Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s considering Derry CDP, New Hampshire.

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The Nursing Assistant's Guide to Derry CDP, NH

If you're a CNA or aspiring to become one, Derry CDP presents a unique landscape. It’s a town caught between its quiet, suburban character and its position within the bustling Southern New Hampshire region. This guide cuts through the noise to give you a realistic, data-driven look at what your life as a CNA would look like here—from your paycheck to your commute. As someone who knows the backroads of Rockingham County well, I'll walk you through the specifics.

The Salary Picture: Where Derry CDP Stands

Let's get the numbers out of the way first. The financial reality for a CNA in Derry is defined by the local market, which often hovers slightly above the national baseline but is constrained by the state's overall cost of living.

According to recent data, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant in the region is $37,004 per year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.79. For context, the national average for CNAs is $35,760/year, meaning Derry pays slightly better than the U.S. average, but this must be weighed against local expenses.

The job market is tight and stable. There are approximately 43 Nursing Assistant jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates steady demand, particularly in long-term care and home health, which are major sectors in New Hampshire.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, pay scales with experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local hiring trends:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,000	$15.38 - $16.83
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$36,000 - $39,000	$17.31 - $18.75
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$40,000 - $44,000	$19.23 - $21.15
Expert/Lead CNA (10+ years)	$45,000+	$21.63+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region. Pay can vary by shift differential (nights/weekends) and specific facility.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

To understand Derry's position, it helps to see how it stacks up against other key cities in the state.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer Types
Derry CDP	$37,004	111.6	Nursing Homes, Home Health
Manchester	$36,800	112.4	Hospitals, State Facilities
Nashua	$36,500	112.0	Hospitals, Senior Living
Portsmouth	$38,500	125.1	Hospitals, Private Care

Derry's salary is competitive with Manchester and Nashua but lags behind Portsmouth, which has a significantly higher cost of living. For a CNA, Derry offers a "sweet spot" of reasonable pay without the intense competition and high rents of the Seacoast.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Salary is just one part of the equation. To understand your true purchasing power, we need to look at your monthly budget. Let's model this for a CNA earning the median salary of $37,004/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: ~$3,084)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $3,084
• Taxes (Est. 20%): -$617
  • Note: NH has no state income tax on wages, but has a high 5% interest & dividends tax. Federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare apply.
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,467

Fixed & Variable Expenses:

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,506
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet): $200 - $250
• Groceries: $300 - $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 - $600 (Derry is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): $150 - $300
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal Care): $150

Total Estimated Expenses: $2,706 - $3,206

The Reality Check: After rent and essential bills, a CNA earning the median salary in Derry has little to no room for savings or discretionary spending. The Cost of Living Index of 111.6 means everything from groceries to car repairs is about 11.6% more expensive than the U.S. average.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a single CNA salary, it's extremely challenging. The median home price in Derry is well over $400,000. A mortgage payment would likely exceed $2,500/month with taxes and insurance, which is unsustainable on a take-home pay of ~$2,467. Homeownership typically requires a dual-income household or significant career advancement into a higher-paying role (e.g., LPN or RN).

Where the Jobs Are: Derry CDP's Major Employers

The job market for CNAs in Derry is anchored by long-term care, home health, and hospital support roles. Here are the key players:

1. Rockingham County Nursing Home (Derry Campus): The largest public employer in the area for CNAs. Offers state benefits and a pension, which is a major perk. Hiring is steady, often with sign-on bonuses. They value experience and reliability.
2. Sunnyvale Estates: A well-regarded skilled nursing facility in the heart of Derry. Known for its strong community feel and consistent need for CNAs on all shifts.
3. Home Health & Hospice Care of NH (Derry office): For CNAs who prefer home visits over facility work. Offers more autonomy but requires a reliable vehicle and strong time-management skills. Pay can be slightly higher to cover travel.
4. Parkland Medical Center (Derry): A major hospital part of the HCA Healthcare network. CNAs here often work in patient transport, patient care tech roles, or surgical services. Hospital jobs are competitive but offer better benefits and career ladders.
5. Aterian Home Health: A local agency that frequently hires CNAs for private-duty cases in Derry, Londonderry, and Salem. Good for those seeking flexible schedules.
6. Various Assisted Living Facilities: Derry has several, like Taylor Community - Derry and Ledgewood Bay at Derry. These often have higher turnover than nursing homes, creating frequent openings for entry-level CNAs.
7. Derry Medical Center: While primarily a physician group, their urgent care and specialty clinics sometimes hire patient care assistants for front and back-office support.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for CNAs willing to work evenings, nights, and weekends. Facilities often offer shift differentials of $1.50 - $2.50/hour for these hours. Weekend-only programs are also popular, allowing for a full-time schedule condensed into two days.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a clear, state-regulated path to becoming a CNA.

