Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Nashua, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Nashua Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Nashua isn't the place to get rich as a CNA, but it’s a solid, stable market with a cost of living that, while creeping up, is still more manageable than many parts of New England. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) here is $36,307/year, which breaks down to about $17.46/hour. That’s just a hair above the national average of $35,760/year. In a city of 90,997 people with a metro area that supports 181 CNA jobs, it’s a market with demand but not a frenzy.

Let's break that down by experience, because your starting pay is a world away from what an expert CNA can command.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Notes for Nashua
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $34,500	$15.38 - $16.59	This is what you'll see at most nursing homes and home health agencies. You'll be in the thick of it, learning fast.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$36,000 - $39,000	$17.31 - $18.75	At this stage, you're the reliable backbone. You might get a small bump at hospitals or specialty facilities.
Senior/Expert (5+ years)	$40,000 - $45,000+	$19.23 - $21.63+	This is where hospital positions (like at Southern NH Medical Center) and specialized roles (dementia unit, rehab) pay off. Leadership CNA roles can push this higher.

Data reflects local market trends and is consistent with the provided median salary.

How Nashua Compares to Other NH Cities

It's crucial to understand the regional context. Nashua's pay is competitive within New Hampshire, but it's not the top tier.

• Manchester: As the state's largest city, Manchester often pays 5-7% more (median around $38,000), but the cost of living and commute complexity are higher.
• Portsmouth: The seacoast is a different beast. Salaries can be 10-15% higher (median approaching $40,000), but rent and home prices are dramatically steeper.
• Concord: The state capital has government and hospital jobs that can push pay up slightly, but Nashua's private sector demand often keeps them neck-and-neck.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base pay. Many Nashua facilities offer shift differentials ($1-$3/hour extra for evenings, nights, and weekends). This can add $2,000-$4,000 annually to your take-home if you're willing to work off-hours.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. With a median salary of $36,307/year, your monthly gross is about $3,025. After federal, state (NH has no income tax on wages, but does tax interest and dividends), and FICA taxes, you're looking at a net take-home of roughly $2,450 - $2,550 per month.

Now, the biggest expense: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Nashua costs $1,489/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (CNA Earning $36,307)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes & Local Reality
Net Income	$2,500	Conservative estimate after taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,489	This is the citywide average. You can find cheaper in specific neighborhoods, but be prepared for competition.
Utilities	$150	(Electric, Gas, Internet). NH winters are long; heating costs are real.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Nashua is a car-dependent city. Public transport (MHT) is limited.
Groceries	$300	NH has no sales tax on food, which helps.
Gas	$120	Commuting from the outskirts adds up.
Misc./Health	$141	This leaves very little for savings, debt, or entertainment.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a single CNA income, it's a significant challenge. The median home price in Nashua is over $400,000. A 20% down payment is $80,000. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down, $14,000), the monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $2,200, which is unsustainable on a $2,500 net income. Homeownership is generally not feasible for a single CNA on a median salary in Nashua without a second income or substantial savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Nashua's Major Employers

Nashua's healthcare scene is anchored by a few key players, with a strong network of long-term care facilities and home health agencies. The 10-year job growth for CNAs is projected at 4%, which is steady but not explosive. This means jobs are available, but you need to be strategic.

1. Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (SNHMC): The largest employer in the city. This is your hospital (level III trauma). They hire CNAs for patient care techs (PCT) roles. Hiring Trend: They favor candidates with hospital experience or strong clinical rotations. Pay is at the higher end for the area. They value BLS certification and often look for additional skills like phlebotomy or EKG training.
2. St. Joseph Hospital / Covenant Health: Another major medical center with a strong community presence. They have a large skilled nursing and rehab wing. Hiring Trend: Similar to SNHMC, but they also have a robust home health division. They are known for good internal training programs.
3. Nashua Community Health Center: A critical safety-net provider. They need CNAs for their clinical and dental teams. Hiring Trend: Focus on serving low-income and immigrant populations. Bilingual (Spanish) candidates are at a distinct advantage here. They value community health experience.
4. Local Nursing Homes & Skilled Facilities: This is the backbone of CNA employment in Nashua. Key names include Nashua Crossings, Sunnyvale Nursing Home, and The Ivy at Nashua. Hiring Trend: These facilities always need staff, especially for night and weekend shifts. Turnover can be higher, so they are often hiring. This is the best place to get your foot in the door and gain experience.
5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association of the Greater Seacoast and Amedisys serve the Nashua area. Hiring Trend: Offers flexibility but often pays per visit rather than hourly, which is something to carefully calculate. Requires strong independence and time management skills.

Insider Tip: Most of these employers post on local job boards like NH Jobs, but also check directly on their career pages. Many nursing homes are part of larger chains (e.g., Genesis Healthcare, Five Star Senior Living), so applying through their corporate portals can open doors to multiple locations.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire's requirements are straightforward but must be followed precisely. The process is overseen by the NH Board of Nursing.

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must graduate from a state-approved CNA program. These are offered at community colleges (like Nashua Community College), vocational schools, and some nursing homes. The program is typically 100+ hours (classroom + clinical).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After graduating, you must pass the NH CNA exam, which consists of a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration. The exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster).
3. Apply for State Certification: Once you pass the exam, you apply for listing on the NH Nurse Aide Registry. There is a registration fee (around $150 total for exam and application).
4. Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check.

Timeline to Get Started: From enrolling in a program to being listed on the registry can take 3 to 6 months, depending on class schedules and exam availability. Many programs have waitlists, so plan ahead.

Cost Estimate: Training programs can range from $800 to $1,500. Some employers, particularly nursing homes, will reimburse this cost if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1-2 years). Always ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Location matters for your commute and budget. Here’s a local’s guide to where CNAs often live.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
West End / Nashua Hill	Quiet, residential, close to hospitals. 10-15 min drive to SNHMC or St. Joseph.	$1,550 - $1,700	Those seeking a quieter life with a short commute to major employers.
Downtown Nashua	Walkable, urban, with restaurants and parks. 5-15 min drive to most employers.	$1,500 - $1,650	Younger professionals who want city amenities without the Boston price tag.
East Side / "The Avenues"	Established, family-friendly, slightly older housing stock. 15-20 min commute.	$1,400 - $1,550	CNA families looking for a community feel and slightly lower rent.
North End / near the Mall	Commercial, convenient for shopping, but can be busier. 10-20 min commute.	$1,350 - $1,500	Budget-conscious singles or couples who don't mind a hustle-bustle environment.
South End / near the Milford Line	More suburban, near highways (NH-101). 20-25 min commute to city center.	$1,300 - $1,450	Those willing to trade a longer commute for more space and lower rent.

Insider Tip: When apartment hunting, avoid the "student-heavy" areas near the mall if you want quiet. For the best deals, look for private landlords in the East Side or South End—check Facebook Marketplace and local classifieds, not just big rental sites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license in Nashua is a solid foundation, not a dead end. The 4% job growth over 10 years shows stability, but advancement requires proactive steps.

• Specialty Certifications & Premiums: While not always a direct pay bump, having specialties makes you more valuable.
  • CPR/BLS Instructor: Teaching classes can be a side gig.
  • Restorative Nursing: Specialized training in mobility and rehab.
  • Dementia Care Certification: Huge demand in a aging community.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Patient Care Tech (PCT): Move to a hospital setting. Requires additional skills (EKG, phlebotomy). Pay can increase to $38,000-$42,000.
  2. Medication Aide (CMA): After gaining experience, you can take an additional course to administer medications in long-term care settings. Often comes with a pay increase.
  3. LPN/RN Bridge Programs: This is the most common path for advancement. Nashua Community College and Rivier University have strong programs. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement. An LPN in NH earns a median of $58,000+, and an RN earns $80,000+.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for CNAs will remain strong due to an aging population. However, wages are unlikely to see dramatic increases without broader healthcare policy changes. The key to higher earnings will be specializing, moving into management (CNA supervisor), or using the role as a stepping stone to nursing.

The Verdict: Is Nashua Right for You?

Nashua offers a balanced, if modest, career for a CNA. It’s a pragmatic choice, not a glamorous one.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand across nursing homes, hospitals, and home health.	Low Wages for Cost of Living: The median salary of $36,307 doesn't go far after rent and utilities.
Manageable Cost of Living: Cheaper than Boston, Portsmouth, or Concord. No state income tax on wages.	High Rent Burden: A single CNA spends over 50% of net income on a median 1BR apartment.
Ideal for Experience: The number of nursing homes provides ample opportunity to gain hands-on skills.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity, adding to monthly expenses.
Gateway to Advancement: Local community colleges and employers offer clear pathways to LPN/RN.	Modest Salary Growth: 10-year job growth is stable but not robust. Major raises require changing roles or getting more education.

Final Recommendation: Nashua is a strong choice for a CNA who is strategically minded. It's an excellent place to start your career, gain 2-3 years of solid experience, save a little (if you're frugal and perhaps have a roommate), and then use tuition reimbursement to advance to nursing. It's not recommended for someone looking to live comfortably on a single CNA income long-term without a plan for advancement. For a practical, no-frills start to a healthcare career with a clear ladder to climb, Nashua works.

FAQs

1. Can I work as a CNA in Nashua with a license from another state?
You can, but it's not automatic. NH has reciprocity with many states, but you must apply to have your out-of-state certification transferred to the NH Nurse Aide Registry. The process involves verifying your training and exam passage. Check the NH Board of Nursing website for the current application.

2. Is it easy to find a second job or overtime?
Yes. Many of the larger nursing homes and hospitals in Nashua offer consistent overtime opportunities, especially for weekend and night shifts. This can be a crucial way to boost your annual income beyond the $36,307 median.

3. What's the biggest challenge for new CNAs in Nashua?
The biggest challenge is often the physical and emotional toll of the work, compounded by the financial squeeze of a modest salary and high rent. Finding a supportive employer with good staff ratios is key to longevity in the role.

4. Do I need a car?
Absolutely. While downtown is somewhat walkable, the major employers (hospitals, many nursing homes) are spread out. The Nashua Transit System (MHT) has limited routes and schedules that don't always align with healthcare shifts. A car is a non-negotiable tool for this job in this city.

5. How does the cost of living in Nashua affect a CNA's lifestyle?
It forces a budget-conscious lifestyle. You'll likely need roommates or to live in a smaller, older apartment. Dining out frequently or expensive hobbies are out of reach on a single salary. The trade-off is access to a supportive community, proximity to nature and mountains, and a lower-stress environment compared to a major metropolis.