Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Salem, NH: $31,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Salem, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,248 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salem's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,122 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,875) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates considering a career as a data analyst in Salem, NH, can expect a starting salary around $31,248. Although this figure is significantly below the city median annual salary of $53,875, it is a common entry point for fresh graduates entering the industry. As they gain experience, earnings can grow, with the 25th percentile earning approximately $38,790 and the potential for reaching the median as their careers progress. Given the projected 4.48% growth rate and an entry-level salary that aligns well with the local market's dynamics, Salem presents a reasonable opportunity for new data analysts who are eager to develop their skills.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salem
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
Entry-level data analysts in Salem, NH typically start between $31,248 and $38,790 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,259 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,875 — 32.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in New Hampshire of $85,000 represents just 272.02% of the starting data analyst pay ($31,248/year) in Salem. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect two main pathways: bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or mathematics ($40k-$120k), or master's degree in data science ($30k-$80k). Intensive bootcamps ($10k-$20k) offer faster entry but typically require prior technical background.
DA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Salem
- 1Research the Salem market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $31,248 to $38,790, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the data analysis field — employers in NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Salem, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Salem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salem's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Data Analyst Compensation Range
The data analyst wage spread in Salem is $52,259 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,248, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,507.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$26,434
2025 BLS Actual
$29,908
2026 Current Est.
$31,248
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26,434 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,025 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,164 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,908 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,648 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Salem, NH grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,434 in 2021 to $29,908 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,648. New graduates entering the Salem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your data analysis Career in Salem
Employers in Salem that typically hire new graduates encompass a mix of local businesses and larger firms, though prominent organizations in tech and finance dominate the landscape. Companies specializing in data services, analytics, and even regional offices of bigger players are known to recruit entry-level talent. Candidates looking to enhance their starting pay can benefit from advanced degrees, particularly a Master's or PhD in quantitative fields, along with proficient skills in Python and SQL. Engaging in Kaggle competitions or contributing to open source can also serve as an advantage when building a portfolio. Given the emphasis on total compensation packages seen in larger firms, understanding the dynamics between analytics, machine learning engineering, and product data science roles is key. New professionals can expect realistic salary increases in the first few years as they climb the earnings ladder, adjusting their strategies based on industry standards and personal career aspirations.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for data analysts in Salem in 2026?
How fast do data analyst salaries grow in Salem?
Is data analysis school worth it in Salem?
What do new data analysts make right out of school in Salem?
How do I become a data analyst in New Hampshire?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new data analysis graduates. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Salem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov