Elementary School Teacher in Derry CDP, NH

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Elementary School Teachers considering a move to Derry, New Hampshire.

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The Salary Picture: Where Derry CDP Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Derry’s salary landscape for educators is solid, especially when you factor in the state’s overall economic health. The median salary for an Elementary School Teacher in Derry CDP is $65,885/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.68/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $63,670/year. While the difference isn't massive, it’s significant in a state with no income or sales tax.

The job market here is tight but stable. There are currently 108 jobs available in the metro area, but the 10-year job growth is only 1%. This means the market is mature; you aren’t seeing a boom of new schools, but turnover creates consistent openings. For a teacher, this stability is often preferable to the volatility of faster-growing regions.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in New Hampshire public schools are typically governed by collective bargaining agreements. Here’s what you can expect based on years of experience and education credits (usually a Master’s degree is the standard for the top tiers):

Experience Level	Expected Salary Range (Annual)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-3 Years)	$50,000 - $58,000	BA/BS degree, limited credits. Starting at the bottom of the Derry or Pinkerton Academy (SAU 10) salary schedule.
Mid-Career (4-9 Years)	$59,000 - $68,000	Master’s degree, additional credits. This is where the median salary of $65,885 typically falls.
Senior (10-20 Years)	$69,000 - $78,000	Master’s + 30+ credits (often required for top pay). High experience steps.
Expert (20+ Years)	$79,000 - $88,000+	Top of the salary schedule, often with National Board Certification or leadership roles.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Derry offers a competitive salary compared to its neighbors, especially when considering the cost of living.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Derry CDP	$65,885	111.6
Manchester (NH)	$62,500	108.2
Nashua	$64,200	109.5
Concord	$63,400	107.8
Salem	$66,100	112.4

Derry’s salary is competitive with Salem, but Salem’s cost of living is slightly higher. Compared to Manchester, Derry pays more and offers a safer, more suburban feel.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. New Hampshire has no state income tax, which is a massive plus. However, property taxes are among the highest in the nation, which indirectly affects rent and home ownership costs.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Teacher, Median Salary)

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,490
• Federal Taxes & FICA (Est. 22%): ~$1,208
• Net Take-Home: ~$4,282
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,506/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Car, Food, Savings: $2,776

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the tricky part in Southern New Hampshire. The median home price in the Derry area is approximately $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would result in a monthly payment of roughly $2,270 (principal & interest). Add property taxes (Derry’s rate is ~$20 per $1,000 of assessed value, so ~$750/month) and insurance, and you’re looking at $3,000+ per month.

Verdict: On a single teacher’s salary, buying a home immediately is difficult unless you have substantial savings for a down payment or a dual income. Renting is very feasible, and many teachers here live with partners or roommates to manage housing costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Derry CDP's Major Employers

The vast majority of teaching jobs in Derry are within SAU 10 (School Administrative Unit 10), which covers Derry and the town of Hampstead. The system is robust and well-regarded.

1. SAU 10 / Derry Cooperative School District: The primary employer. Includes 5 elementary schools (Harrison, Gilbert H. Hood, Derry Village, East Derry, and the new West Running Brook Middle School which houses grades 6-8). Hiring trends are stable, with openings appearing for general ed, special education, and ESL specialists each spring.
2. Pinkerton Academy: While technically a private academy with public students, it’s the region’s largest high school and a massive local employer. They occasionally hire elementary-level specialists for their outreach programs or summer camps.
3. Londonderry School District (SAU 12): Derry borders Londonderry, and many teachers live in one town and work in the other. It’s a viable backup with similar pay scales.
4. Private/Parochial Schools: St. Thomas Aquinas (Londonderry) and Our Lady of Mercy (Derry) are smaller employers but offer alternative paths with potentially smaller class sizes.
5. Child Care Centers & Preschools: Places like The Children’s House (Derry) or the Derry Community Center often hire ECE-certified teachers. This is a common entry point for those waiting for a public school opening.
6. Summer Programs: The Derry Parks & Rec department and local camps (like YMCA Camp Spaulding) hire seasonal teachers for summer enrichment, which can be a great way to network.

Insider Tip: Most public school hiring happens between March and June for the following school year. Monitor the SchoolSpring website and the individual district websites. For Derry SAU 10, check their "Employment" page religiously in the spring.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire’s licensing is straightforward but requires specific steps. The NH Department of Education is your governing body.

1. Initial Educator License (3-Year): For new teachers. Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, and passing scores on the required Praxis exams (Core Academic Skills and specific subject assessments).
   • Cost: ~$200 for the application + ~$150-$300 for Praxis exams.
   • Timeline: Can take 4-6 weeks to process after submitting all documents.
2. Professional Educator License (5-Year): Requires 3 years of teaching experience under an Initial license, completion of a mentoring program, and continuing education credits.
3. Reciprocity: New Hampshire has reciprocity with most states. If you’re already licensed, you’ll apply for a "Statement of Eligibility" first. You may need to take additional NH-specific coursework (like the history of NH government) within your first few years.

