Construction Manager in Keene, NH

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Keene, NH.

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The Salary Picture: Where Keene Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because they tell the most important story. As a Construction Manager in Keene, you're looking at a median salary of $111,131/year or an hourly rate of $53.43/hour. This is a solid figure, but the context is key. It's slightly above the national average of $108,210/year, which is a good sign for a regional market.

Keene's economy is a unique blend of healthcare, education, and specialized manufacturing, which creates steady demand for construction management but on a smaller scale than a major metro. With only 45 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 8%, this isn't a boomtown. It's a stable, niche market. You're not competing with thousands, but you also aren't spoiled for choice with endless openings. The 8% growth is respectable and indicates consistent, if not explosive, demand, largely driven by hospital expansions, university projects, and municipal infrastructure work.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations based on experience level in the Keene market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Keene, NH)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-4 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project Engineer, Assistant Superintendent; focusing on scheduling, submittals, and field coordination under supervision.
Mid-Career (5-10 years)	$90,000 - $120,000	Project Manager/Construction Manager; running smaller projects end-to-end, managing budgets, client relations, and safety.
Senior (10-15 years)	$120,000 - $150,000	Senior CM or Superintendent; managing complex projects (e.g., multi-million dollar commercial/healthcare), mentoring junior staff.
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$150,000+	Executive roles (VP of Operations, Principal), specialized consulting, or running a regional office for a national firm.

Compared to Other NH Cities:
Keene's salary is competitive within New Hampshire. It's higher than the statewide median for the role, largely due to the specialized nature of projects in the region. For comparison, the Seacoast (Portsmouth) and Southern NH (Manchester/Nashua) markets have higher salaries but also significantly higher costs of living and competition. A CM in Keene can often command a premium due to the limited local talent pool, especially for those with experience in healthcare or institutional construction.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $111,131 salary sounds great, but you need to see what it means for your monthly budget in Keene. New Hampshire has no state income tax or sales tax, a major financial advantage. However, property taxes are among the highest in the nation.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Construction Manager earning the median salary. This assumes a gross monthly pay of $9,260, filing as a single filer with standard deductions.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$9,260
Federal Tax & FICA	~$1,950	This is an estimate. Actual withholding varies. FICA is 7.65%.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$7,310	This is your "cash in hand" after federal taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,471	This is the city-wide average. See neighborhood section for details.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$250	Keene winters mean higher heating costs.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$600	Essential in Keene; public transport is limited.
Groceries & Household	$500
Health Insurance	$300	This is the employer portion; individual costs vary.
Discretionary / Savings	$4,189	This is the leftover for savings, retirement, dining, etc.

This budget shows a healthy surplus, which is a major advantage of living in Keene compared to larger metros. The lack of state income tax significantly boosts your purchasing power.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With such a strong surplus, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in the Keene area hovers around $325,000 - $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($65,000-$70,000), a mortgage of roughly $260,000 would result in a monthly payment (including property taxes and insurance) of approximately $2,100 - $2,300. This is well within the budget outlined above. Insider Tip: Property taxes are the wildcard. A $350k home in Keene proper might have an annual tax bill of $6,500 - $8,000, while a similar home in a neighboring town like Surry or Westmoreland could be significantly lower. Always check the tax rate before buying.

Where the Jobs Are: Keene's Major Employers

The job market for Construction Managers in Keene is stable but specialized. You're not looking at massive general contractors; you're looking at institutions and firms that manage continuous capital projects.

1. Cheshire Medical Center: Part of the Dartmouth Health system, this is a primary economic engine. They have ongoing projects for facility upgrades, technology integration, and potential expansions. They often hire CMs directly for owner-side project management or contract with local firms.
2. Keene State College: A Division III school with a constant need for dorm renovations, academic building updates, and athletic facility maintenance. Their capital projects office is a key employer.
3. The City of Keene: Municipal government manages public works projects, school renovations, and infrastructure (roads, water/sewer). These jobs offer stability and excellent benefits, though the salary may be slightly below the private sector median.
4. Regional General Contractors: Firms like Barton & Gray Ltd. (based in nearby Swanzey) and Crown Point Construction (based in Claremont, NH) are active in the region. They handle commercial, institutional, and high-end residential projects. They are the primary employers for field-focused CMs.
5. Manufacturing & Corporate: Elliot Hospital (in Manchester, but a regional player) and Sig Sauer (in nearby Newington, NH) sometimes have projects in the Keene area. Also, check with C&S Wholesale Grocers, a major employer headquartered in nearby Brattleboro, VT, for distribution center projects.
6. Specialty Firms: Look for firms specializing in healthcare, lab, or educational construction. These niches pay a premium. A local search for "construction management firm Keene NH" will yield 5-10 key players.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward more complex, specialized projects (healthcare, tech-ready educational spaces) rather than ground-up commercial development. Networking through the NH Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Chapter is crucial for hearing about openings before they're advertised.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire does not have a state-specific "Construction Manager" license. However, for many projects, especially public works or larger commercial jobs, you will need to be a licensed Construction Supervisor.

• Licensing Authority: New Hampshire Board of Licensing for Contractors (NHBLC).
• Requirements: To get a Construction Supervisor License (CSL), you must provide proof of experience (typically 8 years in the trade, with some education/supervisory credit possible), pass a state-approved exam, and show proof of financial responsibility (bonding). For a Construction Manager license, you need to demonstrate experience managing projects, pass an exam, and provide financial statements.
• Costs: Exam fees are around $150. License application fees are approximately $250. You will also need to budget for a surety bond (if required) and liability insurance, which can vary widely.
• Timeline: If you have all your experience documentation in order, the process from application to license can take 4-8 weeks. The biggest variable is scheduling the exam.
• Insider Tip: Many Construction Managers in Keene work under the license of their employer or a general contractor. However, if you plan to start your own firm or do independent consulting, getting your own CSL or CM license is mandatory. Start by contacting the NHBLC to get the exact checklist for your situation.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Keene is a compact city, but where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and housing costs. All commute times are under 15 minutes to downtown.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's a Good Fit
Downtown Keene	Walkable, historic, vibrant with shops and restaurants. 5-10 min walk to most offices.	$1,500 - $1,800	Ideal if you work for a firm downtown or at the hospital. No car needed for daily life. Older buildings, sometimes less parking.
West Keene / