Physical Therapist in Concord, NH

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape of the Granite State, I can tell you that Concord, New Hampshire, presents a compelling, if specific, opportunity for Physical Therapists. It’s not a sprawling metropolis like Boston, but a compact, state capital with a robust healthcare backbone and a quality of life that’s hard to beat. This guide is built on hard data and local knowledge—from the rent prices in the Penacook area to the hiring cycles at Concord Hospital—to give you a clear, unvarnished look at what a career here truly entails.

The Salary Picture: Where Concord Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The economic reality for a Physical Therapist in Concord is solid, often exceeding national averages. The median salary here is $102,402/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.23/hour. This places Concord comfortably above the national average of $99,710/year.

To understand the full spectrum, we need to look at experience. While there’s no official state-level breakdown, by analyzing local job postings, BLS data for the region, and industry standards, we can construct a realistic progression.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Yearly Salary	Key Factors Influencing Pay
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$82,000 - $92,000	Typically at outpatient clinics or large hospital networks. Starting pay is driven by the need for licensed clinicians.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$98,000 - $110,000	This is where the median sits. Specialization (e.g., ortho, neuro) or a move to a senior staff role bumps you here.
Senior-Level (8-14 years)	$110,000 - $125,000	Often involves leadership (e.g., lead PT, clinic director) or a highly specialized role in a niche setting.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$125,000+	This can include private practice ownership, high-level academia, or consulting roles with major employers.

How Concord Compares to Other NH Cities

Concord’s salary is competitive within New Hampshire. The city is a hub for healthcare in the central part of the state, drawing from a wider region than just its metro population of 44,219.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Key Market Notes
Concord	$102,402	109.0	Capital region hub, stable hospital jobs, state benefits.
Manchester	$101,500	104.5	Larger, more competitive market, more diverse employer base.
Portsmouth	$104,000	133.5	High salaries, but extreme cost of living; leans toward ortho/sports med.
Nashua	$100,800	112.0	Strong corporate and outpatient clinic presence; commuter to MA.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the salary. New Hampshire has no state income tax or sales tax. That $102,402 goes significantly further than it would in a state with a 5-7% income tax. This is a major financial advantage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary sounds great, but what’s the monthly reality? We’ll use the $102,402 figure and the local cost of living data.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,533
• Taxes (Federal + FICA, no state income tax): Approx. 22% (~$1,877)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,656
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,471/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Mid-Career PT

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,471	22%	A very manageable ratio.
Utilities (Elec, Heat, Internet)	$200	3%	NH winters mean higher heating costs.
Groceries & Household	$600	9%
Transportation (Car Payment/Insurance/Gas)	$600	9%	Concord is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Premiums)	$300	4.5%	Varies by employer; many local hospitals offer good plans.
Retirement/Savings (10%)	$860	13%	Recommended, especially with no state tax.
Discretionary Spending	$2,625	39.5%	This is a strong buffer for hobbies, travel, and dining out.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With the median take-home pay and the low end of the rent spectrum, a PT can comfortably save for a down payment. The Concord housing market is competitive but not astronomical. The median home price in the Concord metro area is roughly $380,000 - $420,000. A 20% down payment ($76k-$84k) is achievable within 3-5 years of disciplined saving for a mid-career professional. Many PTs in Concord live in the surrounding towns (Bow, Hopkinton) for more space and slightly lower property taxes.

Where the Jobs Are: Concord's Major Employers

The Concord healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. The job market is stable, with 88 jobs currently available in the metro area (per BLS estimates), and a 10-year job growth of 14%—well above the national average for PTs. Hiring tends to be steady, with peaks in spring (post-winter) and late summer.

