Here is a comprehensive career guide for Financial Analysts considering a move to Quincy, MA.

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The Financial Analyst’s Guide to Quincy, MA: Salaries, Employers, and Local Realities

As a career analyst who has watched the Boston metro job market for years, I’ve seen Quincy evolve from a quiet suburb into a dynamic hub in its own right. It’s a city of duality: deeply connected to Boston’s financial engine yet fiercely independent with its own identity. For a Financial Analyst, Quincy offers a compelling blend of high salaries, manageable costs (relative to Boston proper), and a dense network of employers in finance, healthcare, and tech. This guide cuts through the promotional noise to give you a data-driven, insider’s look at what your career and life would look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

Financial Analysts in Quincy are well-compensated, benefiting from the region's strong economy. The median salary is $102,455/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $49.26/hour. This sits comfortably above the national average of $99,010/year, a premium largely driven by the high cost of doing business in Massachusetts.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level in the Quincy market:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Salary Range (Quincy)
Entry-Level	Junior Financial Analyst, Financial Associate	$75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Level	Financial Analyst, FP&A Analyst, Investment Analyst	$95,000 - $120,000
Senior-Level	Senior Financial Analyst, Lead Analyst	$125,000 - $155,000
Expert/Managerial	Finance Manager, Director of FP&A	$160,000+

How Quincy Compares to Other MA Cities:

• Boston: Salaries are often 5-10% higher, but commute costs (time and money) erode that advantage. Quincy acts as a strategic "sweet spot" for analysts who want Boston-level pay without the downtown price tag.
• Waltham: Known as "America's Corporate City," Waltham has a similar salary profile but is more focused on tech and biotech. Quincy's major employers lean more toward finance, insurance, and healthcare.
• Cambridge: Home to biotech and academia, Cambridge offers high salaries but often requires specialized life sciences knowledge, which isn't always relevant for a generalist Financial Analyst.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Quincy-based employers often offer strong benefits packages, including generous 401(k) matches (commonly 4-6%) and health insurance contributions, which can add $10,000-$15,000 in value annually.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be blunt: Massachusetts has a high cost of living, and Quincy is no exception. The Cost of Living Index is 111.6 (US average = 100). A median 1BR rent is $2,377/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a Financial Analyst earning the median salary of $102,455/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Monthly Net Income: ~$6,150 after taxes/retirement)*

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apt)	$2,377	The biggest variable. Downtown Quincy is pricier; outskirts are cheaper.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, internet.
Transportation	$300	MBTA is a solid option. A monthly LinkPass is ~$90. Car owners add insurance, gas, and parking.
Groceries	$400	Based on one person, shopping at Market Basket (local favorite) and Whole Foods.
Healthcare	$250	Premiums (employer-subsidized) + out-of-pocket.
Personal/Discretionary	$1,500	Dining, entertainment, clothing, savings.
Student Loans/Debt	$500	Varies widely. Many local analysts carry $30k-$60k in student debt.
Savings & Investments	$673	This is the remainder. It’s tight but manageable.

Note: Net income estimate accounts for federal, state (5%), and FICA taxes, plus a 6% 401(k) contribution. Use a MA-specific tax calculator for your exact situation.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Quincy is approximately $575,000. On a $102,455 salary, a typical mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would run over $3,500/month, assuming a 20% down payment. That’s nearly 60% of your gross income, which is financially dangerous. Most analysts in this salary range rent for several years, often pairing up with a partner or roommate to build savings. Homeownership is a realistic goal for senior-level analysts ($130,000+) or those with dual incomes.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy’s job market is anchored by a few major sectors. Financial analysts are in demand across these industries, with roles varying from internal FP&A to credit analysis and investment support.

1. State Street Corporation: While its headquarters is in Boston, State Street has a massive operational presence in Quincy (near the South Shore plaza). They are a global leader in financial services, particularly asset custody and administration. Hiring trends show a steady need for analysts with skills in data analytics (SQL, Python) and regulatory reporting. Insider tip: Knowledge of SEC filing requirements is a huge plus here.

2. John Hancock (Manulife): A Boston-based giant with significant operations in Quincy, John Hancock is a major employer for insurance and investment analysis roles. They focus heavily on retirement planning products, so analysts with experience in insurance modeling or long-term financial projections are highly valued.

3. Boston Scientific (Quincy Campus): While it’s a medical device company, its Quincy campus houses a significant finance and accounting division. This is an excellent opportunity for analysts interested in corporate finance within a high-growth, R&D-intensive environment. Insider tip: They look for analysts who can bridge financial data with operational metrics.

4. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (a Point32Health company): Based in Canton but with a major Quincy presence, this insurer is a key local employer. The healthcare sector is recession-resilient. Analysts here work on budgeting, cost analysis, and provider contracting. Experience with healthcare data is a distinct advantage.

5. City of Quincy Government: A stable, if slower-moving, employer. The Office of Budget and Management hires financial analysts for municipal budgeting. It’s a great path for those who value public service, though salaries are typically 10-15% below the private sector median.

6. Local Banks & Credit Unions: Banks like Rockland Trust and Rockland Federal Credit Union have regional headquarters in Quincy. These institutions hire analysts for commercial lending, branch profitability, and internal audit roles. It’s a solid entry point for those starting out.

Hiring Trends: There is a growing demand for analysts who are not just Excel wizards but are also proficient in business intelligence tools (Tableau, Power BI) and have some familiarity with Python or R for data manipulation. The hybrid/remote work model is now the standard, with many Quincy employers offering 2-3 days in the office.

Getting Licensed in MA

For most corporate Financial Analyst roles, you do not need a state-specific license. However, certain career paths do require one. The most common is the Series 7 (General Securities Representative) if you work at a broker-dealer (e.g., John Hancock, a wealth management firm). The Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam) is also required in Massachusetts.

