Registered Nurse in Nashua, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Nashua Stands

Nashua offers a competitive salary for Registered Nurses, sitting slightly above the national average but facing a regional housing market that demands careful budgeting. The median salary for an RN in the Nashua metro area is $87,386/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $42.01/hour. This is just a hair above the national average of $86,070/year. It’s a solid baseline, but the real story is in the experience breakdown and how it compares to other New England hubs.

To understand where your earning potential lands, here’s a realistic experience-level breakdown based on local hospital ladders and nursing union contracts (like the New Hampshire Nurses Association). Note that "Expert" typically refers to a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or a highly specialized bedside nurse in a critical care setting.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Nashua)	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $80,000	New graduates, preceptor-led, often starting on medical-surgical floors.
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$82,000 - $95,000	Charge nurse roles, specialty certifications (e.g., CCRN, OCN), increased autonomy.
Senior (10-20 years)	$92,000 - $108,000	Leadership roles (e.g., nurse manager, educator), deep specialty expertise.
Expert (20+ years)	$105,000+	Advanced practice (NP, CNS), director-level, or top-tier specialty (e.g., cardiac surgery).

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for RNs in the metro is projected at 6%, which is steady but not explosive. This means the 818 jobs currently in the metro will see gradual expansion, not a hiring frenzy. Your best bet for faster salary growth is to specialize and move between employers rather than waiting for large annual raises at one hospital.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Nashua is a sweet spot in New Hampshire. It’s more affordable than its southern neighbor but offers comparable pay.

• Manchester, NH: Median salary is similar, around $88,000, but the cost of living is marginally higher. The job market is larger, with 1,200+ RN jobs, but congestion on I-93 can make commuting a nightmare.
• Portsmouth, NH: Salaries can be 5-10% higher (median ~$92,000), but the cost of living is significantly higher (rent for a 1BR can exceed $2,000). It’s a great option if you have a dual income.
• Concord, NH: The state capital has a strong government and hospital presence (NH Hospital, Concord Hospital). Salaries are on par with Nashua ($86,000-$90,000), but it’s a smaller, more government-focused market.

Conclusion: Nashua provides a balanced financial equation for RNs, especially those who prioritize living in a mid-sized city with easy access to both Boston and southern New England.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your paycheck. The median salary of $87,386 is a gross figure. After federal taxes, state tax (5% flat), FICA (7.65%), and any retirement contributions (like the state retirement system, NHRS, which is mandatory), your take-home pay will be approximately $64,000-$66,000 annually, or about $5,300 - $5,500 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,489	City average. You can find units from $1,250 (older buildings) to $1,800+ (new luxury complexes).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	Nashua winters are cold; heating bills can spike.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	Competitive supermarket prices (Market Basket, Hannaford).
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400 - $600	A car is essential. Insurance is reasonable, but gas is comparable to national averages.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$200 - $300	Many employers cover most premiums, but check deductibles.
Retirement Savings (NHRS)	~$400	Mandatory pension contribution (approx. 5-6% of salary).
Discretionary/Entertainment	$300 - $500	Dining, entertainment, personal care.
Total	$3,389 - $4,139	Leaves a buffer of $1,161 - $2,111 monthly.

Net Result: On a single income, you can live comfortably in Nashua as an RN, but building significant savings or buying a home will be tight without a second income or aggressive side work (like per-diem shifts).

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

The median home price in Nashua is approximately $415,000 (as of late 2023). Using standard lending guidelines (20% down, 30-year mortgage at ~7% interest), the monthly payment (PITI) would be roughly $2,800 - $3,000. This is a stretch on a single $87,386 salary, as it would consume over 50% of your take-home pay. Verdict: Buying solo is challenging on the median RN salary. It becomes feasible with a partner's income, substantial savings for a larger down payment, or by targeting more affordable neighboring towns like Hudson or Salem.

Where the Jobs Are: Nashua's Major Employers

Nashua's healthcare landscape is dominated by one giant and several key players, with a growing need for nurses in outpatient and home health settings.

1. St. Joseph Hospital / Dartmouth Health: The largest employer. Offers a full spectrum of services, from emergency and critical care to oncology and maternity. Hiring trends show a constant need for Med-Surg, Telemetry, and ICU nurses. They have a strong tuition reimbursement program (for BSN or MSN) but can be bureaucratic.
2. Southern NH Medical Center (SNHMC): Part of the Mass General Brigham system. A Level III Trauma Center with a growing cardiac and orthopedic service line. Known for slightly higher starting pay than St. Joe's and a more tech-forward environment. Actively hiring for surgical services and perioperative roles.
3. Community Hospice & Palliative Care: A major provider for southern NH. Hiring for home hospice nurses (great for autonomy) and inpatient hospice unit nurses. Growth is steady due to the aging population.
4. Visiting Nurse Association of NH (VNA): Home health is exploding. Offers a different pace and case management skills. Requires a reliable vehicle and strong time management. Often hires new grads for training programs.
5. Nashua Community Health Center: Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Focus on primary care, behavioral health, and outreach. A great fit for nurses passionate about community health and preventative care. Serves a diverse, often underserved population.
6. Various Urgent Care Chains (CareWell, AFC): Consistent openings for RNs to work in fast-paced, lower-acuity settings. Ideal for building a schedule or as a second job.
7. Nashua School District: School nurse positions are competitive but offer excellent hours and summers off. Requires a specific certification and experience with pediatric/adolescent health.

Insider Tip: The "big two" hospitals (St. Joe's and SNHMC) have a healthy rivalry and often poach staff from each other. Use this to your advantage during negotiations. If you have 2+ years of acute care experience, you can often negotiate a sign-on bonus or a higher starting rate.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multi-state license from another compact state (like MA, ME, VT), you can practice in NH without an additional license. This is a huge advantage for those relocating from New England.

If You Need a New NH License:

1. Application: Apply online through the New Hampshire Board of Nursing website. You'll need official transcripts and proof of passing the NCLEX.
2. Cost: The application fee is $120. The NCLEX exam fee is $200 (paid to Pearson VUE). Total: $320.
3. Background Check: Fingerprinting is required. Cost is about $50.
4. Timeline: Processing can take 4-8 weeks. Start your application before you move if possible. If you're moving from a non-compact state, you can apply for a temporary permit to start work while your full license is processed (requires a supervisor sign-off).

Insider Tip: New Hampshire has a temporary emergency permit for new graduates that allows you to work under supervision for up to 90 days while you await your NCLEX results. This can help you hit the ground running.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Your neighborhood choice in Nashua should factor in your work location (hospital), commute tolerance, and lifestyle. Here's a local's guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Approx. 1BR Rent	Commute to St. Joe's/SNHMC
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, urban feel with restaurants, theaters, and parks. Older housing stock.	$1,300 - $1,700	5-10 mins. Ideal for bike/walk to work.
East Side (Route 101A Corridor)	Residential, family-oriented. Good schools, shopping plazas. More suburban.	$1,400 - $1,650	10-15 mins. Easy access to highways.
South End (near Daniel Webster Hwy)	Mix of apartments and single-family homes. Close to the mall and I-93.	$1,350 - $1,600	10-12 mins. Convenient for commuters.
West Nashua / Litchfield (NH)	Quieter, more suburban/rural feel. Larger lots, newer homes.	$1,200 - $1,550	15-25 mins. Requires a car.
Nashua/ Hudson Border	Affordable, with easy access to the highway. More commercial, less charm.	$1,150 - $1,450	10-18 mins. Good for budget-conscious.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the "Nashua Loop" (E. Dunstable Rd./Route 101A) can be congested during shift changes. If you work at St. Joe's, living on the East Side or South End can make your commute a breeze. For SNHMC (located near the mall), the South End is ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Nashua is a strong launchpad for career advancement, but you need to be proactive.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths

• Critical Care (ICU/CCU): Adds $5,000 - $10,000 to your base. CCRN certification is the gold standard.
• Oncology (with OCN): Similar premium. The Seacoast Cancer Center at SNHMC is a regional draw.
• Perioperative (ORN): High demand, often with call pay. Requires a certification (CNOR).
• Home Health: Pay is often salaried or per-visit, with mileage reimbursement. Can be lucrative for experienced nurses who are efficient.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): The ultimate advancement. Southern NH has a growing need for primary care NPs. Starting salaries are $110,000 - $130,000. The University of New Hampshire in Durham and Rivier University in Nashua offer excellent MSN programs.

10-Year Outlook

The 6% job growth is steady, driven by an aging population and the constant need for replacements. The biggest change will be the continued shift toward outpatient care, telehealth, and specialized home health services. Nurses who are tech-savvy and can manage complex cases outside the hospital will have the most career mobility. Strategic Move: Gain 3-5 years of solid acute care experience in Nashua, then leverage it to move into a specialty role or NP school.

The Verdict: Is Nashua Right for You?

Nashua isn't a glamour destination, but it's a practical, stable, and rewarding place to build a nursing career and a life.

Pros	Cons
Competitive Pay: Slightly above national average with lower state taxes.	High Rent: For a small city, rent is steep relative to the salary.
Dual Market Access: Easy commute to Boston for big-city amenities and higher pay.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; you need a reliable vehicle.
Stable Job Market: 818 jobs and steady growth. Two major hospital systems.	Limited Nightlife: More of a family-oriented city; quieter than Manchester.
Quality of Life: Great parks, low crime, four seasons, and a growing downtown.	Winter Winters: Snow and cold are a reality; factor in heating costs.
NH Advantages: No sales tax, no income tax on wages, no mandatory health insurance.	Insular Culture: Can be harder to integrate if you're not from New England.

Final Recommendation: Nashua is an excellent choice for a mid-career RN looking for a balanced life with solid earning potential and low taxes. It's ideal if you value proximity to nature (the Seacoast, Lakes Region) and Boston, but don't need a 24/7 urban buzz. For new grads, it's a good place to start, but be prepared for a competitive rental market. For senior nurses, the ceiling is good, but you may need to pursue an advanced degree to break into the top tier of earnings.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really 5% above the national average (105.1)?
A: Yes, but the devil is in the details. The index is heavily weighted by housing. Your groceries, utilities, and healthcare might be on par or lower. The key is that the $1,489 average rent is the biggest budget factor, not daily expenses.

Q: Can I commute from Massachusetts to Nashua?
A: Absolutely. Many nurses live in Lowell, MA, or Dracut, MA, and commute to Nashua. The downside is paying MA income tax (5% on wages) and higher car insurance. The financial math only works if your partner works in MA, stabilizing your overall tax burden.

Q: Do I need my BSN to get hired at the major hospitals?
A: While not always an absolute requirement for all positions, having your BSN is a significant advantage. Both St. Joe's (Dartmouth Health) and SNHMC (Mass General Brigham) prefer BSN-prepared nurses and may require it for leadership or specialty roles. Many offer tuition assistance to get it.

Q: What's the nurse-to-patient ratio like?
A: New Hampshire does not have a mandatory state law for nurse-to-patient ratios. Ratios are set by each hospital based on acuity and policy. In general, you can expect 1:4 to 1:6 on a med-surg floor, 1:2 in ICU, and 1:1 or 1:2 in critical care. Unions are present at some facilities, which can help advocate for safer staffing.

Q: How do I find housing quickly?
A: The rental market moves fast. Use Facebook Marketplace, Zillow, and local real estate agencies (like Redfin or local brokers). Be prepared with references, proof of income (your new offer letter), and a security deposit. Consider a short-term rental (Airbnb, extended stay) for the first 1-2 months while you search.