Construction Manager in Concord, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Concord Stands

Let’s cut right to the numbers because that’s what matters when you’re making a move. As a Construction Manager in Concord, NH, you’re looking at a median salary of $111,131/year, which breaks down to a solid $53.43/hour. This places you above the national average of $108,210/year, which is a key point. While it’s not the booming metropolis salary of Boston or New York, the premium you get here is in the cost of living and lifestyle, not just the raw number on your paycheck.

To understand where you fit, here’s a realistic breakdown of salary by experience level, based on local market data:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Concord, NH)
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Level	4-8 years	$90,000 - $120,000
Senior-Level	9-15 years	$120,000 - $145,000
Expert/Principal	15+ years	$145,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the provided median and local reporting. Special certifications (like a PMP or LEED AP) and expertise in high-demand sectors can push you to the top of—and even above—these brackets.

Compared to other New Hampshire cities, Concord holds a unique position. It’s not the highest-paying metro in the state—that title often goes to the Nashua or Manchester-Boston corridors, where salaries can be 5-10% higher due to proximity to Boston and a denser concentration of corporate and biotech construction. However, Concord’s state government campus and a robust healthcare system provide steady, cyclically-resistant work. You won't see the wild swings of a purely market-driven economy. For a Construction Manager, this means a stable pipeline of work in both public and private sectors, which is a significant advantage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary looks great on paper, but what’s left after the state takes its share and you pay for a roof over your head? New Hampshire has no state income tax or sales tax, which is a massive financial advantage. However, property taxes are among the highest in the nation, and they’re baked into the cost of everything, including your rent.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning the Concord median salary of $111,131/year. We’ll estimate take-home pay assuming a standard federal tax withholding and no state income tax.

• Gross Monthly Income: $9,261
• Estimated Take-Home Pay (after federal taxes, FICA, etc.): ~$7,200/month
• Average 1BR Rent in Concord: $1,471/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR Rent): $1,471
• Utilities (Est.): $250
• Groceries & Household: $600
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance/Car Loan): $500
• Health Insurance & Healthcare: $500 (often employer-subsidized)
• Retirement Savings (10%): $720
• Leisure & Discretionary: $1,159
• Remaining Buffer: $2,000

This budget is tight but manageable if you’re single or a dual-income household. The biggest factor is the rent. The current Cost of Living Index for Concord is 109.0 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s 9% more expensive than the national average. While the lack of income tax helps, the high property taxes inflate costs.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the real question. The median home price in the Concord metro area hovers around $400,000. With a 20% down payment ($80,000), you’d be looking at a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $1,800-$2,000 (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). This is manageable on a $111,131 salary, especially if you have a partner contributing. The challenge is the down payment. For a single person, saving $80,000 on their own is a significant undertaking. It’s not impossible, but it requires disciplined saving over several years. As a local insider tip: many Concord residents purchase homes in neighboring, slightly more affordable towns like Hopkinton or Boscawen to get more square footage for their money, accepting a 10-15 minute longer commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Concord's Major Employers

Concord’s job market for Construction Managers is anchored by institutions that don’t disappear during economic downturns. The metro population is 44,219, but the daily workforce swells significantly due to the state government. There are approximately 88 jobs for Construction Managers in the Concord metro area, which sounds low, but these are high-salary, long-term positions.

Here are the key players you need to know:

1. The State of New Hampshire (Department of Transportation & Public Works): The state is the largest construction project owner in the region. They manage everything from highway expansions (like the ongoing I-93 work) to building renovations at state office complexes and the New Hampshire State Hospital. Hiring is steady, with a strong preference for local firms. Insider Tip: Working for the state or a prime contractor on state projects often requires a deep understanding of NH’s specific bidding and procurement processes, which differ from private sector work.

2. Concord Hospital: A major regional medical center constantly expanding. They run large capital projects for new patient wings, surgical centers, and facility upgrades. This work is complex, requiring meticulous management of schedules to avoid disrupting active hospital operations. Their projects are notable for their high-end finishes and stringent safety protocols.

3. Eversource Energy: While not a construction firm, Eversource is a massive project owner for utility infrastructure. They are consistently managing projects for new substations, grid hardening, and renewable energy integration. These projects require Construction Managers who can navigate utility-specific regulations and work in high-voltage environments.

4. Local & Regional Construction Firms: Concord is home to several reputable general contractors who bid on both public and private work. Firms like Crown Point Builders, Procon Inc. (headquartered in Manchester but a major player in the Concord area), and Bruss Construction are consistently hiring. These firms handle everything from multi-family residential to commercial fit-outs.

5. University of New Hampshire (Concord Campus) & NHTI (Community College): Both institutions have ongoing facility needs. UNH’s Concord campus focuses on professional programs and community education, leading to projects like classroom retrofits and lab upgrades. NHTI’s growth requires similar management.

6. Private Development Firms: Companies like The Duprey Group (based in Concord) are active in developing commercial properties, from office parks to retail spaces. Tracing local development projects, you’ll see their name on new builds across the city.

Hiring Trends: Post-pandemic, there’s a noted shift toward defense/public sector work and healthcare expansion, which are more stable than speculative commercial real estate. The local construction market is tight on skilled labor, so a manager who can effectively run crews and secure subcontractors is highly valued.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire’s licensing for Construction Managers is handled by the NH Board of Licensing for Construction Managers (NH BLCM). It’s a structured process, but it’s not the same as a general contractor’s license.

