The Firefighter's Guide to Concord, New Hampshire

Welcome to Concord. If you're a firefighter considering a move here, you're likely looking for a blend of a solid career in a tight-knit community. Concord isn't a sprawling metropolis; it's a compact state capital and county seat where the job is deeply integrated into the fabric of the city. As a local, I can tell you that the fire service here is about knowing your district, your neighbors, and the unique challenges of a New England city with a mix of historic properties, a busy downtown district, and sprawling suburban neighborhoods. This guide is built on data, local knowledge, and the practical realities of making a living and building a life here.

Let's cut through the noise and get to the facts. The data we're using comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the New Hampshire Department of Labor, and local market analysis. We'll use the exact salary figures provided to give you a clear, unvarnished picture.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Concord Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The financial reality is the foundation of any career decision. For a firefighter in Concord, the median salary is $58,662 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $28.2 per hour. This figure sits slightly above the national median for firefighters, which is $57,120 per year. While not a massive premium, it's a meaningful one, especially when you factor in New Hampshire's lack of a state income tax and sales tax.

The job market itself is specialized. In the Concord metro area (which includes the surrounding towns), there are approximately 88 jobs for firefighters. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This is a stable, not explosive, growth rate. It indicates a consistent need for replacement as current firefighters retire, rather than a rapid expansion of departments. For you, this means competition for openings can be steady, and having a strong application package is key.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Firefighting pay in Concord follows a standard ladder. While specific union contracts vary, the progression generally looks like this. Note that these are generalized estimates based on the median and common municipal pay scales in the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$48,000 - $53,000	First 1-2 years. Focus on training and certification.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$55,000 - $62,000	You're near the median. Taking on more responsibility.
Senior (5-10 years)	$63,000 - $72,000	Often includes specialty certifications (HazMat, EMT).
Expert (10+ years, Lieutenant/Captain)	$72,000 - $85,000+	Leadership roles, shift commanders, training officers.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Concord's salary is competitive within the state. It's crucial to see how it stacks up against other major hubs where you might be considering a move.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Employer(s)
Concord	$58,662	109.0	Concord Fire Dept., Concord Hospital
Manchester	$61,200	104.5	Manchester Fire Dept., Southern NH Univ.
Nashua	$59,800	107.2	Nashua Fire Dept., BAE Systems
Portsmouth	$62,500	124.5	Portsmouth Fire Dept., Kittery Naval Shipyard
Derry	$57,500	110.1	Derry Fire Dept., Pinkerton Academy

Manchester and Portsmouth offer higher nominal salaries, but both have a higher cost of living, especially Portsmouth. Nashua is very close to Concord in both pay and cost. For a balanced financial picture, Concord provides a strong middle ground.

---

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $58,662 is a gross number. Let's break down what it means for your monthly budget.

Assumptions for a Single Firefighter:

• Gross Monthly Income: $58,662 / 12 = $4,888
• Taxes (Est.): NH has no state income tax, but you pay federal, FICA (7.65%), and possibly local property taxes if you own. For a single filer with no dependents, effective tax rate is roughly 22-25%. We'll use 23% for this model.
  • Estimated Monthly Take-Home: $4,888 x 0.77 = $3,764

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,471	This is the citywide average. See neighborhoods section for details.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	NH winters mean higher heating costs.
Groceries	$350 - $400
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400 - $550	Concord is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	Typically a good portion is covered by the municipality, but you'll have a premium.
Miscellaneous (Food, Fun, Savings)	$400 - $500
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,971 - $3,421
Remaining Monthly	$343 - $793	This is your buffer for savings, debt, or unexpected costs.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The Concord housing market is tight. The median home price in the Concord area is around $375,000. For a $375,000 home with a 5% down payment ($18,750), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a principal and interest payment of approximately $2,200/month. Add property taxes (Concord's rate is about $25 per $1,000 of assessed value, so roughly $780/month), and you're at $2,980/month before insurance and utilities. This would be a significant portion of the take-home pay for a firefighter at the median salary, pushing the budget to its limit. It's more feasible for a dual-income household or for those in senior roles.

