Financial Analyst in Nashua, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Nashua Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Nashua isn't the first city that comes to mind for finance careers—it’s not Boston or New York—but that’s precisely its appeal. You get a strong salary with a lower cost of living and a manageable commute. The financial analyst role here is stable, supported by a mix of corporate HQs, regional banks, and the healthcare sector. The key is understanding where you fit in the local ecosystem.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages. These figures are based on local market data, blended with the broader regional trend.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Nashua, NH)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level Analyst (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $82,000	Data entry, basic financial modeling, report generation, supporting senior analysts.
Mid-Level Analyst (3-7 years)	$82,000 - $115,000	Building complex models, leading budget cycles, presenting to management, process improvement.
Senior Analyst (8-12 years)	$115,000 - $140,000	Strategic planning, mentoring junior staff, cross-functional projects, advanced forecasting.
Expert/Manager (12+ years)	$140,000+	Departmental leadership, executive reporting, M&A support, setting financial strategy.

The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Nashua is $100,524/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $48.33/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $99,010/year. For context, the national average is pulled down by lower-cost markets across the Midwest and South. In the New England corridor, Nashua’s salary is competitive, especially when you factor in the cost of living.

Compared to other New Hampshire cities, Nashua holds its own. Manchester, the state's largest city, typically offers a marginally higher salary (around 5-8%) due to a higher concentration of corporate HQs and insurance giants like Southern New Hampshire University and Dartmouth-Hitchcock. However, the commute from Nashua to Manchester is a straightforward 15-minute drive on the Everett Turnpike. Portsmouth, on the seacoast, commands a higher salary (often 10-15% above Nashua) but has a significantly higher cost of living, particularly for housing. Concord, the state capital, is comparable to Nashua in salary but has a smaller job market. For a financial analyst, Nashua offers a sweet spot: strong pay, a robust job market, and a reasonable cost of living.

The local job market is stable. Data shows there are approximately 181 jobs for financial analysts in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth for the profession in this region is projected at 9%, which is healthy and indicates sustained demand from the local business ecosystem.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. Earning the median salary of $100,524 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Nashua? We'll use a standard tax scenario for a single filer with no dependents (for illustration; your situation will vary).

• Gross Annual Salary: $100,524
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, NH State, FICA): ~$23,000 - $26,000 (NH has no state income tax on wages, but a 5% tax on interest/dividends and high property taxes).
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$6,100 - $6,300 (after taxes and standard deductions).

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The Cost of Living Index for Nashua is 105.1 (US average = 100), meaning it's about 5% more expensive than the national average. The biggest driver is housing.

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,489/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): ~$200/month
• Groceries & Food: ~$400/month
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance/Public Transit): ~$250/month
• Health Insurance (employer-sponsored): ~$300/month (co-premium)
• Miscellaneous & Savings: Remaining (~$3,400+)

The Verdict on Rent: With a take-home of ~$6,200 and a 1BR rent of $1,489, your housing cost is roughly 24% of your take-home pay. This is well within the recommended 30% threshold, leaving you ample room for savings, debt repayment, and discretionary spending. You can comfortably afford a 1BR apartment in a good neighborhood.

Can you afford to buy a home? This is the bigger question. The median home price in Nashua is approximately $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~7% interest would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of around $2,500 - $2,700. That's about 40-44% of your take-home pay, which is high but potentially manageable if you have minimal other debt. It's more feasible for dual-income households or after a few years of saving and salary growth. As a single income earner at the median, renting initially is the smarter play.

Where the Jobs Are: Nashua's Major Employers

Nashua’s economy is a mix of advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and corporate services. Financial analysts are needed to manage the books for these diverse entities. Here’s where you should focus your job search:

1. BAE Systems: A major defense contractor with a significant presence in Nashua. They have a large internal finance department supporting their Nashua site. Look for roles in project cost accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), and government contract finance. Hiring is steady but tied to government defense budgets.