Key Requirements:

• Experience: You need a minimum of 8 years of experience in the construction industry, with at least 4 years in a supervisory capacity. This must be verified by a licensed professional.
• Examination: Pass the NH Construction Manager Exam, which covers project management, contract law, safety, and NH-specific regulations.
• Insurance: You must carry general liability insurance (minimum $100,000/$300,000) and file a surety bond.
• Application & Fees: The application fee is $250, with an initial licensing fee of $450. Renewal is every 2 years.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Gather Documentation (1-2 months): Collect all your experience letters, resumes, and forms. This is often the most time-consuming part, especially if you need to contact former employers.
2. Study & Apply (2-3 months): Study for the exam. The NH BLCM website provides candidate information bulletins. Submit your application and fees.
3. Schedule & Pass the Exam (1 month): Once your application is approved, you’ll schedule the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
4. Secure Bonding/Insurance (2-4 weeks): This can be done concurrently, but once you pass the exam, you have a short window to file your bond and insurance before the license is issued.

Total Estimated Timeline: 5-8 months from start to finish, assuming no hiccups. Insider Tip: Many firms in Concord will hire you as a Project Manager or Superintendent while you work toward your license. Having an NH license is a major career milestone and is often required to sign off on projects and pull permits independently.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Where you live in Concord will define your daily life. The commute is short (most places are a 15-minute drive), but the vibe changes drastically. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown tailored to your profession.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It’s Good for a CM
Downtown Concord	Urban, walkable, historic. 5-10 min drive to most offices.	$1,600 - $1,900	You’re at the center of the action. Easy access to restaurants, the Capitol, and your office if you work for the state. Perfect for a professional who wants to live where they work.
West Concord	Residential, family-friendly, quieter. 10-15 min to downtown.	$1,500 - $1,750	Established neighborhoods with larger lots and more privacy. Great for a CM who needs a quiet home office or a yard. Close to the airport and industrial parks.
Penacook	Historic mill village, tight-knit community. 15 min to downtown.	$1,300 - $1,550	More affordable, with a strong local character. Commute is easy via I-93. A good choice for saving money while staying close to the city core.
South End (Route 3 Corridor)	Commercial/residential mix, convenient. 10 min to everything.	$1,450 - $1,700	You’re in the thick of the retail and business corridors. Super convenient for running errands and a straight-shot commute. More apartment-focused.
East Side (Loudon Rd. area)	Traditional suburbs, newer builds. 15-20 min to core.	$1,550 - $1,800	Offers more modern apartment complexes and single-family homes. Close to shopping centers and the hospital, which is a plus if you work there.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in New Hampshire isn’t just about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about building a reputation and specializing. The 10-year job growth for Construction Managers is projected at 8%. This is in line with national averages, indicating steady, sustainable demand without the explosive (and often volatile) growth seen in mega-cities.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Healthcare Construction: Specializing in building or renovating medical facilities (like Concord Hospital projects) commands a premium. The codes are complex, and the work is critical. This can add a 10-15% salary boost.
• High-Performance & Green Building: With NH’s focus on energy efficiency, a LEED AP or WELL AP certification makes you a top candidate for state and university projects. This is a growing niche.
• Public Works & Transportation: Expertise in DOT standards and navigating the federal funding process is a golden ticket. This path often leads to public sector roles or high-level positions at major engineering and construction firms.
• From Manager to Executive: The natural path is from Project Manager to Senior Project Manager, then to a Regional Manager or Director of Operations. Many senior managers in Concord eventually leave the fieldwork to start their own small, specialized contracting firms, leveraging their local network.

Insider Tip: The New Hampshire chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) is the most important professional network. Attend their events. In a small state like New Hampshire, who you know is critical.

The Verdict: Is Concord Right for You?

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Here’s a clear-eyed look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
No State Income Tax: You keep more of your $111,131 salary.	High Property Taxes: This inflates the cost of living and housing.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by state government and healthcare.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It’s a state capital, not a cosmopolitan hub.
Short Commutes: Easy access to work and outdoor recreation.	Weather: Long, cold winters and Nor'easters can impact project schedules.
Outdoor Access: Lakes, mountains, and hiking are minutes away.	Housing Affordability Challenge: Buying a home requires a significant savings plan.
Strong Community: A manageable size with a network that’s easy to tap into.	Fewer "Big City" Projects: Less variety compared to Boston or Portland.

Final Recommendation:
Concord is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager seeking stability, a high quality of life, and a manageable cost of living, provided you can navigate the housing market. It’s ideal for mid-to-senior level professionals who value a short commute, access to nature, and the security of a diversified public-sector job market. It’s less ideal for someone seeking the fastest career ascent or the buzz of a major metropolitan construction scene. If you’re willing to rent for a few years to save for a down payment, or consider a neighboring town, the financial and lifestyle benefits are compelling.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a local license to get a job in Concord?
A: Not always to get hired. Many firms will hire you as a Project Manager or Superintendent. However, to be promoted to a true Construction Manager role where you can sign contracts and pull permits, you will need the NH license. It’s a career accelerator.

Q: Is the construction market here seasonal?
A: Yes, somewhat. Exterior site work typically slows from November through March due to snow and frozen ground. However, interior renovation work, especially in healthcare and institutional settings, continues year-round. A good manager plans for this cycle.

Q: How important is it to know the local subcontractors?
A: Critically important. The Concord construction community is tight-knit. Having established relationships with reliable local electrical, plumbing, and excavation subcontractors is a major advantage. Your reputation in the local network will precede you.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for a new Construction Manager in Concord?
A: Securing skilled labor. The entire state of New Hampshire faces a shortage of skilled tradespeople. A manager who can build loyal, productive crews and manage subcontractor relationships effectively is worth their weight in gold.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
A: Limited. Construction is a hands-on field. While you can do takeoffs, estimating, and some project coordination from a home office, you will need to be on-site regularly. The nature of the work in Concord—for state agencies, hospitals, etc.—requires a significant physical presence.