Carpenter in Keene, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Keene Stands

As a local who’s watched the construction and renovation cycles in Keene for years, I can tell you the numbers paint a realistic picture for a skilled carpenter. The median salary for carpenters in the Keene metro area is $58,456 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.10 per hour. This is a solid, above-average wage for the region and sits comfortably above the national average for carpenters, which is $56,920 per year.

The job market here is stable but not booming. There are currently about 45 jobs listed for carpenters in the metro area, which includes the city and surrounding Cheshire County. Over the next decade, the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 5%. This isn't the explosive growth you might see in a major urban center, but it indicates steady demand, particularly in residential remodeling and custom home building—a staple of the New England economy.

To give you a clearer picture of how earnings progress in our local market, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Keene
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $50,000	Assisting with framing, finishing, and site cleanup. Often hired by larger contractors or specialty firms.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $65,000	Leading small crews, reading complex blueprints, custom trim work, and project management for remodels.
Senior	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Specialty work (e.g., timber framing, historic restoration), estimating, and managing multiple projects.
Expert	15+ years	$85,000+	Master craftsman status, often running their own successful business, teaching, or consulting on high-end custom builds.

Insider Tip: The gap between entry and mid-level is where you’ll see the biggest jump in pay and autonomy. If you can demonstrate proficiency in both framing and finishing—especially in the custom woodwork that New England homes demand—you’ll position yourself for that $60k+ bracket much faster.

When compared to other cities in New Hampshire, Keene sits in a unique middle ground. It’s not the high-cost, high-wage hub of Manchester-Nashua, nor the more modest markets of Berlin or greater Lakes Region. It offers a balanced cost of living with a wage that can feel quite comfortable if you manage your budget wisely.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A $58,456 annual salary is a robust figure, but your disposable income is what matters. For a single person filing as an individual, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be approximately $44,800 per year, or about $3,733 per month. This is a rough estimate and can vary based on your specific deductions.

Now, let’s layer in the local rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Keene is $1,471 per month. That’s a significant portion of your take-home.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a carpenter earning the median wage, assuming a $1,471 rent:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Percentage of Take-Home	Notes
Gross Annual Salary	$4,871	-	Pre-tax
Net Monthly Income	$3,733	100%	After estimated taxes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,471	39.4%	A bit above the ideal 30% rule
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	6.7%	Varies by season; heating costs jump in winter
Groceries	$350	9.4%
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$550	14.7%	Essential for commuting to job sites
Health Insurance	$300	8.0%	If not fully covered by employer
Miscellaneous/Savings	$812	21.8%	This is your buffer for tools, entertainment, savings, and emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a challenge, but not impossible. The median home price in Keene is approximately $320,000. With a 10% down payment ($32,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment of around $1,800-$2,000 (including taxes and insurance). This would push the housing portion of your budget to over 50% of your take-home pay, which is a significant stretch for most individuals. However, if you advance to a mid-level or senior role (earning $70k+), buy with a partner, or build your own business to increase income, home ownership becomes much more attainable. Many local carpenters I know live in more affordable towns just outside Keene, like Swanzey or Westmoreland, where home prices are lower.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A $58,456 annual salary is a robust figure, but your disposable income is what matters. For a single person filing as an individual, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be approximately $44,800 per year, or about $3,733 per month. This is a rough estimate and can vary based on your specific deductions.

Now, let’s layer in the local rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Keene is $1,471 per month. That’s a significant portion of your take-home.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a carpenter earning the median wage, assuming a $1,471 rent:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Percentage of Take-Home	Notes
Gross Annual Salary	$4,871	-	Pre-tax
Net Monthly Income	$3,733	100%	After estimated taxes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,471	39.4%	A bit above the ideal 30% rule
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	6.7%	Varies by season; heating costs jump in winter
Groceries	$350	9.4%
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$550	14.7%	Essential for commuting to job sites
Health Insurance	$300	8.0%	If not fully covered by employer
Miscellaneous/Savings	$812	21.8%	This is your buffer for tools, entertainment, savings, and emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a challenge, but not impossible. The median home price in Keene is approximately $320,000. With a 10% down payment ($32,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment of around $1,800-$2,000 (including taxes and insurance). This would push the housing portion of your budget to over 50% of your take-home pay, which is a significant stretch for most individuals. However, if you advance to a mid-level or senior role (earning $70k+), buy with a partner, or build your own business to increase income, home ownership becomes much more attainable. Many local carpenters I know live in more affordable towns just outside Keene, like Swanzey or Westmoreland, where home prices are lower.

Where the Jobs Are: Keene's Major Employers

The Keene job market for carpenters isn't dominated by a single giant. It's a mix of established local firms, specialized contractors, and opportunities with larger institutions. Here are the key players:

1. Brickstone Builders / Maplestone Construction: These are the go-to names for high-end custom homes and major renovations. They typically employ a core crew of skilled carpenters and subcontract for specialty work. Hiring trends show a consistent need for carpenters with expertise in finish work and timber framing. They often look for individuals with 3-7 years of experience.

2. Keene State College (KSC): The college is one of the largest employers in the region. They have an in-house facilities and maintenance department that handles everything from dorm room repairs to historic building preservation (like the iconic Carriage House). These positions offer excellent benefits and stability. Jobs here are competitive and often posted on the KSC careers website.

3. Cheshire Medical Center (Dartmouth Health): As the region's primary hospital, they have a constant need for skilled tradespeople to maintain and update their facilities. This includes building new patient wings, renovating labs, and ensuring all structures are compliant with healthcare regulations. These roles are less about new construction and more about specialized, ongoing maintenance and modification.

4. Local Development Firms (e.g., The David R. J. Group): These developers build multi-family housing and commercial spaces. They are a source of steady, project-based work for framers and commercial carpenters. With the ongoing need for housing in the region, these firms are often in a hiring cycle.

5. Specialty Restoration Companies: Keene has a rich architectural history, and there are firms dedicated to restoring historic homes and buildings. This niche requires a deep knowledge of traditional carpentry techniques and materials. It’s a highly respected field that pays a premium for expertise. Look for companies that advertise "historic preservation" or "old house restoration."

6. Self-Employment / Small Crews: A significant portion of the carpentry workforce is self-employed or works for very small, owner-operated shops. The best way to find these opportunities is through local networks—word-of-mouth in places like the Home Depot parking lot on a Saturday morning, or on community bulletin boards. This path offers the highest potential income but also requires business acumen.

Insider Tip: The most reliable way to find work here is through relationships, not just online job boards. Attend meetings of the local Builders Association of the Monadnock Region. Let it be known you're looking; many jobs are filled before they're ever advertised.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has straightforward licensing requirements, but it's crucial to follow the process correctly. The state's licensing board is the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).

For a "Construction Supervisor" License (required to pull permits for most residential projects):

• Requirement: You need 8 years of experience in the construction trade, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role. Alternatively, you can substitute a combination of education (e.g., an associate's degree in construction management) and experience.
• Cost: The application fee is $120, and the license fee is $120 (total $240). You'll also need to provide proof of general liability insurance (minimum $100,000).
• Timeline: Once you submit a complete application, it can take 4-6 weeks for approval. You must pass a state-approved exam (like the NASCLA or a state-specific exam).
• Important Note: This is different from a "Master Carpenter" license, which doesn't exist in NH. Your skill is certified through your work and reputation, not a state card. The Construction Supervisor license is the key piece of paper for running your own business.

Getting Started:

1. Apprenticeship: While not legally required, a formal 3-4 year apprenticeship through a program like the New Hampshire Carpenters Training Fund is the best path to skill and wage growth.
2. Certifications: Consider getting OSHA 30-Hour certification for construction safety—many employers require it. Certifications in lead paint abatement or specific power tool safety are also valuable.
3. Insurance: If you go solo, you'll need general liability insurance and, if you have employees, workers' compensation. A local agent in Keene can help; I recommend talking to someone at a firm like Burns & Wilcox.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch, expect a 3-4 year apprenticeship to reach mid-level proficiency. If you're already experienced, you can likely apply for your Construction Supervisor license within 6-12 months of gathering your documentation.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, your social life, and your budget. As a carpenter, you’ll likely need a car, but living closer to the job hub can save time and gas money.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Insider Take
Downtown Keene	Walkable, vibrant. Easy access to restaurants and shops. Commute to job sites is quick (<10 min).	$1,500 - $1,700	Ideal for a young, social carpenter. Parking can be a hassle for your work truck. No yard for a woodshop.
North Swanzey	Quiet, residential. 10-15 minute commute to Keene. More space, often with garages or sheds.	$1,200 - $1,400	A top choice for tradespeople. You can find a small house or apartment with space for a home project.
West Keene / Ashuelot	Rural feel, scenic. 10-20 minute commute. Older homes, larger plots of land.	$1,100 - $1,350	Great if you value peace and quiet. You might find a cheaper rental in a historic farmhouse. Be prepared for older infrastructure.
East Swanzey	Suburban, family-friendly. 15-minute commute to Keene. Modern apartment complexes and single-family homes.	$1,300 - $1,500	Good balance of amenities and space. Newer construction means fewer maintenance issues for you.
Marlow / Gilsum	Truly rural, village-centered. 20-30 minute commute. Very low rent, but limited amenities.	$900 - $1,200	For the carpenter who wants a workshop and silence. You'll need to drive into Keene for everything. Perfect for building your own home.

Commute Reality: Traffic in Keene is minimal. A "bad" commute is 15-20 minutes. Most job sites are within a 10-mile radius of the city center.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Carpentry in Keene isn't just a job; it's a career with clear pathways for growth.

Specialty Premiums:

• Timber Framing: This traditional New England craft commands a 15-25% premium over standard framing rates. It requires apprenticeship with a master.
• Historic Restoration: Expertise in repairing or replicating historic molding, windows, and structural elements is a high-value skill. Rates can be 20-30% higher than standard work.
• Finish Carpentry (Custom Cabinetry/Trim): The devil is in the details. Finish carpenters who produce flawless work are always in demand and can charge $50-$75/hour as contractors.

Advancement Paths:

1. Specialist to Manager: Move from a skilled carpenter to a project foreman or site supervisor. This adds management duties but boosts salary into the $70k-$90k range.
2. The Business Owner: Many carpenters start their own small business or a one-person LLC. This has the highest income potential ($80k-$150k+) but comes with the burden of marketing, insurance, and budgeting. The local economy supports this, especially with the steady demand for custom work.
3. Niche Instructor: With a reputation for mastery, you could teach at a local vocational school (like the Cheshire County Technical School) or offer private workshops. This diversifies your income.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is modest, but it’s stable. The key drivers will be the renovation of aging housing stock (much of Keene's housing is 50-100 years old) and continued demand for energy-efficient upgrades. Carpenters who adapt to green building techniques (e.g., advanced framing for insulation) will have an edge. The local market is resistant to national trends; it’s built on relationships and reputation, which protects skilled tradespeople from economic downturns more than in other industries.

The Verdict: Is Keene Right for You?

Deciding to move here is about more than just the numbers. It’s about a lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
Strong Community: The trades network is tight-knit. It's easy to build a reputation for good work.	Limited Job Volume: With only 45 jobs, you can't afford to burn bridges or be picky early on.
Affordable Living (Relative): Your $58,456 salary goes farther here than in Boston or southern NH.	Seasonal Economy: Construction can slow down during the harsh winter months (Dec-Feb). Some firms lay off seasonally.
Quality of Life: Access to outdoor recreation (hiking,