Accountant Salary in Portsmouth, NH: $88,403 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Portsmouth, NH earns a median $88,403/year (≈ $42.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $82,389 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median accountant salary in Portsmouth, NH is projected to be $88,403, slightly above the national median of $85,864. This region offers a salary range from $62,567 at the 10th percentile to a robust $137,024 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost considerations, point to a competitive market for accounting professionals. Achieving licensure as a CPA can significantly enhance earning potential, as it typically corresponds with a noticeable pay elevation as accountants transition from staff roles to more senior positions. With the local job market reflecting strong demand, those in the field can find opportunities that align with their qualifications and aspirations.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,567 | $30.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,130 | $34.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,403 | $42.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,252 | $53.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,024 | $65.88 |
Median Salary Position
2.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, NH, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,457 (2026 est.). At $88,403, the local median is 2.96% above the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Accountant Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $88,403/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $92,086 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | +2.96% more |
Accountants in Portsmouth, NH earn a median of $88,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.96% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $92,086.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $88,403 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $82,389 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,740
2025 BLS Actual
$86,154
2026 Current Est.
$88,403
2019–2027 Growth
+26.4%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,424 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,403 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,710 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 20.1% from $71,740 (2019) to $86,154 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,710 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,970 (26.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $62,567 – $72,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,130 – $88,403 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,403 – $111,252 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,252 – $137,024 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Portsmouth
Accounting roles in Portsmouth reveal a nuanced job market, with only five accountants currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 107.3, suggesting that while salaries may appear higher than average, the effective purchasing power can be impacted by local expenses. Public accounting firms like the Big 4, along with regional CPA firms, often offer the most lucrative positions, although corporate accounting jobs and boutique firms also present viable options with varying pay scales. Factors that contribute to the wide pay disparities include CPA licensure, employer tier, and specialty areas such as forensic accounting or tax, which command higher salaries. For accountants looking to maximize their earnings, obtaining a CPA license, gaining experience at a Big 4 firm, and pursuing specialized certifications can be effective strategies in Portsmouth's competitive accounting job market.
More salary data for Portsmouth, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $86,154 for accountantsin the Portsmouth metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Portsmouth 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 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov