Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rochester, NH

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering a move to Rochester, New Hampshire.

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The Salary Picture: Where Rochester Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Rochester isn't a place where CNAs are getting rich, but the pay is competitive for the region and often beats the national average. The median salary for a CNA in Rochester is $37,004/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.79. This is notably higher than the national average for CNAs, which sits at $35,760/year. The local job market for this role is modest but stable, with approximately 65 jobs available in the metro area at any given time. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 4%, which aligns with national trends but suggests that competition for open positions can be consistent.

Your earning potential will vary significantly based on your experience and the specific facility. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	What to Expect in Rochester
Entry-Level	$32,000 - $35,000	$15.38 - $16.83	New hires at nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Often starts with shift differentials for evenings/nights.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$36,000 - $39,000	$17.31 - $18.75	This is the median range. You'll see this at larger facilities like Frisbie Memorial Hospital or skilled nursing units.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$40,000 - $44,000	$19.23 - $21.15	Often leads to charge CNA roles, training new staff, or specializing in areas like memory care.
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$45,000+	$21.63+	Typically found in supervisory roles, corporate health, or specialized rehab centers. Requires additional certifications.

Insider Tip: The $17.79 median is a solid baseline. Your actual take-home will depend heavily on shift differentials (often $1.50-$2.50 more per hour for nights/weekends) and benefits. Always ask about shift pay during interviews.

How Rochester Compares to Other NH Cities:

• Manchester: Higher cost of living, higher median salary (~$38,500). More hospital jobs (Elliot Hospital, Catholic Medical Center).
• Concord: Similar cost of living, slightly higher pay (~$38,000). Home to Concord Hospital, a major regional employer.
• Portsmouth: Highest cost of living in the state, but also highest CNA pay (~$40,000+). Proximity to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and private home care agencies.
• Dover: Very similar to Rochester in pay and cost of living, with a slightly larger hospital (Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's main campus).

Rochester offers a "middle ground" – better pay than rural northern NH towns, but a lower cost of living than the southern seacoast or major cities like Manchester.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. The median salary of $37,004/year translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $3,084. After taxes (federal, state, FICA), your take-home pay will be closer to $2,400 - $2,500 per month.

In Rochester, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,582/month. This is a significant portion of your income and is the biggest financial challenge for a single-income CNA household.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a CNA Earning $37,004/Year:

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,084
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $2,450 (after ~20% for taxes)
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$1,582
• Remainder for Utilities, Food, Transportation, Insurance: $868

This budget is tight but manageable with careful planning. It often means sharing a 2BR apartment or living in a smaller studio to lower rent costs.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
On a single CNA salary, buying a home in Rochester is challenging but not impossible with the right strategy. The median home price in Rochester is around $350,000+. A 20% down payment ($70,000) is out of reach for most. However, NH has several first-time homebuyer programs (like the NH Housing Finance Authority's programs) that offer down payment assistance and low-interest loans. With a partner's income or after gaining several years of senior-level experience (pushing your salary over $45,000), homeownership becomes more feasible. For a single CNA, renting is the more practical short-to-medium-term option.

Where the Jobs Are: Rochester's Major Employers

Rochester's healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a mix of a community hospital, large nursing homes, and home care agencies. Here are the key players:

1. Frisbie Memorial Hospital: The heart of Rochester's medical community. It's a 100+ bed community hospital part of the larger HCA Healthcare network. They have Medical/Surgical floors, an ED, and often have rehab units. Hiring is steady, and they offer good benefits and tuition reimbursement. Insider Tip: They often hire CNAs for their Med/Surg floors and ED tech roles (which may require a CNA + EMT-B).
2. Grove House Assisted Living: A well-regarded, locally known facility on the edge of Rochester. It focuses on memory care and assisted living. They have a strong reputation for staff retention and a more home-like environment than a large nursing home.
3. The Residence at Silver Square: A large, modern skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. It's part of a larger chain but is a major local employer. They handle post-acute care, meaning you'll work with patients transitioning from hospital to rehab. Great for learning wound care, IV therapy (as a tech), and restorative nursing.
4. HomeCare, Inc. (Home Health & Hospice): Based in Rochester, this is a key agency for private-duty home care. Work is one-on-one in patients' homes. The schedule can be more flexible, but you need to be self-motivated. They often serve clients in Rochester, Farmington, and Milton.
5. Commonwealth Senior Living at Rochester: An assisted living and memory care community. Similar to Grove House, it offers a different pace than a nursing home. Often hires for both day and overnight shifts.
6. Visiting Nurse Association of NH (VNA): While based in Dover, the VNA serves Rochester extensively. They hire CNAs for home health aide roles. This is often a step up in responsibility and requires a driver's license and clean driving record.
7. Local Group Homes (e.g., Community Partners): Several agencies run community-based residential homes for adults with developmental disabilities or mental health needs. These roles are vital and offer a different, often very rewarding, career path.

Hiring Trends: There is consistent demand for CNAs in Rochester, particularly for night and weekend shifts. Larger facilities like Frisbie and The Residence at Silver Square are the most stable employers. Home care agencies are always looking for reliable staff. The 4% job growth projection means openings will be filled, but you need to be persistent.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. You must be listed on the state's Nurse Aide Registry to work.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a 75-hour training course that includes both classroom and clinical hours. The cost typically ranges from $800 - $1,500. Several community colleges (like Great Bay Community College in nearby Portsmouth) and private schools in the area offer these programs. Some employers (like Frisbie or The Residence) may offer tuition reimbursement or in-house training after hiring.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass both a written/oral test and a skills demonstration test. The exam fee is approximately $125.
3. Background Check: A criminal background check is required. The fee is around $50.
4. Application to the Registry: Once you pass the exam, the testing company submits your scores to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You will be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. There is no separate state license application fee if you pass through an approved program and testing.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Weeks 1-2: Research and enroll in an approved program.
• Weeks 3-8: Complete the 75-hour training (often offered in an accelerated format over 2-3 weeks if full-time, or part-time over a few months).
• Week 9: Schedule and pass your state competency exam.
• Week 10: Your name is added to the registry, and you can begin working.

Insider Tip: Start applying for jobs while you are in training. Many facilities will hire you contingent on you passing your state exam. This can get you a job offer before you even finish your course.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Rochester impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is divided by the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16), with the east side being more commercial and the west side more residential.

1. East Side (Near Frisbie Hospital):
   • Commute: Excellent. Walking or a 5-minute drive to the hospital. Ideal for shift workers who need to get home quickly.
   • Lifestyle: Convenient for errands (Walmart, Market Basket, restaurants). Can be noisier due to traffic on Route 16.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,450 - $1,650 for a 1BR. A bit pricier due to location.
2. West Side (Residential Neighborhoods off Route 125):
   • Commute: 5-10 minute drive to most major employers.
   • Lifestyle: Quieter, more residential, with older homes and apartments. Closer to parks like Hanson Pines.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,550 for a 1BR. Better value for the space.
3. Downtown Rochester (Main Street Area):
   • Commute: 5-minute drive to Frisbie, 10-15 to larger nursing homes.
   • Lifestyle: Walkable to some shops and restaurants. Older buildings, some with character. Parking can be a challenge.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500 for a 1BR. Often find more unique apartments here.
4. Gonic/South Rochester:
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to central Rochester employers. A bit more rural feel.
   • Lifestyle: Quieter, more open space. Feels less like being "in the city."
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,450 for a 1BR. Can be more affordable, but fewer apartment complexes.
5. Near the Lilac Mall (North End):
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most employers.
   • Lifestyle: Very convenient for shopping, with many big-box stores nearby. Mix of apartments and condos.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600 for a 1BR. Similar to the East Side.

Insider Tip: For a CNA working night shifts, proximity to work is key. The East Side or West Side near Route 16 will give you the shortest, safest commute after a late shift.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 4% job growth is steady, advancement for a CNA requires proactive steps. Rochester isn't a major metropolis, so local opportunities are defined.

Specialty Premiums: In Rochester, you won't find huge pay bumps for specialties like oncology or dialysis. The premium comes from:

• Certified Medication Aide (CMA): After gaining 6 months of experience, you can take a state-approved course to administer medications in long-term care. This can add $1.00-$2.00/hour to your wage. The Residence at Silver Square and other nursing homes often have CMA roles.
• Teaching/Training: Becoming a CNA instructor for a local training program requires additional education (often an LPN or RN license) but offers a different career path.
• Charge CNA/Supervisor: Takes on leadership duties for a shift. Requires strong experience and interpersonal skills.

Advancement Paths:

1. CNA -> Med Tech (CMA) -> Floor Supervisor: The most common path within long-term care.
2. CNA -> CMA -> LPN/RN: Many local CNAs use their experience (and employer tuition reimbursement) to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) at Great Bay Community College or Rivier University's LPN program. This is the single biggest salary jump. An LPN in Rochester can earn $55,000 - $65,000+.
3. CNA -> Home Health Aide -> Private Duty Specialist: Building a private client base can offer more autonomy and potentially higher hourly rates, but lacks benefits.

10-Year Outlook: With Rochester's aging population, the need for CNAs, LPNs, and home health aides will remain strong. The key to growth is specialization. The CNAs who advance are those who get their CMA certification and then pursue LPN or RN degrees. The local hospital and nursing homes are the best places to gain the varied experience needed for these programs.

The Verdict: Is Rochester Right for You?

Here’s a direct comparison to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Above-average pay for the field compared to national average.	High rent relative to CNA income (cost of living index 111.6).
Stable job market with multiple large employers (hospital, nursing homes).	Limited specialty opportunities compared to larger cities.
Lower cost of living than NH seacoast or Manchester.	Competitive housing market for rentals.
Centrally located in NH, easy access to beaches, lakes, and mountains.	4% job growth means steady but not rapid expansion.
Manageable commute from most neighborhoods.	Requires a car for reliable transportation.

Final Recommendation:
Rochester is a solid, practical choice for a CNA seeking stability and a reasonable cost of living in New Hampshire. It's not a place for rapid advancement without further education, but it's an excellent place to build experience, get your foot in the door at a hospital, and potentially go back to school for an LPN/RN while working.

It's best suited for:

• New CNAs looking for a variety of workplaces (hospital, nursing home, home care) to gain experience.
• CNAs with a partner whose combined income makes the rent and potential home purchase feasible.
• Those who prioritize a quieter, suburban/rural lifestyle with access to outdoor activities over the bustle of a big city.

If you are a single CNA on the $37,004 median salary, you will need to budget carefully, likely share housing, and plan for a roommate to comfortably afford life in Rochester. For those willing to pursue further education, Rochester provides a stable foundation for a long-term healthcare career.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a CNA job in Rochester?
Yes, with persistence. The hospital and large nursing homes (like The Residence) post openings regularly. It's crucial to apply directly on their websites and also visit in person. The 65 jobs in the metro area mean competition exists, but turnover ensures openings.

2. What is the cost of living in Rochester really like?
The Cost of Living Index is 111.6, meaning it's about 11.6% more expensive than the national average. The main driver is housing. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are closer to the national average. Budgeting is key.

3. Do Rochester employers offer benefits for CNAs?
Larger employers like Frisbie Memorial Hospital and corporate-owned nursing homes (The Residence at Silver Square) typically offer full benefits packages (health, dental, retirement). Smaller group homes or home care agencies may offer fewer benefits. Always ask about benefits during the interview.

4. How do I handle winter commutes as a CNA?
Rochester gets significant snow. Many facilities are on major, well-plowed roads (Route 16, Route 125). The key is having a reliable car with good tires. Some larger employers may offer transportation stipends or carpool matching. Working night shift means you'll often commute before the morning rush, which can be easier in winter.

5. Can I work in Rochester if I'm licensed in another state?
New Hampshire is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for CNAs. If you're licensed in another state, you must apply for reciprocity through the NH DHHS Nurse Aide Registry. You'll need to provide proof of your current certification and may need to take the NH competency exam if your training hours are not equivalent. Contact the NH DHHS directly for the most current process.