Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Concord, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Concord Stands

Concord, New Hampshire is a unique market for healthcare workers. It’s the state capital, a regional hub for services, and sits at the crossroads of I-89 and I-93. This creates a steady, but not explosive, demand for Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The median salary here is $36,725/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.66/hour. This is slightly above the national average for CNAs, which sits at $35,760/year. For a city with a population of 44,219, the job market is tight but manageable, with approximately 88 jobs available in the metro area at any given time and a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This growth rate is stable, not booming, reflecting New Hampshire's aging population and the consistent need for long-term care.

To understand what you can expect to earn, it's helpful to break it down by experience. While the median is the midpoint, your starting pay and long-term earning potential will depend heavily on your certifications, shift differentials, and the specific facility.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Factors in Concord
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,000	Starting pay at major hospitals or state-run facilities. Often includes a sign-on bonus or tuition reimbursement.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$36,000 - $40,000	This is near the $36,725 median. You'll see this range at most private nursing homes and home health agencies.
Senior (5-10 years)	$41,000 - $45,000	Senior CNAs often take on lead roles, train new hires, and work in specialized units (e.g., memory care).
Expert/Lead CNA (10+ years)	$46,000+	This is less common. Achieved by becoming a Lead CNA, a certified trainer, or moving into a hybrid role with more responsibility.

Compared to other New Hampshire cities, Concord offers a middle ground. It's more affordable than Manchester or Nashua, but the pay is also slightly lower. Manchester, the state's largest city, has a higher cost of living and often pays $1-$2 more per hour, but the commute from Concord to Manchester can be significant. Concord provides a better work-life balance, with shorter commutes and a more relaxed pace of life. The $17.66/hour rate is a solid, reliable wage in the region, especially when paired with the state's lack of sales tax on clothing and a relatively low property tax rate compared to neighboring states like Massachusetts.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. Earning the median salary of $36,725/year means your monthly gross pay is approximately $3,060. After federal and state taxes (New Hampshire has no income tax, which is a huge benefit), social security, and Medicare, your take-home pay will be closer to $2,650/month. This is a crucial advantage for NH residents.

The biggest expense? Rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Concord is $1,471/month. This means housing alone would consume about 55% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% guideline. This is the primary financial challenge of living in Concord on a CNA salary.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a single person earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,471	This is the biggest variable. Sharing a place or finding a studio can lower this.
Utilities	$200	Includes heat (a major winter cost), electricity, and internet.
Groceries	$350	NH has a high cost of living; meal planning is essential.
Car Payment/Gas	$400	Concord is car-dependent. Factor in insurance, gas, and maintenance.
Health Insurance	$150	Often subsidized or provided by employer, but this is a common out-of-pocket cost.
Savings/Debt	$100	This is a tight margin. Building savings requires careful budgeting.
Miscellaneous	$150	Clothing, personal care, entertainment.
Total Expenses	$2,821
Remaining	-$171	This shows the budget is tight. You will need to adjust.

Insider Tip: To make this work, most CNAs in Concord either live with a roommate (cutting rent to ~$800-$900) or choose to live in a studio apartment or a smaller, older building outside the downtown core. Some also take advantage of facility-provided meals during shifts to save on groceries.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single CNA salary of $36,725, buying a home in Concord is extremely challenging. The median home price in Concord is over $350,000. A 20% down payment would be $70,000, and a mortgage payment, even with current rates, would be well over $1,800/month plus taxes and insurance. This is not feasible on a CNA's income alone. However, two-income households, or CNAs who advance to Registered Nurse (RN) roles, can certainly achieve homeownership in the Concord area.

Where the Jobs Are: Concord's Major Employers

The job market for CNAs in Concord is dominated by a few key players, from large hospitals to state-run facilities and private nursing homes. Hiring is steady, but turnover is common in this high-demand field, so positions open up regularly.

1. Concord Hospital: The largest employer in the city. A 290-bed, not-for-profit, regional medical center. They have a constant need for CNAs in Med-Surg, Orthopedics, and their Birthing Center. Hiring Trend: They often offer sign-on bonuses ($2,000-$5,000) for night shifts and have a strong tuition reimbursement program if you want to become an RN. This is your best bet for hospital-based experience.

2. New Hampshire Hospital: The state psychiatric hospital located on the west side of Concord. It provides acute mental health care. The environment is different from a medical-surgical floor, requiring specialized training in behavioral health. Insider Tip: They often have a unique shift structure and are known for providing excellent state benefits, including a pension plan, which is rare in healthcare.

3. Genesis Healthcare (Various Locations): Genesis operates several skilled nursing facilities in and around Concord, including Concord Post-Acute Rehabilitation and Evergreen Place. They are one of the largest nursing home chains in the country. Hiring Trend: They frequently hire in large batches, especially after winter, and offer flexible scheduling. Work environments can vary by location, so talk to current employees if possible.

4. Aperion Care: Another major operator of skilled nursing and rehab centers. They have facilities in nearby towns that are an easy commute from Concord, like Aperion Care in Laconia (about a 25-minute drive). Insider Tip: These suburban facilities sometimes offer slightly higher pay to attract workers from the Concord area, and the commute can be manageable.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of NH, Maxim Healthcare Services): With Concord's aging population, home health is a growing sector. This is a great option if you prefer one-on-one care and a more flexible schedule. Hiring Trend: Demand is high, but hours can be less consistent than facility work. You need a reliable car and strong time-management skills. Pay is often per visit or hourly, and can be slightly higher than facility rates.

6. The Villages at Misty Meadows: A large, upscale senior living community on the outskirts of Concord (in the "West Side" neighborhood). It includes independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Hiring Trend: They focus heavily on customer service and a positive resident experience. This is a good option for CNAs who prefer a less clinical, more community-oriented setting.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire requires CNAs to be listed on the state's Nurse Aide Registry. You cannot work as a CNA without this. The process is straightforward but requires an approved training program and passing a state exam.

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). These are offered by community colleges (like NHTI - Concord's Community College), vocational schools, and some nursing homes. The program typically requires 75 hours of training, split between classroom instruction and clinical practice. Costs range from $800 to $1,500, but many employers (like Concord Hospital) will reimburse you for this cost if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 12 months).

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the program, you must pass both a written (or oral) exam and a skills evaluation. The exam is administered by a state-approved vendor (like Credentia). The total cost for the exam is approximately $125-$150.

3. Apply for Listing on the NH Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, the training program submits your information to the NH Department of Health and Human Services, which maintains the registry. There is no fee for the initial listing.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in a program: Can be done within 1-2 months of deciding.
• Complete training: Typically takes 4-8 weeks, depending on the schedule (full-time vs. part-time).
• Schedule and pass the exam: Allow 2-4 weeks after training.
• Total time from start to job-ready: 2 to 3 months.

Insider Tip: If you are already a CNA in another state, New Hampshire has reciprocity. You must submit an application to the NH Nurse Aide Registry and may need to provide proof of your current, active status. The process is quicker but still requires paperwork and verification.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Concord matters, especially given the shift work common in healthcare. You need a safe, affordable neighborhood with reasonable access to major employers. Here are four top neighborhoods, with rent estimates for a 1BR apartment.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
West Side	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Close to NH Hospital and Concord Hospital. Easy access to I-93.	$1,350 - $1,500	CNAs who want a short commute to the major hospitals and prefer a suburban feel.
Downtown Concord	Walkable, urban, with restaurants, shops, and the state house. Commute to hospitals is 5-10 mins by car.	$1,500 - $1,700+	Younger CNAs who want a lively social scene and don't mind a slightly higher rent.
Penacook (North Concord)	A historic mill village on the Merrimack River. More affordable, with a small-town feel. 10-15 min commute to downtown.	$1,100 - $1,300	Budget-conscious CNAs. It's a great value, with easy access to I-89 and I-93.
East Concord	A mix of residential and commercial. Home to many apartment complexes. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 mins.	$1,200 - $1,400	Those seeking modern apartment amenities (pool, gym) and a central location.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Concord is minimal compared to major cities, but the "rush hour" can create bottlenecks on Route 3 (St. Paul Street) and near the hospital exits. Living on the same side of the river as your workplace (east side for Concord Hospital, west side for NH Hospital) saves 5-10 minutes on your commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

