employers are now hybrid, but most are on-site due to the collaborative nature of budgeting and the need to work with clinical departments.

Getting Licensed in NH

For most financial analyst roles in Lebanon, a state license is not required. The term "financial analyst" is broad and typically falls under corporate finance or operational analysis, which doesn't require a state license.

However, if your career path veers toward wealth management, investment advising, or selling securities, then licenses are mandatory. Here are the key ones:

• Series 7 (General Securities Representative): Required to sell most securities. Exam fee: ~$80.
• Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam): Qualifies you as an investment advisor representative. Often paired with the Series 7. Exam fee: ~$80.
• Series 63 (Uniform Securities State Law Exam): Sometimes required in addition to the Series 7, depending on the firm. Exam fee: ~$80.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Secure a Sponsor: You must be employed by a registered firm (like a broker-dealer or investment advisor) to sit for these exams. You cannot self-study and take them independently.
2. Study (1-3 months): Most firms provide study materials. Self-study is also common.
3. Schedule Exam: Once your firm sponsors you, you can schedule the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center (the closest is in Manchester, NH, about 1 hour away).
4. Application & Fees: After passing, your firm will file the necessary paperwork with FINRA and the NH Bureau of Securities Regulation. This can take 2-4 weeks.

Total Cost: Expect $300-$500 in exam fees, plus any costs for study materials if not provided by your employer.

Insider Tip: If you're targeting a role at a bank like Mascoma or a regional brokerage, ask about their licensing support during the interview process. Leading employers will cover all exam fees and provide paid study time.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Lebanon and its immediate surroundings offer a range of living options, each with a distinct character. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas for a financial analyst, factoring in commute, lifestyle, and rent.

1. Downtown Lebanon:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, professional. Close to DHMC, the courthouse, and restaurants.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to DHMC or downtown offices. Walk or bike.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,600 - $1,900
   • Best For: Young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action and avoid a car commute.

2. West Lebanon:

   • Vibe: Commercial, convenient, family-friendly. Home to big-box stores, strip malls, and more affordable housing.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to DHMC, depending on exact location.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,300 - $1,600
   • Best For: Those who prioritize convenience, access to grocery stores, and slightly lower rents while staying close to work.

3. Hanover (NH side):

   • Vibe: Academic, quaint, upscale. Home to Dartmouth College. Very walkable and beautiful.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to DHMC. Traffic can be heavier during college sessions.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,700 - $2,200
   • Best For: Those who value a college-town atmosphere, cultural events, and don't mind paying a premium for the prestige and walkability.

4. Hartford/White River Junction (VT side):

   • Vibe: Historic railroad town, slightly more rural, with a growing arts scene. A 5-10 minute drive to DHMC.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to DHMC. The I-91 corridor is straightforward.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,200 - $1,500
   • Best For: Those seeking more space, a quieter setting, and a lower cost of living. Great for commuting to DHMC or the VA Medical Center.

5. Enfield, NH:

   • Vibe: Rural, lakeside community. A bit further out (20-25 minute drive), but offers a true New England small-town feel.
   • Commute: 25-35 minutes to DHMC.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,400
   • Best For: Analysts who work remotely or have a hybrid schedule, and those who prioritize nature, privacy, and a lower cost of living over commute time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career growth in Lebanon is less about jumping to a new company every two years and more about deepening expertise and moving up within the existing ecosystem.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Finance: This is the golden ticket. Analysts with experience in DRG coding, revenue cycle management, or value-based care models can command a 10-15% salary premium over generalists. This is the dominant specialty in the region.
• Grant Management: Expertise in federal grants (NIH, HRSA) is highly valued at Dartmouth College and DHMC. This is a niche skill with less competition.
• Investment Analysis: For those at banks or wealth management firms, proficiency in portfolio theory and CFA charterholder status can lead to significant advancement.

Advancement Paths:

• Corporate Path: Junior Analyst → Financial Analyst → Senior Financial Analyst → Finance Manager → Director of Finance → CFO (at a smaller hospital or community health center).
• Public Path: Budget Analyst → Senior Budget Analyst → Budget Manager → Finance Director (for a city or town).
• Specialist Path: Revenue Cycle Analyst → Manager of Revenue Cycle → Director of Revenue Cycle. This is a common and lucrative path within large healthcare systems.

10-Year Outlook:
The 9% job growth is promising, but it will be uneven. Growth will be concentrated in healthcare finance and related fields. The rise of telehealth and remote work may also create new opportunities for analysts who can manage distributed financial operations. However, the number of senior leadership positions (Director, VP) is limited. Be prepared for a longer tenure in senior roles or consider consulting for smaller organizations in the region as a way to gain breadth of experience.

The Verdict: Is Lebanon Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Median Salary ($101,683) relative to cost of living.	Very small job market (only ~29 openings).
Strong, stable employer base (DHMC, Dartmouth).	Specialization is critical; generalists struggle.
Excellent work-life balance and outdoor access.	High cost of living (109.0 index), especially for housing.
No state income tax boosts take-home pay.	Limited cultural/dining diversity compared to large cities.
Tight-knit professional network; easy to build connections.	Slower career advancement due to limited senior roles.
Four-season climate with world-class skiing/hiking.	Harsh winters can be a lifestyle adjustment.

Final Recommendation:

Lebanon is not for the typical financial analyst seeking rapid career mobility. It's a niche market for specialists.

You should strongly consider Lebanon if:

• You have (or are willing to develop) a passion for healthcare finance.
• You value quality of life over metropolitan excitement.
• You are a professional or an empty-nester looking for a stable, beautiful place to work and live.
• You have a hybrid or remote job that allows you to leverage the area's amenities while earning a salary from elsewhere.

You should look elsewhere if:

• You are a recent graduate needing a high volume of entry-level opportunities to test different industries.
• You crave the energy, networking, and rapid advancement of a large financial hub.
• Your career goals are strictly in investment banking, private equity, or hedge funds (these roles are virtually non-existent here).

FAQs

1. I am an entry-level financial analyst. Is it hard to get a job in Lebanon?
Yes. The market is small, and many entry-level roles are filled by Dartmouth College or DHMC interns. To stand out, target specific programs like the DHMC Finance Fellowship or Geisel School's grant administration roles. Be prepared to start in a related role (e.g., accounting clerk) and pivot internally. Networking with alumni from Dartmouth is highly effective.

2. How important is it to know the healthcare industry before applying?
For roles at DHMC, Dartmouth Health, or Valley Regional, it's a significant advantage. You don't need to be a clinician, but you must understand the basics: the difference between Medicare/Medicaid, what a DRG is, and why revenue cycle management is critical. Taking a course on healthcare finance or getting a certification (like the Certified Revenue Cycle Representative) can set you apart.

3. Can I commute from Vermont? Should I consider living in Vermont?
Absolutely, and many do. The I-91 corridor makes the commute from White River Junction, Hartford, or even further afield like Springfield, VT, very manageable (15-25 minutes to DHMC). The main advantage is lower property taxes. However, you must be aware that your income tax is still paid to NH (as a non