Medical Assistant in Nashua, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Nashua Stands

As a local career analyst, I’ve watched the Nashua healthcare job market for years. The first thing you need to know is that the numbers here are solid, but they don't tell the whole story. Let's break down what an MA can realistically expect to earn in the Gate City.

For Medical Assistants in the Nashua metropolitan area, the median salary is $38,855/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $18.68/hour. This figure is slightly above the national average of $38,270/year, which is a positive sign for a mid-sized New England city. The demand is steady, with 181 current job openings in the metro area and a healthy 10-year job growth projection of 15%. This growth is largely fueled by an aging population in Southern New Hampshire and the expansion of specialty clinics.

To understand where you might fall on this spectrum, here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression based on local market data and employer postings:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Nashua)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$33,000 - $37,000	Often starts in urgent care or large multi-specialty groups. Certification (CMA or RMA) is typically required.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$38,000 - $44,000	Specialization (e.g., ophthalmology, orthopedics) or roles in hospital systems (Elliot Health System) push salaries higher.
Senior (8-15 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Leads to Lead MA, Clinical Coordinator, or practice manager roles. Experience with EHR systems like Epic is a major plus.
Expert/Specialized (15+ years)	$53,000+	These roles are less common but exist in high-demand specialties or as consultants for local practices.

How does Nashua compare to other NH cities?
Nashua sits comfortably in the middle of the pack.

• Manchester: Slightly higher median salary (around $39,500) due to a larger concentration of hospital systems (Catholic Medical Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester), but the cost of living is also marginally higher.
• Portsmouth: Higher salaries (often $40,000-$42,000 for mid-level MAs) but significantly higher rent and cost of living. The Seacoast market is more competitive.
• Concord: Similar to Nashua, with a strong presence of Concord Hospital and a slightly lower cost of living than Nashua.
• Dover/Rochester: Salaries can be comparable, but the job market is smaller and more reliant on the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital system.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In Nashua, benefits packages can be the differentiator. Elliot Health System and larger private practices often offer robust benefits, including tuition reimbursement for continuing education, which can be worth thousands annually.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. The median salary of $38,855 breaks down to approximately $3,238 per month before taxes. After federal, state (NH has no income tax on wages, which is a huge plus), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be closer to $2,650 - $2,750 per month.

The biggest variable in your budget is housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Nashua costs $1,489/month. This is above the national average and reflects the high demand in the region. Here’s a sample monthly budget for an MA living in Nashua:

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,238
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $2,700 (after taxes)
• Housing (1BR Average): -$1,489
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$150
• Groceries: -$300
• Transportation (Car Insurance, Gas, Maintenance): -$250
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): -$150
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: -$200
• Remaining/Savings: $161

This budget is tight. The Cost of Living Index of 105.1 (where the US average is 100) means everything from groceries to car repairs is about 5% more expensive than the national norm. A single MA earning the median salary can afford to live in Nashua, but it requires careful budgeting. Owning a home on this salary is challenging without a dual income or significant savings. The median home price in the Nashua area is over $400,000, which would require a substantial down payment and monthly mortgage payments far exceeding the average rent.

Where the Jobs Are: Nashua's Major Employers

Nashua's healthcare landscape is a mix of large hospital systems and thriving private practices. Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. Elliot Health System (The Elliot at Nashua): This is the city's largest employer. The Elliot is a Level III trauma center and a major hub for specialties. They hire MAs for their main hospital on the border of Nashua and Manchester, as well as for their extensive network of outpatient clinics (e.g., Elliot Orthopedics, Elliot Cardiovascular). Hiring Trend: Actively expanding their specialty clinics, meaning more jobs in areas like neurology and pulmonology.

2. St. Joseph Hospital / Trinity Health: While its main campus is in Nashua, it's part of a larger network. It serves a diverse patient population and often has openings in primary care and surgical departments. Hiring Trend: Focus on integrated care models, so MAs with experience in team-based care are valued.

3. Southern New Hampshire Health (Part of Lowell General Hospital): This system has a significant presence in Nashua with multiple outpatient locations. They are a key employer for MAs in primary care, pediatrics, and urgent care. Hiring Trend: Aggressive growth in urgent care and immediate care centers, creating consistent openings for MAs.

4. Private Practice Groups: Nashua has a vibrant private practice scene, especially in specialties like dermatology (e.g., Nashua Dermatology Associates), orthopedics (e.g., OrthoNH), and gastroenterology. These practices often offer a more predictable 9-to-5 schedule and a closer-knit team environment. Hiring Trend: Private practices are consolidating into larger groups, which can mean more structured career ladders but sometimes less autonomy.

5. Urgent Care Chains (Concentra, AFC Urgent Care): With its location on the I-93 corridor, Nashua has multiple urgent care centers. These are excellent for gaining experience quickly and often offer flexible scheduling. Hiring Trend: High turnover, which means frequent openings, but also a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

6. Community Health Centers (e.g., Harbor Homes, Southern NH Health Community Health): These centers serve underserved populations and are a great way to gain experience with diverse patient needs. They often have a strong mission-driven culture. Hiring Trend: Steady demand due to ongoing public health needs and grant funding.

Insider Tip: Many jobs in Nashua are filled through networking. Join the New Hampshire Medical Assistants (NHMA) local chapter. Attend their meetings. A personal referral can get your resume to the top of the pile at Elliot or a busy private practice.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a straightforward process for Medical Assistants, which is a major advantage for career changers or those new to the field.

1. Educational Requirement: You must complete a postsecondary medical assisting program from an accredited institution (e.g., accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs - CAAHEP). Most programs take 9-12 months.
2. Certification (Not State License): NH does not license MAs, but it requires certification. The two main national certifications are:
   • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
   • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
3. State Registration (The "NH Requirement"): You must register with the New Hampshire Board of Medicine. This involves:
   • Submitting a completed application.
   • Providing proof of graduation from an accredited program.
   • Providing proof of current certification (CMA or RMA).
   • Paying a registration fee (approximately $50).
   • Undergoing a background check (fingerprinting, ~$50).
4. Timeline & Cost:
   • Program Cost: $3,000 - $12,000 (varies by school, e.g., Nashua Community College offers an affordable, high-quality program).
   • Certification Exam Fee: ~$120-$150.
   • NH Registration Fee: ~$100 total (application + background check).
   • Total Startup Cost: $3,300 - $12,400.
   • Timeline: From program start to being job-ready takes about 10-14 months. Once you have your diploma and certification, the state registration is typically processed in 2-4 weeks.

Insider Tip: Nashua Community College is an excellent, cost-effective pathway. Their program is well-regarded by local employers, and their clinical rotations often lead directly to job offers.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Choosing where to live in Nashua impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four top picks for MAs:

1. The "West Side" (Near Elliot Health System):

   • Vibe: Suburban, quiet, family-oriented. Close to the hospital and major clinics.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to Elliot and many private practices.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: MAs working at Elliot or who want a short, predictable commute.

2. Downtown Nashua:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, with restaurants, shops, and a lively arts scene. Older apartment buildings and some new developments.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most major employers by car. Some bus routes available.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,550 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Young professionals who want an active social life and don't mind a slightly longer commute.

3. South End (Near St. Joseph Hospital):

   • Vibe: Mixed-use, convenient, with easy access to I-93 for commuting to other cities.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to St. Joe's, 15-25 minutes to Elliot.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: MAs prioritizing a central location and quick highway access.

