Medical Assistant in Keene, NH

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Medical Assistants considering a move to Keene, NH.

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The Salary Picture: Where Keene Stands

As a local, I’ll be straight with you: Keene isn’t a place you move to get rich as a Medical Assistant (MA). You move here for the lifestyle, the community, and the quality of work-life balance. The salary data reflects that reality.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Medical Assistant in Keene is $39,303 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.9 per hour. This is slightly above the national average of $38,270, but don’t let that fool you—the cost of living in the Monadnock Region is a significant factor we’ll dig into later.

The job market itself is tight but stable. There are approximately 45 jobs in the Keene metro area for Medical Assistants at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is healthy at 15%, which is faster than the national average for many professions, driven by an aging population in rural New England.

Let’s break down what you can expect to earn based on your experience level. This is a realistic local snapshot, not a national projection.

Experience Level	Estimated Years of Experience	Annual Salary Range (Keene, NH)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$34,000 - $38,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$38,000 - $42,000
Senior	5-10 years	$42,000 - $47,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years, with specialization	$47,000 - $52,000+

Insider Tip: The difference between the low and high end within a category often comes down to working in a private practice versus a hospital system (like Cheshire Medical Center), or taking on lead/supervisory duties. You can also increase your hourly rate by picking up per-diem shifts at local clinics or urgent care centers.

How Keene Compares to Other NH Cities:

• Manchester/Concord: Salaries are typically 5-8% higher (~$41,000-$45,000 median) due to a larger, more competitive healthcare market and higher cost of living in the southern part of the state.
• Portsmouth: The seacoast market pays the highest in the state (~$42,000-$46,000 median), but the cost of living is dramatically higher (rents easily double Keene’s).
• Berlin/Littleton (North Country): Salaries may be similar or slightly lower than Keene, but with even fewer job openings.

Keene sits in a sweet spot for the western part of the state: it’s the major healthcare hub for a large rural area, providing steady employment without the intense competition of southern NH.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. On a median salary of $39,303, your take-home pay after taxes (federal, FICA, and NH state tax, which is a flat 5%) will be approximately $32,500 - $33,500 per year, or about $2,700 - $2,800 per month.

The big variable is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Keene is $1,471 per month. This is above the national average and reflects the limited rental stock in a small city surrounded by rural areas.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single MA earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,471	Median for Keene. Studios can be found for ~$1,200, but are scarce.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes heat (electric/oil), electric, internet. Winter heating is a major cost.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Shop at Keene IGA, Hannaford, or the Co-op. Limited budget options.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350 - $500	Essential. Public transport is limited.
Gas	$100 - $150	Commuting to work and for errands.
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	If employer doesn't cover full premium.
Phone/Personal	$100 - $150
Discretionary/Savings	$150 - $300	Left for eating out, entertainment, emergency fund, or savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the toughest question. The median home price in the Keene area is over $300,000. With a $39,303 salary, a standard mortgage is out of reach without a significant down payment (20% is $60,000) and a household with a second income. For a single MA, buying a home in the current market is a long-term goal that would require substantial savings and likely a partner’s income. Renting is the standard for most single MAs in the area.

Insider Tip: Many MAs in Keene live in shared housing or with roommates to keep housing costs below $1,000/month, which dramatically improves the monthly budget. Also, some rural towns just outside Keene (like Swanzey or Marlow) have slightly lower rents, but you must factor in a longer commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Keene's Major Employers

The healthcare scene in Keene is dominated by a few key players. Here’s where your applications should be focused:

1. Cheshire Medical Center (Dartmouth Health): The absolute anchor of the local healthcare economy. It’s a Critical Access Hospital providing a wide range of services. They hire MAs for primary care, specialty clinics (orthopedics, cardiology, oncology), the urgent care, and inpatient units. Hiring Trend: Consistently hiring. Dartmouth Health’s affiliation has stabilized and grown services. They offer good benefits, including tuition reimbursement, which is a huge perk for career advancement.

2. Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH): Located in Peterborough, a 25-minute drive east on Route 101. A community hospital with a strong reputation. Hiring Trend: Steady. MCH is expanding its outpatient services, creating more MA positions in their specialty practices.

3. Podiatry Associates of NH (Keene Office): A private specialty practice that frequently hires MAs for front and back-office duties. Hiring Trend: Small but stable. This is a great environment to learn a niche specialty.

4. Southwestern Community Services (SCS): A large multi-service community health center with locations in Keene and surrounding towns. They serve a medically complex, often underserved population. Hiring Trend: High need. They often have openings and value cultural competency. This is a mission-driven workplace.

5. Urgent Care Centers (Keene Urgent Care, PM Pediatrics): These are high-volume, fast-paced environments perfect for gaining experience. Hiring Trend: Fluctuates with seasons (higher demand in winter for flu/cold season). Often hire for per-diem and part-time roles.

6. Private Practice Physicians: Numerous small family medicine and internal medicine practices in the area (e.g., Cheshire Physicians, Keene Family Medicine) often hire one or two MAs. Hiring Trend: Harder to break into as a new graduate, but they value long-term employees.

Insider Tip: Don’t just check the big hospital’s job board. Call the private practices directly and ask if they’re accepting resumes. In a small town, a personal touch can make your application stand out.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a straightforward licensure process for Medical Assistants, but it’s not “certification-blind.”

1. Education: You must complete an accredited Medical Assisting program. The Keene area has a fantastic local option: Keene State College (KSC) offers a Medical Assisting Certificate program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This is a 9-month to 1-year program. Other regional options include River Valley Community College in Claremont.

2. Certification (Highly Recommended): While NH doesn’t have a state-specific MA license, nearly every employer in Keene will require you to hold a national certification. The two main ones are:

   • CMA (AAMA): Certified Medical Assistant (from the American Association of Medical Assistants). This requires passing an exam and is considered the gold standard.
   • RMA (AMT): Registered Medical Assistant (from the American Medical Technologists).
     Cost: Exam fees are typically $150 - $250.

3. Timeline to Get Started:

   • If you have no training: Enroll in a CAAHEP-accredited program (like KSC’s). This will take 9-12 months. After graduation, you can sit for your certification exam. Total time: 1-1.5 years.
   • If you are already certified: You can apply for jobs immediately. It’s wise to contact the NH Board of Medicine to confirm your credentials are recognized (they almost always are if from a national certifying body).

Insider Tip: Many employers in Keene, especially Cheshire Medical Center, will help pay for your certification exam fees or provide study materials if you’re hired. Ask about this during your interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Keene is a compact, walkable city of about 23,000 people. Commuting isn’t the issue—finding the right fit is. Here are neighborhoods to consider:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown Keene	Urban, walkable. You can walk to shops, restaurants, and Cheshire Medical Center. Limited parking.	$1,300 - $1,600	Young professionals who want a vibrant, car-optional lifestyle.
West Keene	Residential, quiet. Mostly single-family homes and duplexes. A 5-10 minute drive to downtown/hospital.	$1,200 - $1,500	Those wanting more space and a quiet home base. A popular area for roommates.
East Keene	Similar to West Keene, but closer to Route 101 for commuters to Peterborough (MCH).	$1,200 - $1,500	Medical Assistants working at both Cheshire and Monadnock Community Hospital.
South Keene / Swanzey	More rural, suburban feel. Larger yards, lower rent, but a 10-15 minute drive to Keene center.	$1,000 - $1,300	Those on a tighter budget who don’t mind a short commute. Great for access to nature.
Surrounding Towns (Marlow, Surry)	Truly rural, quiet villages. 15-20 minute commute. Very low cost of living but few amenities.	$900 - $1,200	Extreme budget-conscious individuals or those who crave solitude.

Insider Tip: The rental market is competitive. Look for apartments 3-6 months in advance. Facebook groups like “Keene NH Housing” are often more effective than national rental sites. Be prepared with references and proof of income.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Keene as an MA long-term requires a plan. The ceiling for a generalist MA is around $50,000. To grow, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in high-demand specialties can earn 10-15% more. In Keene, these include:

  • Orthopedics: High volume at Cheshire’s clinic.
  • Dermatology: Growing private practice demand.
  • Phlebotomy/Specimen Processing: Lab tech roles often pay more.
  • Ophthalmology: Specialized skills are valued.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Lead MA / Office Manager: After 5+ years, you can oversee other MAs or manage a private practice. This can push your salary toward $50,000+.
  2. Transition to a Different Role: Many MAs use their experience as a springboard. The local community colleges (KSC, River Valley) offer LPN programs (1 year) or RN programs (2-4 years). With an MA background, you’re a strong candidate, and many employers offer tuition reimbursement.
  3. Teaching: KSC’s Medical Assisting program often hires experienced MAs as part-time clinical instructors.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 15% job growth is real. As Keene’s population ages, the need for chronic disease management in primary care and specialty clinics will grow. MAs who stay current with EHR systems (most use Epic or athenahealth) and who are certified will be in the best position.

The Verdict: Is Keene Right for You?

Keene offers a unique blend of professional opportunity and quality of life that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s not a launchpad for a high-flying salary, but it’s a stable, rewarding place to build a career if you value community and nature over urban intensity.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: As the regional healthcare hub, there's consistent demand.	Lower Salary Ceiling: Median pay of $39,303 limits financial growth.
High Quality of Life: Access to hiking, skiing, a vibrant downtown, and a strong sense of community.	High Cost of Rent: The $1,471/month rent is a heavy burden on an MA salary.
Manageable Commute: Everything is close. No traffic jams.	Limited Housing Stock: Finding an affordable apartment is a real challenge.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Employers generally respect time off. The pace is less frantic than in major cities.	Isolation: It’s a 1.5-hour drive to the nearest major city (Concord/Manchester). Limited diversity and cultural amenities.
Pathway for Advancement: Tuition reimbursement and local college programs make it feasible to climb the ladder.	Rural Health Challenges: Can be emotionally taxing, dealing with a complex patient population.

Final Recommendation:
Move to Keene if you are a Medical Assistant who prioritizes lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and community over maximum earning potential. It’s an ideal spot for a recent graduate to get solid experience, or for an experienced MA seeking a slower pace. If your primary goal is to maximize your salary and pay off debt quickly, you might be better served in southern New Hampshire or Massachusetts. But if you want a career where you can afford a life outside of work, Keene is a compelling choice.

FAQs

1. I’m a certified MA from another state. Can I work in Keene, NH right away?
Yes. New Hampshire does not have a state-specific MA license. As long as you hold a current national certification (CMA, RMA, etc.), you can apply for jobs. It’s a good idea to have your certification and education transcripts ready to show employers.

2. How competitive is the job market for new graduate MAs in Keene?
It’s competitive but not impossible. The key is applying to a variety of settings: don’t just target Cheshire Medical Center. Apply to private practices, urgent cares, and community health centers like SCS. Getting your foot in the door in any setting is the first step.

3. Is it feasible to live in Keene without a car?
Barely. Keene has a small downtown core that is walkable, and Cheshire Medical Center is centrally located. However, for grocery shopping, accessing trails, and commuting to nearby towns (like Peterborough for MCH), a car is virtually essential. The local bus system (KCTS) is limited and not reliable for shift work.

4. What’s the winter weather like, and how does it affect commuting?
Keene gets a fair amount of snow (around 60 inches per year). Winters are cold and gray. Most employers are very understanding about weather delays, but you must have a reliable car with winter tires and be prepared to commute in snow. The roads are generally well-maintained, but rural routes can be challenging.

5. Are there part-time or per-diem opportunities for MAs?
Yes. The urgent care centers and some private practices often hire per-diem MAs to cover vacations or peak times. Cheshire Medical Center also offers per-diem positions in various departments. These are great for students in KSC’s program or for those wanting to supplement a full-time income.