Medical Assistant in Derry CDP, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Derry CDP Stands

As a local, I know that Derry isn't typically the first place people think of for healthcare careers in New Hampshire. We're a bedroom community, not a major medical hub like Manchester or Nashua. But for Medical Assistants (MAs), that’s not necessarily a bad thing. You get a quieter lifestyle, lower competition for jobs, and a community that values its healthcare workers.

Let's get straight to the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Medical Assistant in Derry CDP is $39,601 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.04 per hour. This is slightly above the national average of $38,270/year, which is a solid position to be in. The metro area, which includes Derry and surrounding towns, supports 43 jobs for MAs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 15%. This growth isn't explosive, but it's steady, reflecting an aging population and the continued need for primary care support.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports; your mileage will vary based on the specific employer and your certifications.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Estimate	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$33,000 - $36,500	Community Health Centers, smaller private practices
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	Elliot Hospital at Derry, larger multi-specialty groups
Senior/Lead MA (5-10 years)	$42,500 - $48,000	Elliot Hospital, Derry Medical Center, specialty clinics
Expert/Managerial (10+ years)	$48,500+	Practice management, clinical educator roles, hospital admin

How Derry Compares to Other NH Cities:

Derry's median ($39,601) sits comfortably in the middle of the pack for Southern New Hampshire. It's higher than the Manchester-Nashua metro average ($38,980), which is surprising given Manchester's size, but Derry's lower cost of living (relative to Nashua) and stable employer base keep wages competitive. For comparison, Concord (the state capital) often sees slightly higher averages ($40,200) due to state government and larger hospital systems, while rural northern areas like Littleton can be lower ($36,800). Derry's position is stable—you won't get rich, but you'll live comfortably.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Living in Derry means understanding that while the salary is above the national average, the cost of living isn't cheap. New Hampshire has no state income tax or sales tax, which is a massive financial advantage. However, property taxes are among the highest in the nation, which is baked into rent and home prices.

Let's break down the monthly budget for a Medical Assistant earning the median salary of $39,601/year. After federal taxes (estimated at ~12% for this bracket) and FICA (7.65%), your take-home pay is roughly $2,750/month. We're using the local average 1BR rent of $1,506/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$3,300	Based on $39,601/year
Take-Home Pay	$2,750	After federal tax & FICA (no NH state tax)
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$1,506	This is your biggest expense in Derry
Utilities (Heat, Elec, Internet)	$250	NH winters are cold; heating costs are real.
Groceries	$300	Shop at Market Basket in Derry or Londonderry.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Derry is car-dependent. Public transport is limited.
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Commuting to Londonderry or Manchester is common.
Healthcare (Copays, etc.)	$100	Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs add up.
Discretionary/Savings	$144	This is tight. Budgeting is essential.

Can they afford to buy a home?
In short: not on the median salary alone, at least not right away. The median home price in Derry is approximately $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000) and a 6-7% mortgage rate, your monthly payment (including property taxes) would exceed $2,800—more than your take-home pay. Buying a home in Derry typically requires a dual-income household, significant savings for a down payment, or moving to a condo/townhome in the $300,000-$350,000 range. Insider Tip: Many locals buy in neighboring Londonderry or Atkinson, where prices can be slightly lower and property taxes are marginally better, though the commute is similar.

