Financial Analyst in Portsmouth, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Portsmouth Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the financial analyst job market in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a unique beast. It’s not a mega-hub like Boston or New York, but it punches above its weight thanks to a thriving small business ecosystem, a strong healthcare sector, and a surprising number of family offices and investment firms drawn by the state’s tax advantages. The numbers paint a clear picture: you can earn a very comfortable living here, especially if you have the right experience and niche skills.

Let's break down the salary data. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in the Portsmouth metro area is $102,455/year, or an hourly rate of $49.26/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $99,010/year. However, the local job market is tight, with only 44 jobs currently advertised in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 9%, which is solid but not explosive. This means competition is real, and you need to stand out.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Data gathering, initial modeling, support for senior analysts.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$90,000 - $115,000	Building financial models, budgeting, forecasting, client presentations.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$120,000 - $145,000	Leading projects, mentoring, complex valuation, strategy development.
Expert (12+ yrs)	$150,000+	Department leadership, specialized expertise (e.g., M&A, risk), C-suite advisory.

Insider Tip: The $102,455 median is a great benchmark, but it's heavily influenced by the strong mid-level market. To hit the higher end, you need specialized skills—think CFA designation, deep experience in private equity, or expertise in healthcare or maritime logistics, two key local sectors.

Compared to other New Hampshire cities, Portsmouth holds its own:

• Manchester/Nashua: Larger metros with more corporate HQs, offering a wider range of roles but often at the same or slightly lower median salary due to higher competition.
• Concord: The state capital, with government and insurance-focused roles. Salaries can be comparable, but the job market is smaller.
• Dover/Rochester: The "Tri-Cities" area. Portsmouth is the most expensive and has the highest salaries, but Dover and Rochester offer more affordable living with shorter commutes if you work in Portsmouth.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The high salary is attractive, but let’s ground it in reality. You need to understand your net income and what it can buy in today’s market. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no sales tax, which is a massive financial advantage. However, property taxes are the highest in the nation, which directly impacts rent and home prices.

Let’s model a monthly budget for a Financial Analyst earning the median salary of $102,455. We’ll assume a single filer with no dependents, taking the standard deduction (~$14,000 for 2025), and contributing 6% to a 401(k). Federal tax brackets are progressive, but for estimation, we’ll use effective rates.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Financial Analyst Earning $102,455

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$8,538
Federal Taxes & FICA	~$1,550	After 401(k) contribution and standard deduction.
NH State Taxes	$0	A major benefit.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$6,988
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,582	Portsmout's average; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities (Est.)	$250	Electricity, heat, internet.
Groceries	$450
Car/Transport	$500	Insurance, gas, maintenance (public transit is limited).
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-subsidized.
Retirement Savings	$512	6% of gross, plus employer match (varies).
Discretionary/Leisure	$3,396	Dining out, entertainment, travel, personal savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median single-family home price in Portsmouth is $650,000+. A 20% down payment ($130,000) is a significant hurdle. With a $6,988 net monthly income, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could easily exceed $3,500/month for a median home. This would push the mortgage-to-income ratio over 50%, which is risky and often makes lenders nervous. Insider Tip: Most analysts I know who buy in Portsmouth do so with a dual-income household or after several years of saving and career advancement. Renting is the norm for the first few years, and there's no shame in it. The accessory dwelling unit (ADU) market is also growing, offering creative housing solutions.

Where the Jobs Are: Portsmouth's Major Employers

The job market is niche but stable. You won't find 500 openings at once, but the employers here are often long-term and loyal. The key is knowing where to look.

1. Sig Sauer:

   • Details: A global firearms manufacturer headquartered in nearby Newington (just off I-95). Their finance team handles everything from government contracts to international sales.
   • Hiring Trend: Steady. They often need analysts with cost accounting and contract management experience. Not a typical FP&A role, but a solid, well-paying employer.

2. Portsmouth Regional Hospital (HCA Healthcare):

   • Details: The largest employer in the Seacoast. The finance department manages budgeting for a major hospital system. Requires understanding of healthcare reimbursement models.
   • Hiring Trend: Consistent. Roles are more specialized (healthcare financial analyst). Benefits are typically excellent.

