Carpenter in Portsmouth, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Portsmouth Stands

As someone who’s watched the local trade economy for years, I can tell you that carpentry in Portsmouth isn’t just about nailing boards together; it’s about understanding the rhythm of a historic seaport city where demand for skilled hands is steady but selective. The median salary for a Carpenter in the Portsmouth metro area is $58,900/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.32/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $56,920/year, a reflection of New Hampshire’s strong construction market and the premium placed on quality craftsmanship in a region with older housing stock and high-value properties.

Let’s break this down by experience. These figures are based on local market observations and aggregated data, giving you a realistic progression.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Portsmouth
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $52,000	Often starts with basic framing, trim, or assisting on renovation crews. Union apprenticeships can bump this up.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,900 (Median)	Capable of independent projects, complex finish work, and reading blueprints. This is the core of the workforce.
Senior/Lead (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $85,000	Manages crews, specializes (e.g., historical restoration), or runs a crew for a larger firm.
Expert/Owner-Operator	$90,000+	Runs a successful small business, specializes in high-end custom builds, or consults on major projects.

How Portsmouth Compares to Other NH Cities:

• Manchester/Nashua: Salaries can be slightly higher ($60k+) due to larger scale commercial projects and union presence, but cost of living is also higher.
• Concord: Very comparable to Portsmouth, often within a few thousand dollars. The state government and related construction provide stable work.
• Rochester/Dover: Often slightly lower (by 5-10%), reflecting a smaller, more localized market. Portsmouth's proximity to the coast and Boston commuter influence elevates its pricing.

Insider Tip: The $58,900 median is a solid benchmark, but your actual take-home depends heavily on whether you're union (Local 377) or non-union. Union jobs often come with better benefits (health, pension) but can be project-based. Non-union might offer more consistent, year-round work with smaller residential contractors.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. Portsmouth’s allure comes with a cost. The metro area has a Cost of Living Index of 111.6 (US Average = 100), meaning you're paying about 11.6% more for everyday expenses than the national average. The single biggest hit is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the greater Portsmouth area is $1,582/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Carpenter Earning $58,900:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,908
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,100 (varies with deductions)
• Approx. Net Monthly Pay: $3,808
• Rent (1-BR Avg): $1,582
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $2,226

This leaves a reasonable buffer, but it's tight if you have a car payment, student loans, or a family. A single person can live comfortably; providing for a family on a single Carpenter's income requires careful budgeting.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the million-dollar question—or rather, the $400,000 question. The median home price in the Portsmouth area is well over $400,000. With a $58,900 salary, a lender would typically approve a mortgage of around $200,000 - $250,000. This creates a significant gap. For most single-income carpenters, buying a single-family home in Portsmouth proper is challenging without a substantial down payment or a dual income. However, looking at neighboring towns like Dover, Rochester, or even Kittery, ME (just across the bridge), can open up more affordable options, though commute times vary.

Insider Tip: Many local carpenters buy homes in the "Seacoast" region—places like Eliot, ME, or Barrington, NH—where prices are lower, then commute to Portsmouth job sites. The 20-minute drive is worth the financial breathing room.

Where the Jobs Are: Portsmouth's Major Employers

The job market for carpenters in Portsmouth is stable, with about 44 jobs in the metro at any given time. Growth is moderate at 5% over 10 years, driven by residential renovations and some commercial projects. It's not a boomtown for construction, but it's reliable. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. The D.L. DAVIDSON & SON, INC. (Newington): A major local contractor known for high-end residential and some commercial work. They often seek experienced finish carpenters. They’re a steady employer and known for quality projects in the Rye and Hampton areas.
2. J. B. BROWN & SONS (Portsmouth): A classic Portsmouth construction firm with a long history. They work on everything from historic renovations to new builds. They value craftsmanship and often hire from local trade schools.
3. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery, ME): While technically in Maine, this massive federal facility is a huge employer for skilled trades, including carpenters for facility maintenance and construction. Security clearance is required, but the pay and benefits are top-tier.
4. AAA Metals (Portsmouth): A large metal fabrication shop that employs carpenters for building custom forms, jigs, and structural elements. It’s an industrial setting that offers a different pace from residential work.
5. Local HVAC & Plumbing Companies (e.g., W.H. Davis, Napoli Mechanical): These companies often need carpenters for rough-ins, building chase boxes, and finishing work around their installations. The work is consistent and year-round.
6. Seacoast Roofing & Exteriors: Specializes in siding, soffit, and fascia work, which requires precision carpentry. A great entry point for those interested in exterior work.
7. Self-Employment/Small Crews: A significant portion of the market is held by independent contractors and small, specialized teams (e.g., kitchen remodelers, custom deck builders). Networking is key here.

Hiring Trends: There’s a quiet but growing demand for carpenters with experience in energy-efficient building techniques (like advanced framing) and historical restoration. Portsmouth has a strict historic district, and contractors who can navigate those guidelines are always in demand.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a career path, not a mandatory statewide license for all carpenters. This is a double-edged sword: it’s easier to start, but you need to prove your worth.

1. No Statewide Journeyman License: You don’t need a state license to work as a carpenter. However, you will need a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license from the NH Board of Licensing if you plan to do work over $500 in materials and labor. This requires proof of insurance, a surety bond, and a passing grade on a business/law exam.
2. Apprenticeship (The Gold Standard): The most respected path is through an apprenticeship with the North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund (NASTCF), which covers NH. It’s a 4-year program combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You earn while you learn, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate (around $18-20/hr initially) and increasing yearly.
3. Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications boost your pay and employability:
   • OSHA 10/30: Often required by employers, especially on commercial sites.
   • NAHB Certifications: For green building or certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS).
   • EPA Lead-Safe Certification: Critical for any renovation work on pre-1978 homes (common in Portsmouth).

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Mostly free or minimal cost, as it’s funded by union dues and employer contributions. It takes 4 years to become a journeyman.
• HIC License: Exam fee ($100), bond ($1,000), insurance (variable). Can be obtained within a few months of meeting requirements.
• Self-Teaching: You can work as a laborer, but advancing your skills without formal training is slow. I highly recommend the apprenticeship route for long-term career growth.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live matters for your commute and your wallet. Here’s a local’s guide to neighborhoods and surrounding towns:

Area	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1-BR)	Why It's Good for Carpenters
Portsmouth (City Center)	Walkable, historic, expensive. Commute to job sites is <10 mins.	$1,700 - $2,000	Proximity to downtown clients and high-end renovation work. Parking can be a nightmare.
South End (Portsmouth)	Residential, quieter, near the hospital.	$1,600 - $1,800	Easy access to I-95 and the Woodbury Ave commercial corridor. Good mix of rental options.
Newington	Suburban, commercial/industrial.	$1,500 - $1,700	Home to AAA Metals and several contractors. Short commute to Portsmouth and Dover.
Dover, NH (15 mins N)	Lively mill town, more affordable, growing arts scene.	$1,300 - $1,500	Best value. Lower rent, strong local economy, and a quick commute to Portsmouth via Route 108.
Kittery, ME (5 mins S)	Coastal, touristy, has no sales tax.	$1,400 - $1,600	The "no sales tax" bonus for buying tools. Small-town feel, but you're right on the edge of Portsmouth.
Barrington, NH (20 mins NW)	Rural, quiet, more land.	$1,200 - $1,400	For those seeking space and lower costs. A longer commute but a lifestyle trade-off many make.

Insider Tip: If you’re looking to buy, the sweet spot for many tradespeople is Rochester or Somersworth. They offer a true commuter lifestyle—lower housing costs, a 25-minute drive to Portsmouth, and a community of fellow trades folks.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Carpenter’s career in Portsmouth isn’t a dead-end job; it’s a ladder. The 5% 10-year job growth indicates stability, not explosive expansion. Your growth will come from specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Historic Restoration: Can command a 10-20% premium over general carpentry due to the specialized skills and demand in Portsmouth’s historic district.
  • Finish & Cabinetmaking: High-end finish work and custom cabinetry are always in demand for kitchen remodels and new builds in Rye and Hampton.
  • Green Building: Certifications in energy-efficient construction can make you stand out to eco-conscious builders and homeowners.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyman to Lead Carpenter: You’ll manage a small crew, order materials, and interface with clients.
  2. Lead to Superintendent: Overseeing entire projects for a larger firm, managing timelines and budgets.
  3. The Entrepreneurial Route: This is where the real ceiling is broken. Many successful local contractors started as apprentices. The key is building a network of reliable subcontractors (electricians, plumbers) and a reputation for quality and reliability. Portsmouth’s market rewards word-of-mouth.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain steady. The aging housing stock (many homes 50-100+ years old) guarantees a constant need for renovation, repair, and updating. The biggest risk is not a lack of work, but a lack of skilled workers entering the trade. If you can master your craft and provide consistent, professional service, you’ll have more work than you can handle.

The Verdict: Is Portsmouth Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Higher-than-average pay ($58,900 median) in a stable market.	High cost of living, especially housing ($1,582 avg rent).
Diverse work: Historic homes, coastal properties, commercial projects.	Limited affordable homeownership for single-income earners.
Strong community of skilled tradespeople; networking is effective.	Job growth is modest (5%); not a place for rapid, large-scale expansion.
Excellent quality of life: Coastline, parks, restaurants, low crime.	Seasonal fluctuations in some sectors (e.g., exterior work slows in winter).
Proximity to Boston & Maine for wider job opportunities or leisure.	Traffic in summer can be a nuisance, especially near the outlets and beaches.

Final Recommendation:
Portsmouth is an excellent choice for a mid-career carpenter with a few years of experience who values quality of life and is skilled in finishes or renovations. It’s less ideal for a brand-new apprentice unless they have a solid apprenticeship lined up, due to the initial low wage versus high rent. For those willing to commute from Dover, Rochester, or even southern Maine, the financial equation becomes much more favorable. If you’re looking for steady work in a beautiful, professional environment and you’re committed to honing your craft, Portsmouth can be a rewarding place to build a career.

FAQs

1. I'm a new carpenter. Can I find work in Portsmouth without an apprenticeship?
Yes, but your options will be limited to laborer or helper positions with smaller residential contractors. To reach the median salary ($58,900), you'll need to develop skills quickly. I strongly recommend exploring the apprenticeship with the Carpenters Local 377 union. It’s the fastest and most reliable path to journeyman status and higher pay.

2. How does the cost of living in Portsmouth compare to nearby cities?
It’s one of the most expensive in New Hampshire, only slightly behind the Nashua/Manchester corridor. The Cost of Living Index of 111.6 is a real factor. You’ll pay more for rent, groceries, and dining out than in Concord or Rochester. However, wages for skilled trades are also higher to compensate.

3. Do I need to know how to work on boats to be a carpenter here?
Not at all. While the marine industry is a part of the local economy, the vast majority of carpentry work is in residential and commercial construction. There is some niche work in boat repair and dock building, but it’s a small fraction of the market.

4. What's the best way to find a job as a carpenter in Portsmouth?
Word-of-mouth is king. Join local Facebook groups like "Seacoast NH Contractors" or "Portsmouth NH Tradespeople." Also, visit the New Hampshire Employment Security office in Portsmouth—they often have postings for skilled trades. For union jobs, contact the Carpenters Local 377 directly.

5. Is it worth getting my Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license if I'm not starting my own business?
If you plan to work as a subcontractor on projects over $500, or if you want to do any direct-to-client work (even small jobs), it's essential. Many general contractors will not hire a carpenter who doesn't have their own insurance and license, as it protects them from liability. It’s a mark of professionalism.