Where the Jobs Are: Derry CDP's Major Employers

Derry's healthcare job market is anchored by a few key players. We don't have a major university hospital, but we have robust community and regional care. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. Elliot Hospital at Derry: This is the biggest fish in our small pond. It's an outpatient facility that offers primary care, urgent care, and some specialty services. They are the most consistent hirer for MAs in the area. Hiring trends are stable, with turnover creating openings 2-3 times a year. They value certification (CMA or RMA) and experience with electronic health records (EHR) like Epic.
2. Derry Medical Center: A large, multi-specialty private practice group. They have a big footprint in town for family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine. They often hire MAs directly into their practices. Their hiring is more cyclical—linked to the addition of new physicians or expansion of services. Insider Tip: They prefer candidates who have already taken the CMA exam.
3. Appledore Medical Group (Derry): Part of the larger Appledore network, which is affiliated with the University of New Hampshire. They have a strong primary care presence in Derry and are known for offering good benefits and a collegial environment. Hiring tends to be slower and more selective.
4. Community Health & Hospice: This non-profit serves the broader region, including Derry. They provide home health, hospice, and community-based care. MAs here often have roles in intake, coordination, and supporting visiting nurses. It’s a different pace from a clinic—more patient-focused and less procedural. Hiring is steady due to the aging population.
5. Derry Area Health & Wellness Center (DAHWC): A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving low-income and underserved populations. They are a critical part of the local safety net. Jobs here are mission-driven and can be demanding, but they offer strong federal benefits and loan repayment programs. They are often hiring to meet grant-funded staffing requirements.
6. Private Specialty Practices: Scattered throughout Derry are smaller offices—orthopedics, dermatology, cardiology, and OB/GYN. These are often part of larger networks (like Dartmouth-Hitchcock in nearby Londonderry) but operate independently. They hire via word-of-mouth and direct applications. Insider Tip: Check the "Careers" page for Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Mass General Brigham—they have clinics in the region that list Derry as a commuting option.
7. Urgent Care Chains: Concentra and AFC Urgent Care have locations in or near Derry (Londonderry, Salem). These are high-volume, fast-paced environments. Hiring is frequent due to burnout, but they often require prior urgent care or EMT experience. Pay can be slightly higher to offset the stress.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire does not have a state-specific license for Medical Assistants. Instead, it relies on national certification. This is a huge advantage—it's portable and standardized.

1. Choose Your Certification: The two main certifying bodies are the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), which grants the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) credential, and the American Medical Technologists (AMT), which grants the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) credential. Both are respected in New Hampshire.
2. Education Path: You must graduate from an accredited Medical Assisting program. These are available at community colleges like Nashua Community College or Manchester Community College (both within a 30-45 minute drive). Online programs are an option, but ensure they are CAHEP-accredited. Program costs range from $5,000 to $12,000.
3. The Exam: After graduation, you must pass the national exam. The CMA exam costs $125-$150. You must apply to sit for the exam, which requires your program director's verification.
4. Timeline: A full-time MA program typically takes 9-12 months. Adding in exam prep and scheduling, you're looking at 10-14 months from start to certified. Part-time programs can take 18-24 months.
5. Background Checks: New Hampshire requires a criminal background check for all healthcare employees. Most employers will conduct this upon offer of employment. If you have a record, be prepared to discuss it; some minor offenses may not disqualify you, but serious felonies typically will.

Insider Tip: Once certified, you must maintain it. The CMA requires recertification every 60 months with continuing education credits (60 points). The RMA requires 30 points every 3 years. Factor this into your long-term career costs.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Derry is a town of small, distinct neighborhoods. Your choice of where to live will impact your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Derry Village	Historic, walkable core. Close to Main St. shops, restaurants, and the Derry Public Library. Easy commute to Elliot Hospital and Derry Medical Center (5-10 min).	$1,400 - $1,600	Those who want a small-town feel, no long commutes, and walkability.
East Derry	Residential and quiet. Mostly single-family homes and condos. Commute is easy (10-15 min to major employers). Near the Derry Public Library and public parks.	$1,350 - $1,550	Young professionals and small families looking for a peaceful setting.
West Derry	More rural, with newer subdivisions and larger lots. Commute to Londonderry or Manchester takes 15-20 minutes. You get more space but less walkability.	$1,300 - $1,500	Those who prioritize space and don't mind a short, scenic drive.
Londonderry (Border)	Technically a different town, but a stone's throw from Derry. Right off I-93 for an easy commute to Manchester or Boston. More commercial development.	$1,550 - $1,750	Commuters who need highway access and don't mind a slightly higher rent for convenience.
Atkinson (Border)	A bit farther south, but offers a great balance. Similar commute time to Derry jobs, but with slightly lower property taxes. More of a suburban feel.	$1,400 - $1,600	Budget-conscious MAs who want good schools and a bit more green space.