1. Complete a state-approved training program: You must complete a minimum of 100 hours of training, split between classroom and clinical practice. Several schools in the Derry area offer this:
   • Londonderry High School Adult Ed: Offers affordable CNA courses.
   • Nashua Community College: A bit of a commute, but a respected program.
   • Private career schools in Manchester or Salem.
2. Cost: Tuition ranges from $800 to $1,500, not including textbooks and a uniform. Some employers, like Rockingham County Nursing Home, may offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them after certification.
3. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the written and skills exams administered by Headmaster (the state's testing vendor). The exam fee is approximately $150.
4. Background Check: A criminal background check is required, costing about $50.
5. Certification: Once you pass, you'll be listed on the New Hampshire Nurse Aide Registry. Your certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by working paid hours in a qualifying setting.

Timeline: From start to certification, you can expect 3 to 5 months, depending on class schedules and exam availability.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNAs)

Since Derry is largely a driving town, your choice of neighborhood impacts your commute and lifestyle more than your budget, as rent varies less dramatically within the CDP.

1. West Derry: The most residential and quiet area. It's close to Rockingham County Nursing Home and Sunnyvale Estates. A great fit for CNAs who want a suburban, family-friendly environment. Rent estimate: $1,450 - $1,600/month for a 1BR.
2. Derry Village (East Derry): The historic heart of town, with older homes and a walkable village center near the library and some shops. Closer to the downtown medical offices and a short drive to Parkland Medical. Rent estimate: $1,400 - $1,550/month.
3. Near Hood Park: Offers easy access to Route 28 and 102, making commutes to Londonderry, Salem, or Manchester straightforward. Good for CNAs who value quick highway access. Rent estimate: $1,500 - $1,650/month.
4. The "South End" (near the Salem line): Often has slightly newer apartment complexes. Commute to any Derry employer is under 10 minutes. This area is popular with younger professionals. Rent estimate: $1,550 - $1,700/month.
5. Londonderry (Bordering): While not technically Derry CDP, many CNAs live in Londonderry for similar rent and commute to Derry jobs in 5-10 minutes. It offers more options for newer apartment complexes.

Insider Tip: When apartment hunting, prioritize off-street parking. Winters in New Hampshire are harsh, and digging out a car for a 6 AM shift is no one's idea of fun.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Derry is a solid foundation, but growth requires proactive steps.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with certifications in geriatrics, dementia care, or phlebotomy can command higher pay, often an extra $1.00 - $2.00/hour. Working in a specialty unit like hospice or rehab can also lead to higher wages.
• Advancement Paths: The most common and financially rewarding path is becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Southern New Hampshire has many LPN/RN programs (e.g., at Manchester Community College or Rivier University). An LPN in the Derry area can earn $55,000 - $65,000/year, making homeownership and savings a real possibility.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 4% job growth, the market is stable but not booming. The real opportunity lies in the wave of retirements among current CNAs and nurses. Those who stay, gain experience, and upskill will find ample opportunities for leadership roles, such as CNA lead or unit secretary positions.

The Verdict: Is Derry CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, predictable job market with multiple employer types.	Tight budget on a single median CNA salary; little margin for error.
Competitive salary relative to the national average.	Car dependency adds significant expense (insurance, gas, maintenance).
Short, manageable commutes within town and to neighboring areas.	High cost of living (index 111.6) eats into purchasing power.
Access to career advancement programs in nearby cities (Manchester/Nashua).	Limited social/nightlife for young single professionals compared to Manchester.
Quiet, suburban lifestyle with good public schools (if you have or plan a family).	Rent is high relative to the typical CNA salary; finding affordable housing is a challenge.

Final Recommendation:
Derry CDP is an excellent choice for a CNA who is part of a dual-income household or who is using the role as a stepping stone to nursing school. It offers a stable, low-stress environment with reputable employers. However, if you are a single person relying solely on a CNA salary and want to build significant savings or buy a home quickly, the financial math is challenging. You would likely need to live with roommates, commute from a more affordable town, or aggressively pursue overtime and advancement.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a job as a new CNA in Derry?
Yes, if you are flexible with shifts. New graduates often start with part-time or per-diem roles at nursing homes or home health agencies to gain experience. Full-time positions open up regularly, especially for night and weekend shifts.

2. How much does a CNA make with overtime in Derry?
Overtime is paid at 1.5x your regular rate. If you work at the $17.79/hour median, overtime would be $26.69/hour. Many CNAs work 36-48 hours per week, especially in 12-hour shift schedules common in hospitals and nursing homes.

3. What is the commute like from Derry to Manchester?
It's a straightforward 20-25 minute drive via I-93 South. Many Derry CNAs commute to Manchester for higher-paying hospital jobs at Elliot Hospital or Catholic Medical Center, or to attend nursing school.

4. Are there weekend-only CNA programs?
Yes. Several facilities in the Derry area offer weekend warrior programs, where you work two 12-hour shifts (Saturday and Sunday) and get paid for 40 hours. This is a popular option for parents or students.

5. I'm moving from out of state. How do I transfer my CNA certification?
New Hampshire is not part of the Nurse Aide Compact. You must apply for reciprocity through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. You'll need to provide proof of your current certification and may need to complete a competency evaluation if your home state's training hours don't meet NH's 100-hour minimum. Contact the NH Nurse Aide Registry for specific instructions.

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Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics, MIT Living Wage Calculator, Zillow Rent Index, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security, and local job market analysis.