1. Concord Hospital: The absolute cornerstone. They have a massive outpatient PT department, a renowned rehabilitation unit, and specialty clinics. They are the largest employer of PTs in the region. Hiring trends: They value clinical rotations from local DPT programs and often hire from within. They also have a strong internal continuing education program.
2. Elliot Health System: While based in Manchester, Elliot has a significant clinical presence in Concord, including orthopedic and sports medicine clinics. Their hiring is often tied to their growth in specialized services.
3. Seacoast Rehabilitation Services (Concord Clinic): A major private outpatient practice with a strong reputation for sports and orthopedic rehab. They are known for a fast-paced, high-volume environment and often seek PTs with manual therapy certifications.
4. Concord Orthopaedic Associates: A private practice specializing in orthopedics. Working here often means treating a higher volume of post-surgical and sports injury cases. It’s a coveted role for ortho-specialists.
5. New Hampshire Hospital: The state psychiatric facility. PTs here work on functional mobility, fall prevention, and activity programs for inpatient populations. It’s a unique setting with a focus on mental and physical health integration.
6. Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (Manchester, but serves Concord vets): A federal employer with excellent benefits. While not in Concord proper, it’s a major draw for local PTs and is a significant part of the regional job market.
7. Various Private Practices & Home Health Agencies: Concord has a healthy ecosystem of smaller, specialized clinics (e.g., pelvic health, neuro rehab) and home health companies like Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of the Greater Seacoast. These offer more flexible schedules and often higher autonomy.

Getting Licensed in NH

Licensure is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The New Hampshire Board of Physical Therapists is part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).

• Requirements:
  1. Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
  2. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
  3. Complete a background check.
  4. For applicants from other states: New Hampshire is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact (PTLC). If you hold an active license in another compact state, you can apply for a compact privilege, which is faster and cheaper. If not, you must apply by endorsement, which requires verification of your original licensure.
• Costs & Timeline:
  • NPTE Exam Fee: ~$500 (national standard).
  • NH License Application Fee: ~$120.
  • Background Check Fee: ~$50.
  • Timeline: If you're a new graduate, from NPTE pass to a NH license can take 4-8 weeks. For those applying by endorsement from a non-compact state, allow 8-12 weeks. The compact privilege can be approved in as little as 5 business days if all documentation is in order.
• Insider Tip: The NH Board is known for being efficient. Submit a complete application with all transcripts and exam scores upfront. Any missing document sends you to the back of the line.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Living in Concord is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is small enough that most commutes are under 20 minutes.

1. Downtown Concord: The heart of the city. Walkable to the State House, restaurants, and the Capitol Center for the Arts. Commute to Concord Hospital is a breeze (5-10 mins). 1BR rent is at the higher end, closer to $1,600/month. Ideal for young professionals who want an urban vibe without big-city chaos.
2. West Concord: This area is dominated by the hospital and adjacent medical office buildings. It’s quiet, residential, and has a mix of older homes and modern apartments. You can often find a 1BR for around $1,400/month. The commute is literally 2-5 minutes. Very practical.
3. Penacook: A charming village on the northern edge of Concord. It has its own small-town feel with a river, a park, and local eateries. Commute to downtown or the hospital is 10-15 minutes. Rent is more affordable, averaging $1,300/month for a 1BR. Great for those who want a bit more space and a quieter setting.
4. Suncook (Pembroke): Technically in the town of Pembroke, but part of the Concord metro. It’s a historic mill village with a strong community feel. Commute is 10-15 minutes south to Concord. Rent is very reasonable, often $1,200 - $1,300/month. A good option for those looking to save aggressively or who work at Elliot’s Concord clinic.
5. Bow/Hopkinton (Outskirts): These are affluent suburbs with excellent schools and larger homes, popular with families. Commute to Concord is 15-20 minutes. Rent isn’t the focus here; it’s more about buying a home. If you’re looking to establish roots long-term, these towns are top-tier, though property taxes are higher.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Concord is a place to build a stable, long-term career, not necessarily to chase astronomical salary jumps.

• Specialty Premiums: While generalist PTs do well, specialists command a premium. Orthopedic Clinical Specialists (OCS) and Sports Clinical Specialists (SCS) are in high demand at clinics like Concord Orthopaedics and Seacoast Rehab. These certifications can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your base salary. The most significant premium is for running a private practice or becoming a clinic director, which can push earnings into the $125,000+ range.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Many hospitals have formal ladders (e.g., PT I, PT II, Senior PT) with built-in raises for pursuing advanced certifications.
  2. Management: Moving into a clinic director or department head role within a larger system (Concord Hospital, Elliot).
  3. Private Practice: Starting your own niche practice (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular rehab) is a viable path due to the supportive community and lack of oversaturation.
  4. Academia: Franklin Pierce University (in Rindge, 30 mins away) and Saint Anselm College (in Goffstown, 20 mins away) have DPT programs. Adjunct teaching positions are available and look great on a resume.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 14% growth rate is driven by NH’s aging population and the state’s reputation as a healthy place to retire. The demand for PTs in home health, geriatrics, and outpatient ortho will remain strong. Concord’s position as the capital ensures a steady stream of state employees needing care, and the healthcare infrastructure is unlikely to shrink.

The Verdict: Is Concord Right for You?

Concord offers a high quality of life for Physical Therapists who value stability, community, and outdoor access over the hustle of a major metro. The financial math is excellent, and the job market is solid.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio	Limited public transportation; car is a must.
No State Income or Sales Tax	Smaller metro area means fewer networking events/conferences.
Stable, Growing Job Market (14% growth)	Winters are long and cold; can be isolating.
Access to Outdoor Recreation (hiking, skiing, lakes)	Nightlife and cultural offerings are modest compared to larger cities.
Safe, Family-Friendly Communities	Specialist roles may require commuting to Manchester or Boston for certain niches.
Central Location (easy drive to White Mtns, Boston, coast)	Rent, while manageable, has been rising faster than wages.

Final Recommendation:
Concord is an excellent choice for mid-career Physical Therapists seeking a balanced life. It’s ideal for those who want to own a home, enjoy outdoor activities, and work in a respected healthcare system without the stress and cost of a major coastal city. It’s less ideal for new graduates who crave a vibrant, diverse, 24/7 urban environment or for specialists in ultra-niche fields that require a larger research hospital. For the majority of generalist PTs, Concord represents a financially sound and personally rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. Is Concord a good place for a new graduate PT?
Yes, but with a caveat. The market is stable, and employers like Concord Hospital have structured residency programs. However, competition for those spots is fierce. As a new grad, you must be proactive with clinical rotations in the area and network early. The cost of living is manageable, allowing you to start your career without immediate financial strain.

2. Do I need to specialize to be competitive in Concord?
Not necessarily, but it helps. As a generalist, you will find plenty of work in outpatient and hospital settings. However, if you want to be in the top 10% of earners or work in a specific niche (e.g., pelvic floor, vestibular rehab), you should pursue a board certification (OCS, SCS, etc.) within 3-5 years of graduation.

3. What’s the commute like from surrounding towns?
Excellent. Concord is a hub. From most surrounding towns (Bow, Hopkinton, Chichester), the commute to the hospital or downtown is 15-20 minutes on the highway (Route 93/393) or local roads. Traffic is minimal compared to Boston. From the Seacoast (Portsmouth) or Southern NH (Nashua), the commute is 45-60 minutes, which some PTs do for the higher salary of a Boston-area job while living in NH.

4. How important is the NH Physical Therapy Compact?
Critical if you’re moving from another compact state. The compact (which includes states like Maine, Vermont, and Colorado) simplifies the licensure process drastically, saving you time and money. If your current state is not in the compact, you’ll go through the standard endorsement process, which is longer. Check the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) website for the current compact member list.

5. What’s the work-life balance like?
Generally very good. Most PT positions are 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday. While some outpatient clinics may have early or late hours, the culture in Concord hospitals is typically more predictable. The proximity to nature (Pawtuckaway State Park, Lake Winnipesaukee, the White Mountains) encourages a healthy work-life balance, with many locals using their weekends for outdoor recreation.

Sources: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Manchester-Nashua-Concord Metropolitan Area, Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) for Cost of Living, and aggregate data from local job postings and industry reports (2023-2024).