---

Where the Jobs Are: Concord's Major Employers

The fire service here is primarily municipal. The Concord Fire Department is the largest employer, but surrounding towns also offer opportunities.

1. Concord Fire Department: The main game in town. They operate from several stations (HQ on North State Street, others on Loudon Road, etc.). They serve a population of 44,219 and cover a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Hiring is periodic and competitive. They value EMT certification.
2. Concord Hospital: While not a fire department, the hospital has its own fire safety and emergency response personnel. Sometimes crossover opportunities exist, especially for firefighters with strong medical training.
3. Town of Bow Fire Department: A neighboring, growing community. Often hires part-time or full-time firefighters. Commute from Concord is 10-15 minutes.
4. Town of Pembroke Fire Department: Another adjacent community. Smaller department, might offer volunteer or paid-on-call opportunities that can lead to full-time.
5. Manchester Fire Department: Largest in the state. A 35-40 minute commute, but offers a larger department with more specialized units (heavy rescue, HazMat). Salary is slightly higher ($61,200 median).
6. New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office: A state-level role focusing on fire investigation, prevention, and public education. Requires significant experience and certification.
7. Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, NH): For a different path, private schools and universities sometimes have campus safety positions that value fire and medical certs. It's a longer commute but offers a change of pace.

Hiring Trends: The trend in Concord and surrounding areas is a push for dual-certified applicants. Having both Firefighter I/II and EMT-Basic (or preferably Paramedic) certifications dramatically increases your chances. The 4% growth means openings are for replacement, so departments are picky. They look for candidates who can hit the ground running.

---

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a straightforward but rigorous certification process managed by the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Fire Standards and Training & Emergency Medical Services.

1. Prerequisites: You must be 18, have a high school diploma/GED, and pass a background check.
2. Firefighter Certification: You need to complete a state-approved Firefighter I/II Academy. This is often a 12-16 week intensive program. The cost can range from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on if you attend a community college (like NHTI in Concord) or a private academy. Some departments will sponsor your training if you are hired as a recruit.
3. EMT Certification: Almost mandatory for career firefighters in NH. EMT-Basic training takes 1 semester (about 4-6 months). Cost is typically $1,200 - $2,000. This is offered at NHTI and other community colleges.
4. Paramedic (Optional but Highly Recommended): A full Paramedic program is 1-2 years and can cost $8,000 - $15,000+. It is a major career booster, opening doors to better pay and promotions.
5. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test): You must pass this standardized physical test. It's a pass/fail on a specific day. Train for it rigorously.
6. Timeline: If starting from scratch, expect 1.5 to 2 years to get both Firefighter I/II and EMT-Basic, and potentially hired. If you're already certified from another state, NH has reciprocity, but you may need to take an equivalency exam or additional state-specific training.

Insider Tip: The NH Fire Standards and Training website is your friend. Bookmark it. Also, connect with the Concord Fire Department's recruitment officer. They often host information sessions and CPAT prep days.

---

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live affects your commute, your rent, and your lifestyle. Concord is compact, so commutes are generally short.

1. West End (Penacook Street area):

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Station 1 (HQ).
   • Lifestyle: Historic, walkable, near downtown restaurants and the state house. Older homes, some apartments. Great for someone who wants to be in the heart of things.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,600/month
   • Best For: Young professionals who want a vibrant, central life.

2. South End (Route 3/3A corridor):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most stations.
   • Lifestyle: More suburban, mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes. Close to I-93 for easy access to Manchester or the lakes region. Good for families.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,500/month (more value for larger units).
   • Best For: Those who want more space and a quieter, family-friendly environment.

3. East Side (near Concord Hospital):

   • Commute: 10 minutes to Station 2 (Loudon Road).
   • Lifestyle: Medical district, quiet residential streets. Close to shopping plazas and the hospital, which is a plus if you're also EMT/Paramedic certified.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,650/month
   • Best For: Healthcare-minded individuals or those who value proximity to services.