3. Service Credit Union:

   • Details: A large credit union with its headquarters in Portsmouth. They have a dedicated finance and risk department.
   • Hiring Trend: Regular. Good for analysts interested in banking/credit union operations, risk analysis, and corporate finance.

4. Local Family Offices & Wealth Management Firms:

   • Details: Portsmouth's high-net-worth population supports several boutique firms (e.g., R.M. Davis, Wealth Management of New Hampshire). These are smaller shops where analysts might wear multiple hats.
   • Hiring Trend: Opportunistic. Networking is critical here. Most positions are filled through referrals. Best for those with CFA aspirations or investment analysis focus.

5. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery, ME - 5 min drive):

   • Details: While technically in Maine, it's a massive economic driver for the Seacoast. Government contractors (like BAE Systems) and the shipyard itself employ financial analysts for budgeting and cost analysis on federal contracts.
   • Hiring Trend: Strong, but often requires U.S. citizenship and security clearances. Stable, long-term career path.

6. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) & UNH Law:

   • Details: Located in Durham, a 15-minute drive. The university's finance department and business school, as well as the law school, employ analysts for budgeting and endowment management.
   • Hiring Trend: Seasonal (fiscal year cycles). Good for those seeking a more academic environment.

Insider Tip: LinkedIn is your best friend, but also check the "Careers" pages of these specific employers. The Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce website often lists job postings from smaller local businesses that don't advertise on major boards.

Getting Licensed in NH

For most Financial Analyst roles, New Hampshire does not require a state-specific license to practice. The key certifications are national, but their prestige is recognized locally.

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): The gold standard for investment analysis. Administered by the CFA Institute. Three levels of exams, each costing ~$1,000+. Total process can take 2-4 years. Highly valued by family offices and wealth management firms in Portsmouth.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): If you're leaning toward corporate finance or accounting, this is key. You must meet NH's educational requirements (150 credit hours), pass the Uniform CPA Exam, and have 1-2 years of relevant experience under a licensed CPA. The exam fees are ~$1,000, and review courses cost $1,500-$3,000.
• Series Licenses (7, 63, etc.): Required if you're advising on securities. Typically sponsored by your employer. Common for wealth management roles.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Immediately: Update your LinkedIn, connect with local recruiters, and start applying.
2. 1-3 Months: Begin studying for a relevant exam if you're pursuing a certification. Network at Seacoast networking events (like those hosted by the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce).
3. 6-12 Months: If you're moving, secure a job first. The rental market is competitive, and having a signed offer letter will make landlords more comfortable.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Commuting is easy by regional standards, but traffic on I-95 and Route 1 can be a pain. Your choice depends on lifestyle and budget.

1. Portsmouth (Downtown):

   • Vibe: Walkable, bustling, historic. You can live, work, and play without a car.
   • Commute: 0-10 minutes to most downtown offices.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,800 - $2,400/month. The premium is for location.
   • Best For: Young professionals who want an active social life.

2. Newington:

   • Vibe: Suburban, quiet. Close to the mall, I-95, and Sig Sauer.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to Portsmouth.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,600 - $1,900/month. More space for your money.
   • Best For: Those who want a quieter home base but easy access to the highway.

3. Rye:

   • Vibe: Affluent coastal town. Beautiful beaches, quiet, residential.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Portsmouth (can be longer in summer tourist season).
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,700 - $2,200/month (if you can find one; inventory is low).
   • Best For: Analysts who value work-life balance and outdoor recreation.

4. Durham:

   • Vibe: College town (UNH). Young, energetic, with a mix of families and students.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Portsmouth.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,400 - $1,700/month. More affordable, especially if you live with roommates.
   • Best For: Recent graduates or those who enjoy a vibrant, youthful atmosphere.

5. Kittery, ME:

   • Vibe: Quaint, maritime, with great outlet shopping. Technically across the border but a seamless commute.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown Portsmouth.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,500 - $1,800/month. Comparable to Newington.
   • Best For: Those who don't mind crossing state lines for a good deal and a unique coastal community feel.