2. St. Joseph Hospital / Dartmouth-Hitchcock: The healthcare sector is a massive employer. St. Joseph, part of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock system, needs financial analysts for hospital administration, revenue cycle management, and budgeting. This is a stable, recession-resistant sector. Knowledge of healthcare finance (e.g., DRG, reimbursement models) is a plus.

3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): While the main campus is in Manchester, SNHU has a significant administrative footprint in the region. Their online division is huge, requiring analysts for enrollment forecasting, tuition revenue modeling, and operational budgeting. They often hire for roles that blend finance with data analytics.

4. Local Banks & Credit Unions: Institutions like Bank of America (which has a major customer service center in Nashua) and local players like Service Credit Union or St. Mary's Bank (the nation's first chartered bank) have regional finance teams. Roles here focus on commercial lending analysis, branch profitability, and regulatory reporting.

5. Stonyfield Yogurt (Dairy Farmers of America): Though headquartered in Londonderry, their production facility and related corporate functions draw from the Nashua talent pool. They have FP&A roles focused on cost accounting for manufacturing, supply chain finance, and sustainability reporting.

6. Philips: The multinational healthcare technology company has a major site in Nashua for its Image Guided Therapy division. Finance roles here are typically in FP&A, supporting R&D and product line P&Ls. This is a great spot for analysts interested in the tech/healthcare intersection.

Hiring Trends: The market is active but not frenetic. Employers are looking for analysts with strong Excel skills (pivot tables, advanced formulas), experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), and increasingly, familiarity with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI. The 9% growth projection is real, but competition exists. Networking through the NH Chapter of the Financial Planning Association or local industry groups is highly effective.

Getting Licensed in NH

For most corporate financial analyst roles, you do not need a state-specific license. A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field is the standard entry requirement. However, pursuing professional certifications can significantly boost your salary and career trajectory.

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): This is the gold standard for investment analysis and portfolio management. While not required for most FP&A roles, it's highly respected. The CFA Institute administers exams. There are no state-specific requirements. Cost: ~$1,200 - $3,000 for all three levels (including study materials). Timeline: 3-4 years to complete all levels while working.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): If your role leans heavily into accounting, auditing, or tax, the CPA is invaluable. In New Hampshire, you must apply to the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy to sit for the exam. Requirements include 150 credit hours of education (a bachelor's + 30 extra credits) and passing the Uniform CPA Exam. Cost: ~$1,500 for exam fees, plus review courses ($2,000+). Timeline: 6-18 months after meeting educational requirements.
• Other Certifications: The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is excellent for corporate finance and FP&A roles. It's administered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and is globally recognized, with no state-specific NH requirements.

Insider Tip: Many Nashua employers, especially BAE and Philips, offer tuition reimbursement for pursuing these certifications. Always ask about this benefit during negotiations.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Where you live in Nashua affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here are the top neighborhoods for a financial analyst, balancing access to employers with quality of life.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Proximity to Major Employers
Downtown Nashua	Urban, walkable. Close to restaurants, bars, and the riverwalk. Easy access to I-93.	$1,600 - $1,800	Excellent. Central to most downtown offices and a short drive to BAE.
South Nashua /“The Avenues”	Established residential, quieter. Tree-lined streets, older homes.	$1,400 - $1,650	Very Good. Easy commute to BAE, St. Joseph Hospital, and downtown.
West Nashua	Suburban, family-oriented. Newer developments, strip malls.	$1,500 - $1,700	Good. Direct access to the Everett Turnpike for commutes to BAE, Manchester, or Bedford.
Nashua's "Milky Way" Area	Convenient, mid-century. Close to shopping (Mall of NH) and major roads.	$1,300 - $1,500	Very Good. Central location, 10 mins to BAE, 15 mins to St. Joseph, 20 mins to Manchester.

