Carpenter in Manchester, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Manchester Stands

As a carpenter looking at Manchester, you're stepping into a market that's stable, not booming, but pays slightly above the national average. The median salary for carpenters in the Manchester metro area is $57,790/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.78/hour. For context, the national average for carpenters sits at $56,920/year, so Manchester offers a small but meaningful premium—about $870 more per year on the median. This isn't a "gold rush" city for carpentry, but it's a solid, reliable market with 230 jobs currently open in the metro, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The 10-year job growth for carpenters here is projected at 5%, which is modest but positive. This growth is driven by steady residential remodeling in the city's historic neighborhoods and ongoing commercial projects, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors. Unlike high-growth metros where demand can be volatile, Manchester's pace is predictable. You won't find the frenzy of a Boston or Denver, but you also won't face the bust cycles.

Here’s how experience translates to pay in the local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	$20.19 - $24.04
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	$26.44 - $31.25
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$65,000 - $75,000	$31.25 - $36.06
Expert/Supervisor (15+ years)	$75,000 - $90,000+	$36.06 - $43.27+

Note: These ranges are based on BLS data, local job postings (Indeed, Glassdoor), and conversations with contractors. The median $57,790 sits firmly in the mid-level range.

Insider Tip: The premium here isn't in base pay but in stability. Union shops (like those affiliated with the New Hampshire Carpenters Union Local 107) often pay at the higher end of these ranges and offer benefits, which can push total compensation above $70,000. Non-union residential remodelers might start lower but can offer more flexibility and potential for side work.

Comparison to Other NH Cities:

• Portsmouth: Higher cost of living, higher pay. Carpenters there might see a 5-10% premium over Manchester's median, but rent is significantly higher.
• Concord: State capital, more government and institutional work. Salaries are comparable to Manchester, but the job market is smaller.
• Nashua: More manufacturing and tech-adjacent work, which can create demand for specialized millwork and finish carpenters. Pay is similar, but the job count is slightly higher.

Manchester strikes a balance: it's the largest city in the state, offering more opportunities than Concord or Portsmouth, without the extreme cost of living pressures you'd find in southern NH near the Massachusetts border.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's talk real numbers. A carpenter earning the median salary of $57,790 needs to understand the local math. New Hampshire has no state income tax, which is a huge advantage. However, property taxes are very high, which indirectly affects renters and homeowners alike.

Here's a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single carpenter earning $57,790/year:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay (pre-tax)	$4,815	$57,790 / 12
Federal Tax & FICA	~$770	Estimated for single filer (no state tax)
Net Take-Home	~$4,045	After federal taxes and payroll deductions (health insurance, retirement)
Average 1BR Rent	$1,348	Citywide average, per Zillow/Redfin data
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Variable by season; older Manchester apartments can be drafty
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential; public transit is limited for job sites
Groceries & Food	$350
Tools & Work Expenses	$150	Maintenance, gas for job sites, small supplies
Remaining / Savings	~$1,597	This is your buffer for savings, debt, entertainment, or a home down payment.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Manchester is approximately $380,000 (as of 2023). With a 20% down payment, you'd need $76,000. At $57,790/year, that's a significant hurdle. However, with the $1,597/month surplus, disciplined saving could reach that down payment in about 4 years. First-time homebuyer programs exist (like the NH Housing Finance Authority), which can lower the down payment requirement to 3-5%.

Personal Insight: Many local carpenters I've spoken with partner up—two earners in a household makes homeownership much more attainable. A dual-income household earning a combined $115,000+ can comfortably afford a single-family home in a neighborhood like the West Side or Goffstown.