For CNAs in Concord, career growth is a realistic goal. The 10-year job growth of 4% indicates stability, but the real opportunities lie in specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs who gain experience and certifications in high-demand areas can negotiate higher pay. In Concord, specialties like Geriatric Nursing (working in memory care), Behavioral Health (at NH Hospital), or Phlebotomy (drawing blood) can add $1.00-$2.00/hour to your base pay. Some facilities offer a "clinical ladder" where you can advance from CNA I to CNA II with additional certifications and experience, leading to a pay bump.

• Advancement Paths: The most common and financially rewarding path is to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Concord has several excellent programs: NHTI's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and SNHU's online RN-to-BSN program. Many Concord Hospital employees use their tuition reimbursement to make this transition. Another path is becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), which takes about one year and leads to a salary of roughly $48,000-$55,000 in the Concord area.

• 10-Year Outlook: The aging population in New Hampshire is a powerful driver. Over the next decade, expect continued demand in long-term care and home health. The push for value-based care may lead to more integrated roles where CNAs work closely with RNs and care coordinators. While the base job growth is only 4%, the need for experienced, compassionate caregivers will remain high. The key to long-term success is to avoid stagnation—use your CNA experience as a stepping stone to higher credentials.

The Verdict: Is Concord Right for You?

Concord offers a stable, if modest, career for a Nursing Assistant. It's a place for those who value work-life balance, a slower pace, and the beauty of New England over high-stakes, high-reward urban markets.

Pros	Cons
No State Income Tax – A significant financial advantage.	High Housing Costs – Rent is a major burden on a CNA salary.
Stable Job Market – Consistent demand from hospitals and nursing homes.	Car-Dependent City – You need a reliable vehicle for commuting.
Manageable Commute – Traffic is minimal compared to larger cities.	Limited Nightlife/Scene – It's a small state capital, not a metropolis.
Access to Nature – Close to lakes, mountains, and hiking trails.	Competitive Rental Market – Finding an affordable apartment can be tough.
Pathways for Advancement – Clear routes to LPN and RN roles with local colleges.	Wages are Near the Ceiling – Significant pay jumps require changing careers.

Final Recommendation: Concord is an excellent choice for a new CNA who is willing to start with a roommate or a modest apartment to build experience. It's also ideal for someone with a partner or a second income. If you are looking for a high salary immediately or a bustling urban environment, you might be happier in Boston or Manchester. However, for a balanced life where you can afford the basics, gain valuable experience, and potentially advance your career, Concord is a solid, practical choice.

FAQs

1. Can I work as a CNA in Concord with an out-of-state license?
Yes. New Hampshire has reciprocity. You must submit an application to the NH Nurse Aide Registry, proving your current, active status in another state. The process can take several weeks, so start early. No re-testing is typically required if your training met similar standards.

2. How do shift differentials work at Concord Hospital?
Shift differentials are a key way to boost your income. At Concord Hospital, you can expect an evening shift differential of ~$2.00-$3.00/hour and a night shift differential of ~$3.00-$4.00/hour. Weekend shifts often have an additional differential. This can add $5,000-$8,000 to your annual salary.

3. Is it safe to work at the New Hampshire Hospital?
Yes. While it's a psychiatric facility, safety is a top priority. All staff receive specialized training in de-escalation and self-defense. The environment is structured, and security is present. It can be emotionally demanding, but many CNAs find it incredibly rewarding to help patients in acute mental health crises.

4. What are the biggest challenges for a new CNA in Concord?
The top challenge is financial—making the rent work on a $17.66/hour wage. The second is the emotional and physical demand of the job, especially in busy nursing homes or hospitals. The third is the winter weather; driving to work on icy roads during early-morning or late-night shifts requires caution and a good car.

5. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Absolutely. The 88 jobs in the metro area include many part-time and per-diem positions. Home health agencies and some nursing homes (like Genesis) are particularly flexible. This is a great way to start, gain experience, and manage childcare or other responsibilities while you explore the market.