4. North End / Litchfield (just over the line):

   • Vibe: More suburban/rural, with larger apartment complexes and single-family homes. Quieter.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to most Nashua employers. Easy access to Manchester.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,450 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those seeking more space for their money and a quieter lifestyle, willing to drive a bit further.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the Everett Turnpike (Route 3) and I-93 can be congested during rush hour. If you live in the North End and work at Elliot on the West Side, your commute can be longer than the map suggests. Always test-drive your commute at 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Medical Assistant role in Nashua is a solid foundation, but the long-term growth potential is what makes it a compelling career.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain specialties in Nashua pay a premium. MAs in orthopedics (e.g., OrthoNH, Elliot Orthopedics) can earn 5-10% above the median due to the need for surgical tech skills and casting. Dermatology and cardiology are also higher-paying fields.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead Medical Assistant: Supervising a team in a busy practice. (Salary: $42k - $48k)
  2. Clinical Coordinator: Overseeing patient flow, scheduling, and inventory. (Salary: $45k - $55k)
  3. Practice Manager: Running the business side of a medical office. Often requires an Associate's or Bachelor's degree. (Salary: $55k - $75k+)
  4. Transition to Nursing: Many MAs in Nashua use their experience to bridge into LPN or RN programs. Nashua Community College has a well-respected nursing program, and the clinical experience from MA work is a huge advantage.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 15% job growth rate, the market will remain strong. The key to advancement will be specialization and technology. MAs proficient with Epic EHR (used by Elliot) or athenahealth (common in private practices) will be in high demand. The shift toward value-based care also means MAs with strong patient communication and chronic disease management skills will be invaluable.

Insider Tip: Consider earning an additional certification, like a Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or EKG Technician (CET). In Nashua's smaller practices, having an MA who can draw blood or run an EKG is a major asset and can lead to a pay bump.

The Verdict: Is Nashua Right for You?

Pros of Working as an MA in Nashua	Cons of Working as an MA in Nashua
Strong, stable job market with 15% projected growth.	High cost of living, especially for housing.
No state income tax on wages, boosting take-home pay.	Competitive rent market requiring careful budgeting.
Diverse employer base: hospitals, private practices, urgent care.	Traffic congestion during peak commute times.
Proximity to Boston/Manchester: Easy access for networking or day trips.	Winters can be long and snowy, impacting commutes.
Quality of life: Safe, historic city with amenities.	Buying a home is a significant hurdle on a single MA salary.

Final Recommendation:

Nashua is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who is early to mid-career and values a stable job market with growth potential. It's particularly well-suited for someone who:

• Is willing to budget carefully on a starting salary.
• Prioritizes career development and is interested in specializing.
• Enjoys a balanced lifestyle with access to both city amenities and natural beauty (the Nashua Riverwalk, nearby lakes, and proximity to the White Mountains).

If you are looking for the absolute highest salary or a low cost of living, you might look elsewhere. But if you want a community where you can build a solid, long-term career in healthcare with a realistic path for advancement, Nashua is a strong contender.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to work as an MA in Nashua?
Yes. New Hampshire requires MAs to hold a current certification from an accredited program (CMA or RMA) and be registered with the NH Board of Medicine. Employers will not interview uncertified candidates.

2. What is the commute like from Manchester to Nashua?
The commute is very common. It's about 15-20 miles via I-93 or the Everett Turnpike (Route 3). During rush hour, it can take 30-45 minutes. Many MAs live in Manchester for slightly lower rent and commute to Nashua's jobs.

3. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes. Urgent care centers often offer 12-hour shifts and weekend work. Many private practices are open to part-time roles, especially for experienced MAs. This is less common in large hospital systems like Elliot, which often prefer full-time staff for benefits.

4. How competitive is the job market for new MAs?
It is competitive but not insurmountable. The key is to complete a reputable local program (like Nashua Community College) and secure a strong clinical rotation. Networking through the NHMA and applying to a wide range of employers (not just the big hospitals) will increase your chances.

5. What's the best way to negotiate a salary in Nashua?
First, know the local data: the median is $38,855. If you have 3+ years of experience or a specialty, you have leverage. Highlight your specific skills (e.g., "I am proficient in Epic EHR and have experience with surgical assisting"). Consider the total compensation package—benefits, tuition reimbursement, and PTO can be as valuable as base salary. Always be polite but firm, and have a number in mind based on your experience level.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security, Nashua Community College Program Data, Local Employer Job Postings (Elliot Health System, Southern NH Health), New Hampshire Board of Medicine.