Pharmacist in Derry CDP, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Derry CDP Stands

If you're a pharmacist eyeing the Derry market, let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a pharmacist in Derry CDP, NH, sits at $140,763/year, which breaks down to a solid $67.67/hour. That’s notably higher than the national average of $136,030/year. The local job market is tight, with only about 43 pharmacist positions in the metro area. More critically, the 10-year job growth is projected at -3%, meaning the field is contracting slightly, not expanding. This isn't a boomtown for pharmacy jobs; it's a stable, mature market where you'll compete for established roles.

Here’s how that salary breaks down by experience level, based on regional data trends and the local median:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Derry CDP)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$125,000 - $135,000	Staff pharmacist, retail chain, basic dispensing, patient counseling.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$138,000 - $150,000	Lead staff, clinical specialist, pharmacy manager in a retail or hospital setting.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$145,000 - $165,000	Pharmacy director, ambulatory care specialist, specialty pharmacy manager.
Expert/Consultant (15+ yrs)	$160,000+	Specialist roles (oncology, infectious disease), executive leadership, consultant pharmacist.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid to senior level is where you’ll see the most significant pay increase. This is often tied to taking on clinical specialist roles or moving into management at a facility like Elliot Hospital. The $140,763 median is heavily influenced by these senior positions.

How Derry Compares to Other NH Cities:

• Manchester: Slightly higher median salary (~$142,000) but much higher competition and a larger, more volatile job market.
• Concord: Similar median salary but with a stronger focus on state government and hospital roles (Concord Hospital).
• Portsmouth: Higher cost of living and salaries (~$145,000+), but the market is dominated by specialty and retail in a coastal, tourism-driven economy.
• Nashua: Very comparable to Derry in salary and job volume, with a similar blend of retail, community hospital, and corporate pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens) presence.

Derry’s advantage is its balance: strong salary potential without the intense pressure of a larger city like Manchester, and a more affordable cost of living than Portsmouth.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be brutally practical. A $140,763 salary sounds great, but what’s left after Uncle Sam and the landlord?

Assumptions for Calculation:

• Taxes: Federal (22% bracket), FICA (7.65%), State (NH has no income tax on wages, but a 5% interest & dividends tax if you have significant investments). We'll use a conservative 25% effective tax rate for take-home.
• Rent: The average 1-bedroom rent in Derry CDP is $1,506/month.
• Take-Home Pay: $140,763 * 0.75 (after 25% tax) = $105,572 per year / 12 = $8,798 monthly.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Pre-Tax Income: $11,730/month
• After-Tax Take-Home: $8,798/month
• Rent (Avg 1BR): $1,506/month
• Remaining (Utilities, Groceries, Car, Insurance, Savings): $7,292/month

This is a highly livable income. You can comfortably afford the average rent and still have over $7,000 left for everything else. The key question is buying a home.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Derry CDP is approximately $435,000. A 20% down payment is $87,000. With a 30-year mortgage at ~7% interest, the monthly payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) would be roughly $2,800 - $3,200.

Verdict: Absolutely. With your take-home pay of $8,798/month, a $3,200 mortgage payment is 36% of your take-home, which is manageable. More importantly, you can easily save for that $87,000 down payment from your disposable income. A pharmacist in Derry is in a strong position to become a homeowner within 2-3 years of relocating and saving aggressively.

Where the Jobs Are: Derry CDP's Major Employers

The Derry job market is defined by a mix of national chains, a community hospital, and independent pharmacies. The -3% growth means you'll need to be strategic and often target replacements rather than new positions.

1. Elliot Hospital (Manchester, but a major regional employer): While technically in Manchester, this is the closest major hospital system and a huge employer for pharmacists in the Derry area, especially for inpatient and clinical roles. They have a strong pharmacy residency program.
2. Parkland Medical Center (Derry): Part of the HCA Healthcare network. This is Derry's local hospital, offering roles in inpatient pharmacy, outpatient services, and potentially specialty clinics. A key target for local applicants.
3. CVS Pharmacy & Walgreens: Multiple locations throughout Derry, Londonderry, and Pelham. These are the most common employers for retail pharmacists. Hiring is steady but competitive, with a focus on experienced staff pharmacists.
4. Rite Aid: Several locations in the greater Derry area. Similar to CVS/Walgreens, they are a primary source of retail jobs.
5. Independent Pharmacies: Derry has a few well-established independents like Derry Pharmacy and Londonderry Pharmacy. They offer a different pace and closer community ties. Hiring is less frequent but can be a great fit for someone seeking autonomy.
6. Mail-Order & Specialty Pharmacies: Companies like OptumRx or CVS Caremark have regional distribution centers in the broader Southern NH area, which may involve pharmacist roles in management or clinical oversight, though these are less common in Derry proper.

Hiring Trend: The market is stable. Major chains use centralized hiring, so applying online is essential. The best opportunities come from networking with local managers, especially at Parkland Medical Center and the independents. Turnover is low, so you must be prepared for a potentially lengthy application process.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a clear but specific licensing process through the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy (under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification).

Steps & Costs:

1. Graduate from an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.
2. Pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination). National exam fee: ~$800.
3. Pass the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam). NH-specific law exam fee: ~$250.
4. Complete a Live Preceptor Training Program (if you will be a preceptor). This is unique to NH and requires an approved course (cost varies, ~$100-$200).
5. Submit Application to NH Board of Pharmacy. Application fee: ~$150.
6. Complete a Fingerprint-based Background Check. Cost: ~$75.
7. Provide Proof of Immunizations (if required for your role).

Total Estimated Cost (excluding NAPLEX/MPJE prep): $475 - $675 in state fees.

Timeline: The process is relatively efficient. Once you pass your exams, the Board typically processes applications within 2-4 weeks. Pro Tip: Start your application process in NH before you move, as you'll need a local address for the fingerprint check. You can secure a job offer contingent on licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Derry itself is a town, but its neighborhoods and nearby towns offer different vibes. Commute times are key, as traffic on I-93 can be unpredictable.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Derry Village	The historic heart of Derry. Walkable to Main St. shops, local eats. Easy access to Route 102.	$1,400 - $1,650	Those who want a classic New England town feel with a short commute to Parkland Medical.
East Derry / Hood Farm	More residential, family-oriented. Close to schools and parks. Slightly longer commute to downtown.	$1,450 - $1,700	Pharmacists with families or those seeking a quieter, suburban neighborhood.
Londonderry (Bordering Derry)	A larger town with more big-box stores (Walmart, Home Depot). Similar commute to Derry jobs.	$1,550 - $1,800	Those who prefer more retail options and don't mind a 5-10 minute longer commute.
Salem (10 min south)	A busier town with more nightlife and restaurants. Commute to Derry is straightforward via Route 28.	$1,600 - $1,900	Younger professionals seeking more amenities and a slightly more active social scene.
Windham (15 min south)	Affluent, very quiet, and highly rated schools. Commute to Derry is easy but less direct.	$1,700 - $2,000+	Pharmacists prioritizing top-tier schools and a tranquil, upscale environment.

Insider Tip: If you work at Parkland Medical Center or a retail job on Route 102, Derry Village or East Derry offer the easiest commutes (<15 mins). For a better value, look at apartments just across the town line in Londonderry.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% growth rate, traditional advancement within a single company in Derry may be slow. Your growth will come from specialization and strategic moves.

• Specialty Premiums: To increase your earning potential beyond the $140,763 median, pursue certifications. An Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) or Infectious Disease Pharmacist (BCIDP) can add a $10,000 - $25,000 premium. These roles are more likely found at Elliot Hospital, Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Nashua, or within specialty pharmacy networks that service NH patients.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Specialist: Move from staff pharmacist to a specialized clinical role (e.g., anticoagulation, diabetes). This requires additional residency or on-the-job training.
  2. Management: Pharmacy Manager (retail) or Pharmacy Director (hospital). This path often requires an MBA or a Masters in Health Administration, but can be achieved through experience.
  3. Ambulatory Care: Work in a clinic setting (e.g., at a community health center or physician's office). This is a growing area in NH, focusing on chronic disease management.
• 10-Year Outlook: The field is consolidating. Retail jobs may shrink further due to automation and corporate mergers. The real growth is in clinical, specialty, and ambulatory care. To thrive, you must move beyond dispensing. Consider roles in telehealth, which is expanding in rural NH, or consulting for long-term care facilities (a need in the Seacoast and Lakes Region).

The Verdict: Is Derry CDP Right for You?

Derry isn't for everyone, but for the right pharmacist, it's a hidden gem.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary: Median of $140,763 is above national average.	Limited Job Market: Only 43 jobs; -3% growth means competition for openings.
Affordable Cost of Living: Rent at $1,506 is manageable on a pharmacist's salary.	No State Income Tax Benefit: NH makes up for it with high property taxes and a 5% tax on interest & dividends.
Easy Commute: Derry is central to the I-93 corridor; Manchester, Nashua, and Boston are all accessible.	"Town" Feel: Derry CDP is a census-designated place, not a major city. Nightlife and amenities are limited compared to Manchester.
Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly, great schools, and four-season recreation (beaches, mountains).	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and snowy.
Proximity to Major Hubs: 45 mins to Manchester, 1 hour to Nashua, 1 hour to Boston (traffic dependent).	Slower Career Pace: Advancement can be slower than in a major metropolitan area.

Final Recommendation: Derry CDP is an excellent choice for pharmacists who value quality of life over rapid career scaling. It’s ideal for those who want a home, a stable job, and easy access to both urban and natural amenities. If you are a new graduate, you’ll need to be persistent and flexible. If you are an experienced pharmacist seeking a change of pace without a pay cut, Derry offers a compelling balance.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really 11.6% higher than the national average? Isn't NH supposed to be affordable?
A: Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 111.6 is accurate. While there's no state income tax, property taxes are among the highest in the nation, and the housing market is competitive. This drives up the index. Your pharmacist salary, however, is a strong buffer against this.

Q: What's the best way to find a job in Derry before moving?
A: Use LinkedIn to connect with Pharmacy Managers at Parkland Medical Center, Elliot Hospital, and local CVS/Walgreens stores. Apply directly on the career websites of these employers. Also, check the New Hampshire Hospital Association job board.

Q: Are there residencies in the area?
A: Yes. Elliot Hospital has an ASHP-accredited PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency program. This is a fantastic way to enter the local market with advanced training, often leading to a job offer.

Q: How is the job market for spouses/partners in Derry?
A: Derry's location on the I-93 corridor is a huge advantage. Commutable jobs are plentiful in Manchester, Nashua, and even the southern suburbs of Boston (like Burlington, MA). The job market is strong for a wide range of professions.

Q: Is the -3% growth a red flag?
A: It's a caution, not a deal-breaker. It signals a mature market where you replace retiring pharmacists. It makes networking and having a pristine application critical. It also emphasizes the need to specialize for long-term security.