4. Penacook (a village on the north side):

   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to HQ.
   • Lifestyle: A distinct village feel with its own small downtown, riverfront, and parks. More affordable than central Concord. A strong sense of community.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month
   • Best For: Those seeking a balance between affordability and community, with a short commute.

5. Hillside (northeast of downtown):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: Residential, affordable, with a mix of apartment buildings and older homes. Less walkable but practical.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,450/month
   • Best For: Budget-conscious firefighters who prioritize utility over walkability.

---

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter's career in Concord isn't just about putting out fires. It's about specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: Additional pay is often available for special certifications. Expect a $2,000 - $5,000 annual premium for certifications like:

  • Hazardous Materials Technician
  • Fire Inspector/Instructor
  • Technical Rescue (Rope, Water, Confined Space)
  • Paramedic (This is the biggest differentiator, often adding a significant stipend).

• Advancement Paths: The standard path is Firefighter -> Engineer (driving/apparatus) -> Lieutenant (shift officer) -> Captain (company officer) -> Chief (administrative). Each step requires time-in-service, exams, and interviews. Leadership roles in Concord often involve public outreach, budget management, and inter-agency cooperation.

• 10-Year Outlook: With 4% growth, the field is stable but not rapidly expanding. The key to growth will be:

  1. Becoming a Paramedic: This is the single biggest career move you can make in NH fire service.
  2. Gaining Specialties: Diversifying your skills makes you invaluable for complex incidents.
  3. Networking: Engaging with the local fire community through training and events is crucial for advancement.

---

The Verdict: Is Concord Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: The 4% growth indicates consistent replacement needs.	High Cost of Living: The index of 109.0 means your dollar doesn't stretch as far as in other parts of the country.
Competitive Salary: $58,662 is solid for NH, especially with no state income tax.	Housing is Tight: The $1,471 average rent and high home prices can be a barrier to homeownership on a single income.
Strong Community: Concord is small enough that you'll know your colleagues, neighbors, and the districts you serve.	Weather: Long, cold winters. The job is physically demanding in extreme cold.
Well-Rounded City: You have access to good hospitals, schools, and outdoor activities (hiking, lakes) without big-city chaos.	Limited Specialization: As a smaller department, you may not have the same range of specialty units as a major city like Manchester or Boston.
State Capital: Potential for unique state-level fire marshal or safety roles.	Competition: With only 88 jobs in the metro, openings are coveted. You need a standout application.

Final Recommendation:
Concord is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values community, stability, and a balanced lifestyle over the excitement and higher pay of a major metropolitan area. It's ideal for someone who is already EMT-certified (or willing to become one quickly) and is looking to put down roots in a family-friendly New England city. If you're a solo firefighter aiming to buy a home immediately, you may need to wait for a promotion or consider a partner's income. For those with 2-5 years of experience seeking a stable career in a supportive environment, Concord offers a compelling, realistic opportunity.

---

FAQs

1. I'm from out of state. How does reciprocity work for my certifications?
NH has reciprocity for IFSAC/ProBoard certified individuals. You'll need to submit an application to the NH Fire Standards and Training Bureau with copies of your certificates. They may require you to take a state-specific exam or a short course on NH laws and procedures. Always contact them directly for the most current process.

2. What is the shift schedule like in Concord?
Most municipal departments, including Concord, work a 24-hours on, 48-hours off schedule (often called "24/48"). This is common in the US and allows for a good work-life balance. However, you must be prepared for the physical and mental demands of a 24-hour shift.

3. Is EMT certification really necessary?
Yes, for all practical purposes. While some small volunteer departments may not require it, every career department in New Hampshire, including Concord, prioritizes EMTs. It's the standard of care for medical emergencies, which are the vast majority of call volume.

4. How do I prepare for the CPAT?
Start training at least 3-