Insider Tip: Start your application now, even if you’re still finishing a program. The process can be bureaucratic, and having your "Statement of Eligibility" in hand makes you a much more attractive candidate to school districts.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Derry is a town of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute to the schools (mostly clustered around the Granite Street/Rte 102 corridor).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
East Derry	Quiet, historic, residential. 10-15 min drive to most schools.	$1,450 - $1,600	Teachers seeking peace, proximity to parks like Hood Park.
Derry Village	Walkable, classic small-town feel. Central to shops and schools.	$1,550 - $1,750	Those who want a short commute and a social, walkable area.
West Derry	More suburban, newer developments. 15-20 min commute.	$1,400 - $1,550	Budget-conscious teachers, those seeking more space.
Salem (Border)	A bit more commercial, but very close to Derry.	$1,500 - $1,700	Teachers who want access to Salem’s amenities (Mall, I-93).
Londonderry (Border)	Rural-suburban mix. Schools are excellent and close by.	$1,450 - $1,650	Those who don’t mind a 10-15 minute drive and want a quieter setting.

Insider Tip: If you’re looking to buy, check out the "Crestwood" or "Saddle Ridge" neighborhoods in West Derry. The homes are a bit more affordable than the historic village, and the commute to Derry schools is still easy.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of only 1%, growth within Derry is about vertical movement, not lateral expansion.

• Specialty Premiums: In Derry SAU 10, special education teachers often receive a stipend (an extra $2,000-$5,000 annually) due to high demand. ESL (English as a Second Language) and STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) specialists are also in demand. Getting certified in one of these areas can bump your starting salary and make you more hirable.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead Teacher/Department Chair: After 5-7 years, you can apply for leadership roles within your grade level.
  2. Instructional Coach: A non-administrative role supporting other teachers. Requires a Master’s + significant experience.
  3. Administration: To become a principal or assistant principal, you’ll need a Master’s in Educational Leadership and an NH Administrator Certificate. This path offers a significant salary jump (often into the $90k-$110k range).
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. While you won't see a surge in new schools, the existing infrastructure is solid. The key to longevity in Derry is specialization. With a median salary of $65,885, you can live comfortably, but to get to the $75k+ range, you need to move up the ladder or gain high-demand endorsements.

The Verdict: Is Derry CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
No state income tax boosts your take-home pay.	High property taxes and cost of living (111.6).
Stable, well-funded school district (SAU 10).	Market is saturated—getting your first job can be competitive.
Safe, family-friendly suburbs with good amenities.	Commute to Boston is 1+ hour, limiting access to city culture.
Competitive salary compared to national average.	Buying a home is a major financial hurdle on a single income.
Four distinct seasons and access to outdoor recreation.	Limited nightlife; it’s a commuter town and family-centric.

Final Recommendation:
Derry, NH is an excellent choice for an elementary school teacher who values stability, safety, and a strong community. It’s ideal for someone with 1-5 years of experience looking for a long-term home. If you are a new teacher, be prepared for a potentially competitive job search for your first role, and consider starting in a neighboring district like Londonderry or Londonderry to get your foot in the door. The financial sweet spot is achievable if you are willing to rent for several years or have a partner with a second income. For the right person, Derry offers a rewarding career in a classic New England town.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market in Derry CDP open to out-of-state teachers?
A: Absolutely. New Hampshire is very used to hiring teachers from Massachusetts and other states. As long as you have a valid license or are willing to get one, you are a viable candidate. Start the reciprocity process early.

Q: How competitive is the hiring process for Derry SAU 10?
A: It’s moderately competitive. For general elementary education openings, you might see 50-100 applicants. For specialized roles (Special Ed, ESL), the pool is much smaller, increasing your chances. Networking by substituting in the district is a proven insider strategy.

Q: What’s the deal with the $65,885 median salary? Is that starting pay?
A: No. That median figure represents the middle point of all teachers in the area. Your starting pay will be lower, likely in the $50k-$58k range. However, with a Master’s degree and a few years of experience, you can reach that median within 3-5 years.

Q: Can I live in Derry on a teacher’s salary if I’m single?
A: Yes, but with a budget. After rent ($1,506), utilities, and car expenses, you’ll have about $1,500-$2,000 left for food, savings, and fun. It’s tight but doable if you are frugal. Many teachers here have roommates or partners to share costs.

Q: What are the biggest challenges for teachers in Derry?
A: The two main challenges are the high cost of housing relative to the salary, and the standardized testing pressure that comes with any modern public school system. The work-life balance is generally good, but like anywhere, burnout can happen if you don’t set boundaries.