Carpenter in Nashua, NH

As a career analyst who’s navigated the tight-knit construction scene in Southern New Hampshire for over a decade, I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth about carpentry in Nashua. This isn’t a sales pitch; it’s a practical breakdown of what you can earn, where you’ll work, and how far your paycheck will go. Nashua offers a stable market for skilled trades, but it’s a city of careful calculations—especially when it comes to housing and costs.

Let’s get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Nashua Stands

Nashua’s carpentry market is defined by a strong median salary but a cost of living that’s slightly above the national average. The city’s economic engine—driven by healthcare, light manufacturing, and its role as a bedroom community for Boston—creates consistent demand for renovation and new construction.

First, the core numbers:

• Median Salary: $57,790/year
• Hourly Rate: $27.78/hour
• National Average: $56,920/year
• Jobs in Metro: 181
• 10-Year Job Growth: 5%

This places Nashua squarely in the middle of the pack. The median is only marginally better than the national average, but the 5% job growth (BLS data) is a positive sign, indicating stable demand rather than explosive, volatile growth. With 181 jobs in the metro, the market is large enough for opportunity but small enough that reputation matters.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how pay typically scales with experience in the Nashua area. Note that these are local market estimates based on BLS data and regional job postings.

Experience Level	Typical Role	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Apprentice, Helper	$38,000 - $48,000	$18.25 - $23.00
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Journeyman, Lead Carpenter	$52,000 - $65,000	$25.00 - $31.25
Senior (8-15 yrs)	Foreman, Project Manager	$68,000 - $80,000	$32.70 - $38.45
Expert (15+ yrs)	Master Carpenter, Owner	$85,000+	$40.85+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior is where you’ll see the biggest increase in responsibility (and pay). Becoming a foreman often requires a combination of skill, reliability, and the ability to manage a small crew. Many experts in Nashua own their own small businesses, which can push earnings well above the median but come with the overhead of self-employment.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Nashua isn’t an island. To understand its competitiveness, let’s compare it to other major hubs in the state.

City	Median Salary (Carpenter)	Key Local Industries	Cost of Living
Nashua	$57,790	Healthcare, Manufacturing, Boston Commuter	High (105.1)
Manchester	$56,500	Healthcare, Education, State Capital	Moderate (102.5)
Portsmouth	$62,000	Tourism, Defense, Maritime	Very High (118.3)
Concord	$54,000	State Government, Insurance, Healthcare	Moderate (101.8)
Dover	$55,200	Manufacturing, Biotech, Seacoast	Moderate (104.0)

Analysis: Portsmouth pays the most but has a significantly higher cost of living. Manchester pays slightly less but is more affordable. Nashua’s advantage is its proximity to Massachusetts, where carpenters can sometimes find higher-paying projects, though commuting across the border adds complexity. For a balance of pay and manageable costs, Nashua is a solid choice.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where the rubber meets the road. A $57,790 salary sounds reasonable, but in Nashua, you need to budget carefully. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single carpenter earning the median salary.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $57,790
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): 25% ($14,447/year)
• Net Annual Income: $43,343
• Net Monthly Income: $3,612
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,489/month (Source: Zillow, rental market reports)
• Utilities (Est.): $150/month
• Groceries: $400/month
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500/month
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $300/month
• Retirement (5% of gross): $241/month
• Miscellaneous (Tools, Clothing, Entertainment): $300/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Income	$3,612
Rent (1BR)	$1,489	41% of net income
Utilities	$150	Basic electric, heat, internet
Groceries	$400
Transportation	$500	Car is essential in Nashua
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer
Retirement/Savings	$241	Critical for long-term stability
Miscellaneous	$300	Tools, clothes, entertainment
TOTAL EXPENSES	$3,380
Remaining Balance	$232	For savings, emergencies, or debt

The Bottom Line: You’re not falling into debt, but you’re not building significant wealth on this salary alone. Rent consumes a large portion of your income. The key is to avoid car debt and be diligent with tools and clothing purchases. Many carpenters in Nashua live with a partner or roommate to make the math work more comfortably.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Short answer: Not easily on a single income at the median salary.

The median home price in Nashua is approximately $410,000. For a standard 20% down payment, you’d need $82,000 in cash. The monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) would be around $2,800-$3,000, far exceeding the $1,489 rent and pushing past the recommended 30% of gross income ($1,445/month).

Insider Tip: Many successful local carpenters buy in more affordable neighboring towns like Hudson, Pelham, or Merrimack. The commute is short (10-20 minutes), and home prices can be 10-15% lower. Alternatively, partnering with a significant other with a dual income is the most common path to homeownership in this market.

Where the Jobs Are: Nashua's Major Employers

The construction market in Nashua is a mix of large general contractors, specialized subcontractors, and a healthy dose of custom residential work. Here’s where to look:

1. Barr & Barr (Construction Management): A major player in commercial construction, Barr & Barr frequently bids on projects across Southern NH and Northern MA. They maintain a steady crew and often hire experienced carpenters for foreman roles. Their projects range from healthcare (like expansions at Southern NH Medical Center) to corporate offices.

2. Pike Industries (Heavy Highway & Construction): While primarily an asphalt and paving company, Pike has a significant construction division that handles site work, foundations, and related structures. They offer union-scale wages and benefits, which are often above the median. They’re a stable employer with a strong union presence (LiUNA).

3. Nashua Custom Builders & Remodelers: This is a consortium of small-to-mid-sized custom home builders and remodeling firms. Companies like K. B. R. Construction, F. L. Roberts & Sons, and M & M Building Company are common employers. These are the bread-and-butter shops for residential carpentry. Hiring is often done through word-of-mouth and local trade networks.

4. St. Joseph Hospital (Part of Trinity Health): Like many hospitals, St. Joseph’s has an in-house facilities and maintenance department. They hire carpenters for ongoing repairs, remodels of patient rooms, and small construction projects. These jobs offer excellent benefits (healthcare, pension) and job security but less variety than site construction.

5. The Home Depot / Lowe’s (Retail): While not a contractor, the large retail stores in Nashua (off the Everett Turnpike) are major employers for carpenters looking for supplemental income or a transition to sales/management. Many local contractors shop there, and working the contractor desk is a way to network.

6. Local School Districts (Nashua School District): Public schools like Nashua High School South and numerous elementary schools have facilities staff that include carpenters. These are union positions (often with the AFSCME) offering great schedules, summer layoffs (for vacation), and pensions.

Hiring Trends: The commercial sector is steady, driven by healthcare and light industrial growth. The residential market is strong for high-end custom homes and renovations, particularly in the "Golden Triangle" (areas near the Massachusetts border). There’s a noticeable shortage of truly skilled finish carpenters—this is a niche where you can command a premium.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a straightforward but mandatory licensing system for carpenters, overseen by the NH Board of Licensing for Contractors and Journeymen Plumbers and Gasfitters.

State-Specific Requirements

1. Journeyman Carpenter License: This is the standard license for a skilled carpenter working in New Hampshire. You must prove you have:

   • Experience: At least 4 years (8,000 hours) of work experience as an apprentice or helper, under the supervision of a licensed journeyman.
   • Exam: Pass the NH Journeyman Carpenter Exam. The exam covers building codes (IRC), construction math, and safety. The fee is $125.
   • Application: Submit an application with proof of experience and pay the application fee ($200).
   • Total Estimated Cost: $325 (plus any prep course fees).

2. Master Carpenter License: For those who want to start their own contracting business. You need:

   • Experience: At least 5 years (10,000 hours) of experience as a licensed journeyman.
   • Exam: Pass the NH Master Carpenter Exam. This is more advanced, covering business law, contracts, and project management. The fee is $150.
   • Bond & Insurance: You must secure a $10,000 surety bond and carry general liability insurance.
   • Application & Fees: Application fee ($200) plus bond and insurance costs.
   • Total Estimated Cost: $350+ (plus bond/insurance premiums, which can be $500-$2,000/year).

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you have the experience: You can take the exam immediately. The process from application to license typically takes 4-6 weeks.
• If you need to gain experience: You’ll need to work under a licensed journeyman. This can be done through formal union apprenticeships (see New Hampshire Carpenters Local 474) or by getting hired on with a contractor who will sponsor your hours. This path takes 4 years.

Insider Tip: The NH Board’s website is the definitive source for applications and exam study guides. Join the local union (Local 474) for access to top-tier training programs and guaranteed salary scales that often exceed the median.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Living in Nashua means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a neighborhood guide tailored for a carpenter.

1. The "South End" (Ward 1 & 2):

   • Character: Older, working-class neighborhoods with classic New England triple-deckers and small single-family homes. Very close to the city center and the major commercial corridors (Main St., Amherst St.).
   • Commute: Excellent. You can be on a job site anywhere in Nashua within 5-10 minutes. Easy access to the F.E. Everett Turnpike (Route 3) for jobs in Southern NH or MA.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600/month for a 1BR apartment. More affordable 2BRs can be found if you have a roommate.
   • Lifestyle: Urban, walkable to some shops and diners. Less pristine, but practical for a tradesperson.

2. The "West End" (Ward 3 & 4):

   • Character: More established, residential neighborhoods with post-war capes and ranches. Home to Broadway and Litchfield Road commercial strips.
   • Commute: Very good. Central to the city, with quick access to the highway. Easy commute to jobs in Hudson or Merrimack.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,450 - $1,750/month for a 1BR. Slightly higher than the South End.
   • Lifestyle: Quieter, more family-oriented. Good mix of convenience and suburban calm. Close to Greeley Park for outdoor breaks.

3. Downtown Nashua:

   • Character: Revitalized urban core with new luxury apartments and condos alongside historic buildings. Walkable to restaurants, bars, and the Nashua Riverwalk.
   • Commute: Excellent for downtown or riverfront construction projects. A car is still needed for most sites.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $2,000+ for a modern 1BR. This is a premium location.
   • Lifestyle: For younger carpenters or those who want an active social scene. The rent is high, but you could potentially downsize your car if you work primarily in the city core.

4. The "Golden Triangle" (Brookline, Hollis, Hudson - just outside Nashua):

   • Character: Wealthy, suburban towns with large, custom homes. This is where many high-end residential construction projects are located.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to job sites in these towns, but can be 20-30 minutes to central Nashua. Traffic on Route 102 and Route 111 can be slow at peak times.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900/month for a 1BR. Housing stock is limited, so prices are high.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, safe, and scenic. Perfect for those who want a peaceful home base but are willing to commute. Hollis is particularly known for its rural charm and high-end custom builds.

5. Clayton Circle / Bicentennial Park Area:

   • Character: A large, affordable apartment complex area on the east side of the city. Not fancy, but functional.
   • Commute: Decent, about 10-15 minutes to most parts of Nashua. Close to Route 3 for north-south travel.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400/month for a 1BR. One of the most affordable rental clusters in the city.
   • Lifestyle: Utilitarian. It’s a place to sleep and store tools. The park is a nice green space, but there’s little walkability. Ideal for a carpenter on a tight budget who needs a reliable, low-cost place to live.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your trajectory in Nashua depends on specialization and entrepreneurship.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Finish Carpentry: In the custom home market, a skilled finish carpenter who can execute flawless trim, cabinetry, and built-ins can earn 10-20% above the median. This is a high-demand, low-competition niche.
  • Green Building / Energy Efficiency: With NH’s focus on energy codes, carpenters skilled in air sealing, advanced framing, and insulation are becoming more valuable. This can add a 5-10% premium.
  • Commercial Formwork: In the Pike Industries or Barr & Barr world, expertise in concrete formwork is a specialized skill that commands higher union wages.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman to Foreman: The most common path. Move from doing the work to managing a small crew and a project’s logistics. Pay increase: +15-25%.
  2. Foreman to Project Manager: Move from the field to the office, managing budgets, schedules, and client relations. Requires strong organizational skills. Pay increase: +20-30%.
  3. Journeyman to Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many