Insider Tip: If you're looking for an apartment, check the "West Derry" and "East Derry" sections of town. They have more rental complexes. The Village is mostly older homes split into apartments—they can be charming but sometimes have less modern amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Derry doesn't mean your career has to stagnate. The growth is in specialization and taking on more responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums: In our market, MAs with experience in ophthalmology, dermatology, or orthopedics can command a 5-10% salary premium. Why? These specialties require specific technical skills (suture removal, assisting with minor procedures, patient education) that are in demand. To get this, you may need to start in a primary care role and then transfer to a specialty clinic once you have experience.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from MA to Office Manager or Clinical Supervisor. This requires leadership skills and knowledge of billing, scheduling, and compliance. The next step is often into Healthcare Administration (an associate's or bachelor's degree is needed). Some MAs become Phlebotomy Instructors or EHR Trainers.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 15% job growth in the metro area, the demand is healthy. The key will be adapting to technology. Those proficient with Epic, NextGen, or other EHR systems will have a massive advantage. Also, consider telehealth support roles, which are growing even in Derry's community health centers. Insider Tip: The highest long-term earning potential in Derry isn't necessarily in a bigger clinic, but in becoming a Clinical Research Coordinator. Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Mass General Brigham have research initiatives in the region, and they need MAs who understand protocol and patient data management. This can push salaries into the $50,000-$60,000 range.

The Verdict: Is Derry CDP Right for You?

Let's be blunt. Derry is a specific kind of place. It's not for everyone, but for the right person, it's an excellent place to build a stable medical career without the chaos of a big city.

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary relative to the national average.	High cost of living, especially for a single-income household.
Stable job market with steady growth (15%).	Car-dependent town; public transit is virtually non-existent.
No state income or sales tax.	Limited high-end specialty employers; you'd commute for major surgical centers.
Short, easy commutes within town.	Can feel isolating if you're used to a vibrant urban core.
Safe, family-friendly environment with good schools.	Social scene is quiet; nightlife is limited.
Access to nature (Derry's parks, nearby mountains).	Competitive rental market with high prices for New England.

Final Recommendation: Derry CDP is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who is early to mid-career, values stability over excitement, and is part of a dual-income household. If you are a single person earning the median salary, you will need to budget meticulously and consider roommates or living in a bordering town to make it work. For a couple, where one partner works in healthcare and the other in a different field, Derry offers a fantastic quality of life. If you're looking for a fast-paced, high-earning career in a major hospital system, you'd be better off in Manchester or Boston. But for a solid, sustainable career in a supportive community, Derry is a contender.

FAQs

1. I'm not certified yet. Can I get a job in Derry with just experience?
Most employers, especially the larger ones like Elliot Hospital and Derry Medical Center, require certification (CMA or RMA) as a condition of employment. Smaller private practices might consider you with proven experience and a willingness to get certified, but it's a significant hurdle. Your best bet is to get certified.

2. How long is the commute from Derry to Manchester for more specialized jobs?
It's about a 25-30 minute drive on I-93, depending on traffic. Many MAs live in Derry and commute to Manchester's larger hospitals (like Catholic Medical Center or Southern NH Medical Center) for specialized roles. The reverse commute (from Manchester to Derry) is also common.

3. Are there any unique local healthcare employers I should know about?
Yes. Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center in nearby Greenfield (about 20 minutes away) is a major employer for MAs interested in rehabilitation and special needs care. Also, Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics in Manchester and Bedford are federal employers with good benefits and often hire MAs.

4. What's the best way to find a job in Derry's tight market?
Network. Join the New Hampshire Society of Medical Assistants (NHMA). Attend their local meetings (often in Manchester). Many Derry jobs are filled by referral before they're ever posted online. Use LinkedIn to connect with office managers at Elliot Hospital and Derry Medical Center. Insider Tip: Walk into the clinics you're interested in and ask for the practice manager's business card. A polite, in-person inquiry can make a huge impression.

5. How does the cost of living in Derry really compare to nearby towns?
Derry is more affordable than Nashua or Salem but more expensive than Londonderry or Atkinson due to its "town center" premium. The biggest differentiator is property taxes. If