Insider Tip: The rental market is fierce. Have your paperwork ready (proof of income, credit report, references) and be prepared to move quickly. Consider looking for apartments in late fall/winter when demand is lower.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Portsmouth isn't a "climb the corporate ladder at a Fortune 500" kind of place. Growth is more nuanced and often depends on specialization or entrepreneurship.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Finance: Professionals with experience in reimbursement models (DRGs, etc.) can command a 10-15% premium above the median.
• Government Contracting: Analysts with security clearances and experience with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) are in high demand at BAE and similar contractors, with salaries often exceeding $130,000 at the mid-level.
• CFA Designation: In wealth management, a CFA charterholder can expect to earn 20-30% more than a non-chartered analyst.

Advancement Paths:

1. Vertical: Move from Analyst to Senior Analyst to Finance Manager within a company (e.g., at the hospital or credit union). This often requires taking on team leadership.
2. Lateral: Move from corporate finance to a more specialized role (e.g., from a general analyst at a small firm to a risk analyst at Service Credit Union).
3. Entrepreneurial: Many seasoned analysts in Portsmouth eventually leave to start their own financial consulting or wealth management practice, catering to the local small business and high-net-worth community. This is a high-risk, high-reward path.

10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is promising. The trend is toward more specialized roles. Generalist analysts will face more competition, while those with certifications (CFA, CPA) and niche industry knowledge (healthcare, maritime, government contracting) will see the most opportunities and salary growth. The remote work trend has also opened up Portsmouth-based analysts to jobs in Boston or New York, but with a Portsmouth cost of living.

The Verdict: Is Portsmouth Right for You?

Pros	Cons
No State Income or Sales Tax: Significant boost to your net income.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep.
High Quality of Life: Safe, beautiful, with access to ocean and mountains.	Limited Job Pool: Only 44 jobs in the metro. Competition is fierce.
Strong Networking Community: Easy to build a professional network.	Niche Market: Career growth may require pivoting to a specific industry.
Short Commutes: By big-city standards, you'll rarely spend more than 20 mins in traffic.	Tourist Influx: Summers can be crowded and drive up costs/traffic.
Proximity to Boston: 1-hour drive for bigger city amenities and occasional job opportunities.	Isolated: Winters can be long and quiet; not a major arts/culture hub like a big city.

Final Recommendation:
Portsmouth is an excellent fit for a Financial Analyst who prioritizes quality of life over sheer volume of career options. It's ideal for mid-level professionals ($90k-$115k) who can leverage the tax benefits to build wealth, enjoy the outdoors, and be part of a tight-knit community. It's also a great long-term play for someone who plans to specialize and eventually work remotely or start a local practice.

If you're a recent graduate seeking the fastest possible career launch in a high-energy corporate environment, you might find Boston or New York more stimulating. But if you want a balanced life where a $102,455 salary goes further and the commute is measured in minutes, not hours, the Seacoast is a compelling, data-driven choice.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market really as small as 44 jobs?
A: Yes, that's the reality for publicly advertised roles in the metro area. The true market is larger when you factor in internal postings, networking, and roles at small firms that never advertise. You have to be proactive.

Q: How do I handle the high rent?
A: Most analysts start with roommates or look in adjacent towns like Dover or Rochester. The tax savings help, but budgeting is key. Consider a 6-month lease to start while you explore neighborhoods.

Q: Do I need a car in Portsmouth?
A: For daily life in the city, you could manage without one. However, for grocery shopping, visiting beaches, or commuting to nearby employers (like Sig Sauer or the Shipyard), having a car is a major convenience and often a requirement.

Q: What's the best way to network locally?
A: The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce hosts regular events. Also, look for "Seacoast Young Professionals" and industry-specific meetups. LinkedIn is powerful, but a personal introduction over coffee at a local café like the Blue Mermaid or The Green Bean is often more effective.

Q: Is it worth getting a CFA if I'm not in wealth management?
A: In Portsmouth, the CFA is most valued in wealth management and family offices. For corporate finance at the hospital or credit union, a CPA or an MBA might be more directly applicable. Assess your target industry first.