Where the Jobs Are: Manchester's Major Employers

Manchester's carpentry jobs are spread across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. The 230 jobs in the metro are concentrated with these key employers:

1. Balfour Beatty Construction: A national firm with a significant local presence, they handle large-scale commercial and institutional projects (like the recent expansions at Elliot Hospital and Southern New Hampshire University). They hire for skilled carpenters, especially for concrete formwork and framing.
2. Calvin B. Taylor Bankers Life Company (Taylor): A major regional contractor specializing in healthcare and commercial build-outs. Their work on Elliot Hospital and local medical office buildings creates steady demand for finish carpenters and cabinet installers.
3. Manchester School District: With multiple aging schools, the district has a full-time maintenance and construction team. These are stable, union positions with great benefits, though hiring is less frequent.
4. The Home Depot (Local Store #1345): While retail, the Pro Desk and installation services create jobs for carpenters, especially those doing side work or looking for entry-level positions with training.
5. Local Residential Builders: Companies like Moulton Builders and Pella Windows & Doors of New Hampshire (which does installation work) are consistently hiring for remodels and new construction in the suburbs.
6. NH Carpenters Union Local 107: The union hall is the clearinghouse for high-paying commercial and industrial jobs across the state. Membership provides access to pension, health benefits, and prevailing wage projects.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for carpenters with experience in commercial interiors (metal stud framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings) and residential remodels (kitchen/bath, window/door replacement). There's a notable shortage of finish carpenters with high-end trim and custom cabinet experience. The healthcare and education sectors are the most reliable sources of long-term projects.

Insider Tip: Build relationships with local lumber yards and suppliers like Carr Lumber or 84 Lumber. Contractors often ask them for referrals, and being a known, reliable carpenter can get you on short-lists before jobs are publicly posted.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire does not have a state-level carpenter's license for general carpentry. However, there are critical requirements and specializations you must know:

1. General Carpentry: No state license is required. You can work as a carpenter without a state-issued credential. This is common for residential remodelers and small contractors.
2. Contractor's License: If you plan to work as a contractor—taking on jobs over a certain value (typically $500+) and supervising other workers—you must register with the New Hampshire Board of Licensing for Contractors. The process includes:
   • Fee: $120 for application, plus $100 for the license itself.
   • Exam: Must pass the NH Business & Law exam (open book, focuses on state regulations).
   • Bond: A surety bond ($10,000 - $25,000 depending on classification).
   • Insurance: Proof of liability insurance.
   • Timeline: 4-8 weeks for processing after submitting a complete application.
3. Specialty Licenses (Highly Recommended):
   • Master Carpenter License: Offered by the New Hampshire Carpenters Licensing Board (a separate entity from the contractors board). This is a voluntary but respected credential that certifies advanced skills. It requires a written exam and proof of journeyman-level experience.
   • OSHA 10/30 Certification: While not state-mandated, most commercial employers require a valid OSHA 10-hour construction card as a baseline. This can be obtained online or in-person for $50-$80 and takes 1-2 days.

Cost to Get Started: For a self-employed carpenter looking to take on small jobs, budget $300-$500 for initial licensing/bonding. For union apprenticeship, there are no upfront costs, but it's a 4-year commitment with paid training.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live in Manchester impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to target:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It Works for Carpenters
The West Side	Historic, walkable, close to downtown. 5-15 min commute to most job sites.	$1,300 - $1,500	Central location. Lower rents than the North End. Easy access to major highways (I-93, I-293).
North End	Gentrifying, trendy, near the Amoskeag River. 10-20 min commute.	$1,400 - $1,700	Close to the Manchester Airport (for travel jobs) and new development projects. More apartment complexes.
Goffstown	Suburban, family-oriented, 15-25 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,400	More space, lower rent. Ideal if you have a work truck and tools to store. Strong residential market.
Bedford	Affluent suburb, 20-30 min commute.	$1,500 - $1,800	High-end residential work is abundant here. Can be worth the commute for premium projects.
Auburn/Hooksett	Exurban, quiet, 20-30 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,350	Lowest rent near Manchester. Ideal for those who value space and quiet, and don't mind driving.

