New Hampshire Job Market: Top Industries, Salaries & Employers (2026)
Guide to the New Hampshire job market in 2026. Technology, healthcare, defense, and tourism with no income tax advantage.
New Hampshire offers a rare combination: proximity to Boston's job market, no income tax, no sales tax, and a high quality of life with mountains and lakes. Many workers commute to Massachusetts or work remotely while enjoying NH's tax advantages. The state consistently ranks among the top for economic freedom and quality of life.
Top Industries
- Technology: BAE Systems (Nashua — Electronic Systems HQ), DEKA Research (Manchester — founded by Dean Kamen), Oracle/DRAM, and Fidelity (Merrimack). Southern NH is part of the Greater Boston tech ecosystem. Average tech salary: $100,000.
- Healthcare: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon), Elliot Health System (Manchester), and Catholic Medical Center. 90,000+ healthcare workers.
- Manufacturing: Precision manufacturing, defense electronics, and medical devices. BAE Systems, Sig Sauer (Newington), and Ruger. 60,000+ manufacturing workers.
- Tourism: White Mountains, Lakes Region, skiing, fall foliage. $6B+ tourism industry supporting 65,000+ jobs. Seasonal fluctuations drive hospitality employment.
- Insurance & Finance: Fidelity Investments (Merrimack), Liberty Mutual, and numerous insurance companies. Financial services employ 30,000+.
Major Employers
| Employer | Industry | Approx. NH Employees |
|---|---|---|
| BAE Systems | Defense/Tech | 8,000+ |
| State of New Hampshire | Government | 12,000+ |
| Dartmouth-Hitchcock | Healthcare | 9,000+ |
| Fidelity Investments | Finance | 5,000+ |
| Elliot Health System | Healthcare | 5,000+ |
| Liberty Mutual | Insurance | 4,000+ |
| Walmart | Retail | 6,000+ |
Average Salary by Region
| Region | Avg Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Nashua (Boston metro) | $68,340 | 115 |
| Manchester | $60,280 | 108 |
| Concord | $55,640 | 102 |
| Lebanon/Hanover | $58,470 | 118 |
| Portsmouth | $58,930 | 120 |
Growing Sectors
- Defense Electronics: BAE Systems' electronic warfare and intelligence systems work expands with growing defense budgets. 1,000+ new hires projected.
- Robotics: DEKA Research (iRobot co-location) and advanced manufacturing drive robotics innovation in southern NH.
- Craft Beverage: NH has the most craft breweries per capita in New England. Growing beer, spirits, and cider tourism economy.
Remote Work Availability
NH is arguably the best state for remote workers in the Northeast: no income tax means you keep more of your salary, proximity to Boston for occasional in-office days, and excellent quality of life. Manchester and Nashua have strong broadband. Many Boston tech workers have permanently relocated to southern NH.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in New Hampshire?
$7.25/hour (federal floor). However, the tight labor market and Boston proximity push actual starting wages to $14-18+ for most positions.