Process and Costs:

• Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by a FINRA-registered firm. You cannot take the exams on your own. Most firms in Quincy will sponsor you after a probationary period.
• Costs: The Series 7 exam fee is ~$80, and Series 63 is ~$80. Your employer will cover this. Study materials (e.g., Kaplan, STC) are the main out-of-pocket cost if not reimbursed, ranging from $200 to $800.
• Timeline: Once sponsored, expect 2-3 months of part-time study (10-15 hours/week) before sitting for the exams. The passing score is 72% for both.

Other Credentials: While not licensed, the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter is highly respected, especially in investment analysis roles. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is less common for pure analyst roles but is invaluable for those moving into controller or accounting leadership.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Where you live in Quincy impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are top choices for an analysis professional:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Quincy	Walkable, urban feel. 10-min walk to T (Red Line). 20-min commute to downtown Boston.	$2,400 - $2,800	Professionals who want a short commute and a bustling, social environment.
Quincy Center	More residential but still walkable to the T. Quieter than downtown. Same 20-min commute.	$2,100 - $2,500	Those seeking a balance of convenience and a more neighborhood feel.
South Quincy	Near the Wollaston T station. More apartment complexes, easier parking. 25-min commute.	$2,000 - $2,300	Budget-conscious analysts who still want direct T access.
Marina Bay	Waterfront luxury condos. Car-reliant (15-min drive to T). 25-30 min drive to Boston.	$2,600 - $3,200	Senior analysts with higher budgets who value views and amenities over transit.
West Quincy	Residential, suburban. Requires a 10-15 min drive to the T or a bus.	$1,900 - $2,200	Those who prioritize space, parking, and a quieter home life.

Insider Tip: The Red Line T is your lifeline to Boston. Proximity to a station (Downtown, Wollaston, Quincy Center) is worth the premium rent. Parking in downtown/beachfront areas is notoriously difficult and expensive if you own a car.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Quincy provides a strong foundation for a long-term career, with clear advancement paths.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with niche skills command higher salaries. Expertise in financial modeling for M&A can add a 15% premium. Data analytics/BI skills can add a 10-15% premium. Healthcare or insurance actuarial knowledge is a specific and valuable niche in the local market.
• Advancement Paths: The most common trajectory is Financial Analyst → Senior Financial Analyst → Finance Manager → Director of FP&A. Another viable path is moving from corporate finance to Investment Analysis within a local asset manager or insurance firm. The move from analyst to manager typically requires 5-8 years of experience and a proven ability to lead projects and mentor juniors.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth for Financial Analysts is projected at 9% in the Quincy metro area, slightly outpacing the national average. This growth is driven by the continued expansion of regional headquarters in finance and healthcare, and the need for sophisticated analysis in an increasingly data-driven business environment. Automation of routine tasks will increase demand for analysts who can provide strategic insight.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salaries: Beating the national average by ~3.5%.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep; requires careful budgeting.
Employer Density: A solid mix of stable, major employers in resilient industries.	Competition: You’re competing with Boston-based talent; you need to differentiate yourself.
Commute Efficiency: Red Line access makes a Boston commute easy and predictable.	Limited "Wall Street" Vibe: If you dream of a trader floor or high-frequency finance, this isn't it.
Lifestyle Balance: Urban amenities without the intensity of Boston proper. More space and community feel.	Slower Pace: Career advancement can be slower than in NYC or Boston's financial district.

Final Recommendation:
Quincy is an excellent choice for Financial Analysts who value stability, a reasonable commute, and a high quality of life. It is ideal for those at the mid-career stage who want to leverage their skills in a supportive, growing market without the extreme costs of Boston or NYC. It may be less ideal for a young, single analyst seeking the highest possible salary and the most aggressive career climb immediately. For most, Quincy offers a sustainable and rewarding path to a long-term career in finance.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for Financial Analysts in Quincy competitive?
Yes, but in a healthy way. You're competing with talent drawn from the entire Boston metro. Having a clean resume with quantifiable results and local employer knowledge (e.g., mentioning State Street or John Hancock in your cover letter) gives you a significant edge. Networking on LinkedIn with analysts at target companies is highly effective.

2. Do I need a car to live in Quincy?
No, but it helps. If you live near a Red Line station (Downtown, Wollaston, Quincy Center) and work in Boston, you can rely on the T. If you work in Quincy itself (e.g., at Boston Scientific) or in the suburbs, a car becomes more necessary. Many residents use a combination of T for commuting and occasional car use for errands.

3. What's the best way to get an interview with a major Quincy employer?
Beyond standard job boards, use LinkedIn strategically. Connect with HR professionals and hiring managers at your target companies. Many jobs are filled through referrals. Also, consider working with a specialized recruiter in the Boston area who focuses on finance—quincy-based employers often use them.

4. How does the tax burden compare to other states?
High. Massachusetts has a flat 5% state income tax, and local property taxes are steep. Your take-home pay will be lower than in a no-income-tax state. However, the higher salaries are calculated to offset this. Always run your personal numbers through a take-home pay calculator (like SmartAsset) before accepting an offer.

5. Are there opportunities for remote work from Quincy?
Absolutely. The pandemic normalized hybrid models. Many Quincy-based employers operate on a 2-3 day in-office schedule. This allows you to live in Quincy (with its lower rent than Boston) while occasionally working from home, giving you the best of both worlds. Always clarify the remote work policy during the interview process.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Massachusetts Department of Housing and Economic Development, City of Quincy Planning Department, Zillow Rental Data, Cost of Living Index (COLI) from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).