Insider Tip: If your job is at BAE or you value a shorter commute, prioritize South Nashua or The Milky Way area. If you want to be near the action and don't mind driving 10-15 minutes to work, Downtown offers the best lifestyle. For a more suburban feel with newer apartments, look to West Nashua.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Nashua’s career growth for financial analysts is solid, though less explosive than in a major financial hub. The path typically leads from Analyst to Senior Analyst to Finance Manager or Director of FP&A. Staying in Nashua often means growing within an existing employer or moving to a similar company locally.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain specializations can command a premium. Analysts with deep expertise in government contract costing (for BAE) or healthcare reimbursement (for St. Joseph) can earn 10-15% above the general median. Data analytics skills (SQL, Python, advanced visualization) are becoming a differentiator and can add a 5-10% premium.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is vertical within a company. Another viable path is to move from a smaller local firm to a larger one (e.g., from a local bank to BAE). Some analysts leverage Nashua as a stepping stone to Boston roles, using the I-93 corridor for a 1-hour commute, though that is demanding.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is encouraging. While some routine analysis may be automated, the demand for analysts who can interpret data, provide strategic insight, and communicate with non-financial stakeholders is growing. Nashua’s stable industries (healthcare, defense, education) are less prone to the boom-bust cycles of pure tech or finance, offering a more predictable career runway.

The Verdict: Is Nashua Right for You?

Nashua is a practical, no-nonsense choice for a financial analyst. It’s not glamorous, but it’s financially sensible and offers a high quality of life. Here’s a final breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost Ratio: $100,524 median salary goes further here than in Boston or Portsmouth.	Limited "Prestige" Employers: No Wall Street banks or Fortune 50 HQs. Career ceiling may be lower than in major metros.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Healthcare, defense, and education provide recession-resistant employment.	Long-Term Growth Requires Mobility: To reach senior leadership or C-suite, you may need to relocate to Boston or beyond.
Manageable Commutes: Most jobs are within a 15-20 minute drive. Traffic is a minor inconvenience.	Cultural Scene is Smaller: Fewer networking events, conferences, and industry meetups compared to larger cities.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, with excellent schools and access to outdoor recreation (hiking, skiing).	Winters are Harsh: If you dislike snow and cold, the 4-5 month winter season can be a grind.

Final Recommendation: Nashua is an excellent choice for financial analysts in the mid-career stage (3-10 years) who prioritize work-life balance, affordability, and stability. It’s ideal for those who want to own a home, raise a family, and avoid the brutal cost of living in southern New England. For ambitious analysts solely focused on maximizing salary and climbing the corporate ladder as fast as possible, Boston is a better (but more expensive) bet. For most, Nashua offers the best all-around value.

FAQs

1. Is a commute to Boston feasible from Nashua?
Yes, but it's a significant commitment. The drive to downtown Boston can be 1 to 1.5 hours each way with traffic. Many Nashua residents take the Lowell Line commuter rail from Lowell (about a 20-minute drive) into North Station. It's doable for 2-3 days a week, but a daily commute is draining and costly in time and tolls.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level analysts?
It's competitive but not impossible. Employers here value local ties and stability. Tailor your resume to highlight any local internships or connections. Be prepared to start in a support role (like a junior accountant or data specialist) and transition into a pure analyst role after 1-2 years. Networking is critical.

3. What’s the deal with New Hampshire’s tax structure?
It's a double-edged sword. There is no state income tax on wages, which boosts your take-home pay. However, NH has no sales tax but relies on very high property taxes. If you buy a home, your property tax bill will be substantial (often 1.5-2% of the home's value annually). Renters avoid this directly, but it's baked into rental costs.

4. Are there remote work opportunities for Nashua-based analysts?
Absolutely. The pandemic accelerated this trend. Many Nashua analysts, especially at SNHU or corporate divisions of national companies, now work hybrid or fully remote. This opens up job opportunities with employers based in Manchester, Boston, or even elsewhere, while you enjoy Nashua's lower cost of living. Always ask about remote/hybrid policies during interviews.

5. What should I prioritize when negotiating a job offer in Nashua?
First, confirm the salary is at or above the $100,524 median for your experience level. Second, ask about tuition/certification reimbursement (CFA, CPA). Third, inquire about 401(k) matching—this is crucial for long-term wealth building. Finally, discuss flexible hours or remote work options, which are highly valued in this market.