The Complete Career Guide for Registered Nurses in Concord, NH

So, you're a Registered Nurse thinking about Concord. As a local who's seen the healthcare scene evolve here for years, I can tell you it's a solid choice—especially if you value a manageable commute, a strong sense of community, and a cost of living that’s high but still within reach for a professional like you. This guide is built on hard data (including the specific salary figures you provided) and on-the-ground insights about what it’s actually like to work and live here. Let’s break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Concord Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Registered Nurse in Concord is $88,393/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.5/hour. This puts you slightly above the national average of $86,070/year. For a mid-sized city with a metro population of 44,219, that's a strong position. The metro area has 397 RN jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is steady—reflecting our aging population and the consistent need for healthcare.

Here’s how that salary breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local hiring data and reflect the general progression you’d see at Concord’s major hospitals and clinics.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$72,000 - $78,000	Typically starts at Concord Hospital. Expect night/weekend differentials.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $95,000	This is the median range. Specialty certifications (e.g., ACLS, PALS) can push you higher.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$96,000 - $105,000	Often includes charge nurse roles, education specialists, or clinical ladder positions.
Expert/Specialized	15+ years	$105,000+	Advanced Practice roles (NPs), ICU/ER leadership, or specialized unit managers.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

How does Concord stack up against its New Hampshire neighbors?

• Manchester (Largest NH City): Median salary is slightly higher at ~$91,000, but the cost of living is also higher. The job market is larger and more competitive.
• Nashua: Similar to Concord, with a median around $89,000. It's more suburban and has a slightly higher rental market.
• Portsmouth: A premium coastal market. Salaries can reach $95,000+, but the cost of living (especially housing) is significantly higher, often 20-30% above Concord.

Insider Tip: In Concord, you'll often find that the largest salary jumps come not from changing cities, but from changing employers (e.g., from a community clinic to Concord Hospital) or gaining a specialty certification. The 6% job growth is steady, not explosive, so building a network is key.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Making $88,393/year sounds great, but what's the monthly reality? Let's do the math for a single, no-dependents RN.

• Gross Monthly Income: $88,393 / 12 = $7,366
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~25-28% ≈ $1,840
• Net Monthly Income: ~$5,526

Now, let's factor in the average 1-bedroom rent in Concord: $1,471/month. This is for a standard apartment in a decent area. New Hampshire has no state income tax, which is a huge plus, but property taxes are high (you'll feel that if you buy a home).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Income: ~$5,526)

• Rent (1BR): $1,471
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet): $220
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Concord): $450
• Groceries & Household: $500
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): $550
• Discretionary/Other: $2,035

This leaves you with a comfortable cushion for savings, dining out, or travel. Concord is very walkable in the downtown core, but you'll need a car for most errands and to get to surrounding neighborhoods.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

The median home price in Concord is approximately $375,000. With a $88,393 salary, you'd likely qualify for a mortgage, with a monthly payment (including property taxes and insurance) around $2,500-$2,800. This is about 45-50% of your net income, which is high for many financial advisors. It's doable with a significant down payment (20%+), but for many RNs, especially early in their careers, renting is the more practical and flexible choice.

Insider Tip: Many nurses in Concord choose to live in the nearby, more affordable towns of Penacook or Boscawen, where rent and home prices are 15-20% lower. The commute to Concord Hospital is only 10-15 minutes.

Where the Jobs Are: Concord's Major Employers

Concord’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. With 397 jobs in the metro, the market is stable but tight-knit.

1. Concord Hospital: The undisputed giant. A 290-bed regional medical center and Level II Trauma Center. They employ the bulk of RNs in the area. Hiring is constant for Med-Surg, ICU, ED, and Perioperative services. They have a strong clinical ladder program that rewards advancement with pay increases.
2. Concord Hospital - Payson Center: The outpatient cancer care center. A newer, state-of-the-art facility. Jobs here are often in infusion oncology and outpatient surgery. It's a slightly more predictable schedule than inpatient.
3. New London Hospital: Part of the Dartmouth Health system, about 20 minutes north. It offers a smaller community feel. Good for med-surg and family medicine nurses. Dartmouth Health benefits are excellent.
4. Catholic Medical Center (CMC): In Manchester, a 30-minute commute south. A major competitor to Concord Hospital. Larger, more diverse specialty services. Many Concord RNs make this commute for higher pay or specific specialties.
5. Amoskeag Health: A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Manchester. Focuses on community health, primary care, and behavioral health. Offers a different pace and mission-driven work.
6. Local Urgent Care Chains: Concentra, GoHealth, and others have locations in Concord and surrounding areas. Great for those seeking predictable hours without hospital shifts.
7. Nursing Homes & Assisted Living: Concord has several, including Sage Geriatric Care and Evergreen Place. These are always hiring and offer a different pace of care.

Hiring Trends: The biggest trend is the demand for specialty-trained nurses (ICU, ER, OR). New grads are often placed in Med-Surg first. There's also a growing need for home health and hospice RNs, as New Hampshire’s population ages.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire is a compact nursing license state (NLC), meaning if you have a multi-state compact license from another NLC state (like ME, MA, VT, or 30 others), you can practice here without an additional license. This is a massive advantage for nurses moving from the region.

For everyone else:

• Process: Apply through the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. You'll need to submit transcripts, proof of passing the NCLEX-RN, and a background check.
• Cost: Application fee is $120 (non-refundable). A temporary permit is an extra $45. Total ~$165. This is cheaper than many states.
• Timeline: Once your application is complete, processing can take 4-6 weeks. If you're coming from a non-compact state, start this process before you move.
• Insider Tip: The NH Board of Nursing website is straightforward. The most common delay is incomplete transcripts or not having your NCLEX results readily available. Keep digital and physical copies of everything.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Walking the neighborhoods of Concord gives you a real feel for the lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown for RNs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown/State House	Historic, walkable, vibrant. Easy access to Concord Hospital (5-min drive). Parking can be tight.	$1,550 - $1,800	Urban-minded RNs who want restaurants, bars, and the Kehoe Arena steps away.
West End	Residential, quiet, tree-lined streets. Very close to the hospital (2-3 miles). Mostly single-family homes.	$1,400 - $1,600	Nurses who want a peaceful home base with a short commute. Family-friendly.
South End	More affordable, mix of apartments and homes. Commute to hospital is 8-12 minutes via Route 4.	$1,250 - $1,450	Budget-conscious RNs who don’t mind a slightly longer drive for more space.
Penacook (Just North)	Quaint village feel, part of the metro. Lower rent, strong community. 10-15 min commute to Concord.	$1,100 - $1,300	Nurses seeking the best value and a tight-knit community vibe.
East Concord	Suburban, near I-93. More chain stores, newer apartments. Commute is easy (10 mins).	$1,300 - $1,500	Those who want quick highway access for weekend trips to the mountains or Boston.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% job growth is your foundation. Your specialty is your growth engine.

• Specialty Premiums: In Concord, an RN with an ICU, ER, or OR certification can expect to earn $5,000 - $10,000 above the median. Labor & Delivery and Pediatrics also command a premium at Concord Hospital.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Most hospitals have a 3-4 tier system. Moving from RN I to RN III can come with a $3,000 - $6,000 annual increase.
  2. Charge Nurse: A leadership role on your unit. Comes with a differential and is a stepping stone to management.
  3. Nurse Educator/Manager: Requires a BSN (often a requirement for advancement here) and experience. Master's degrees are preferred for management.
  4. Advanced Practice: To become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), you'll need a Master's or DNP. The University of New Hampshire offers programs, and many Concord RNs commute to Durham or get their MSN online.
• 10-Year Outlook: With an aging population and Concord Hospital's continued expansion (including mental health services), the demand will remain steady. The key for long-term growth is moving into leadership, education, or advanced practice. The 6% growth ensures you won't be stuck.

The Verdict: Is Concord Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary above national average with no state income tax.	High cost of living, especially housing (rent is $1,471).
Manageable, four-season lifestyle with easy access to lakes, mountains, and the coast.	Smaller job market (397 jobs) compared to Manchester or Boston. Less variety.
Short, predictable commutes (most under 15 mins).	Winters are long and cold. Requires careful home/car prep.
Strong sense of community and a "big little city" feel.	Nightlife and dining scene is limited compared to larger cities.
Stable healthcare employers with good benefits (especially Concord Hospital).	Seasonal allergies (pollen can be intense in spring).

Final Recommendation: Concord is an excellent choice for an RN who values work-life balance and community over the hustle of a major metropolis. It's ideal for mid-career nurses looking to buy a home or start a family, and for new grads who want solid experience at a respected hospital without being overwhelmed by a massive, anonymous system. If you crave constant new restaurants, diverse cultural events, and a fast-paced career trajectory, you might find Concord limiting after a few years. But if you want a stable, rewarding career in a place where you can put down roots, Concord is a strong bet.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new RN grads in Concord?
A: It's competitive, but not cutthroat. Concord Hospital hires new grads in cycles (typically spring and fall). Having your ACLS or PALS certification before applying can give you an edge. Networking through clinicals or local nursing school connections is highly effective.

Q: Is a car absolutely necessary?
A: Yes. While downtown Concord is walkable, the hospital, major grocery stores (Market Basket, Hannaford), and residential areas are spread out. Public bus service exists but is limited, especially for shift work. Most RNs drive to work.

Q: What’s the winter commute like?
A: Concord gets significant snow, but the city and state are excellent at clearing roads. Most RNs commute from within 10 miles, so even on bad days, commutes are usually under 30 minutes. All-wheel drive and good tires are recommended.

Q: Can I live in Concord on a single RN salary?
A: Absolutely. With a median salary of $88,393, a single RN can live comfortably, save for retirement, and even afford a modest home with a partner or savings. The key is budgeting for the high rent and Vermont-style winters.

Q: Where do Concord RNs go for mental health and wellness?
A: Concord has a surprising number of resources. The Concord YMCA is a hub for nurses. The Heritage Trail along the Merrimack River is a popular spot for walking or running. For mental health, Concord Hospital offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and there are several local counseling practices that specialize in healthcare worker burnout.