Personal Insight: The West Side is the sweet spot for most solo carpenters. You're centrally located, can find street parking for a work van, and are minutes from both downtown job sites and the highway to the suburbs. The North End is rising in popularity but watch for parking issues in older buildings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your 5% job growth over 10 years is a baseline. To accelerate your earnings, you need to specialize or move into management.

Specialty Premiums:

• Finish Carpenter/Cabinet Maker: High demand for custom work. Can add $5-$10/hour to your base rate.
• Concrete Formwork: Specialized skill for commercial projects. Union rate is often $40+/hour with full benefits.
• Historic Restoration: Manchester has a rich stock of historic homes. This niche is small but lucrative, requiring knowledge of traditional techniques.
• Project Management: With 10+ years of experience, moving into a supervisor or estimator role can push your salary to $80,000-$100,000+. This path requires strong communication and business skills.

10-Year Outlook:
The 5% growth will be driven by:

1. Aging Housing Stock: Much of Manchester's housing was built pre-1980, requiring constant retrofitting and renovation.
2. Healthcare Expansion: Elliot Hospital and Dartmouth-Hitchcock's ongoing investments in Manchester will generate commercial carpentry work.
3. Workforce Housing: State and city initiatives to create affordable housing will spur new construction.

The biggest threat to growth is the labor shortage. Younger workers are not entering the trades at the same rate as retirements, which could drive pay up for skilled veterans but create a gap in mid-level talent.

The Verdict: Is Manchester Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Slightly above-average pay ($57,790 median) with no state income tax.	High property taxes affect overall cost of living.
Stable, predictable job market with 230 current openings and 5% growth.	Modest growth—not a city for rapid career leaps or startup culture.
Central location in Southern NH with easy access to Boston market for side work.	Limited public transit—reliable personal vehicle is a must.
Diverse work from historic homes to modern healthcare facilities.	Winters can be harsh, potentially slowing outdoor projects.
Manageable cost of living compared to Boston or coastal NH.	Union presence can limit non-union opportunities in some sectors.

Final Recommendation:
Manchester is an excellent choice for mid-career carpenters seeking stability and a reasonable cost of living. It's particularly well-suited for those with 3-10 years of experience who want to buy a home, build equity, and enjoy a quiet, community-focused life. It's less ideal for a 20-year-old apprentice seeking high-energy, high-growth markets; that person might be better served in Boston or the ski country of North Conway. For a skilled carpenter with a few years under their belt, Manchester offers a sustainable path to a solid middle-class life.

FAQs

1. Do I need to join the union to get good work in Manchester?
No. While the union (Local 107) provides excellent benefits and access to large prevailing-wage projects, many reputable non-union contractors in the region do steady residential and small commercial work. Your skill and reputation matter more than union membership for most local jobs.

2. What's the best way to find a job here before moving?
Use Indeed and LinkedIn to search for "carpenter Manchester NH." Also, check the websites of the major employers listed above. For union jobs, contact the NH Carpenters Union Local 107 directly. Be prepared for a potential interview process that includes a skills test.

3. Is it worth it to get the Master Carpenter license?
If you plan to work in the high-end residential or custom commercial market, yes. It signals a level of expertise that can command a higher rate (often $5-$15/hour more). For general framing or remodeling, it's less critical but still a respected credential.

4. How tough are winters for construction work?
Manchester winters (Dec-Feb) can be brutal, with snow and sub-zero temps. This can pause exterior work, but interior remodels, commercial projects, and maintenance continue. Many carpenters use the winter for tool maintenance, continuing education, or taking on small indoor projects. Budget for potential income dips in the deepest winter months.

5. Can I realistically afford a house on a single carpenter's income?
On the $57,790 median salary, it's challenging but possible with discipline. You'd need a strong savings plan for a down payment and must target homes in the $250,000-$300,000 range, likely in neighborhoods like the West Side or just outside the city in towns like Auburn. A dual-income household makes it far more achievable.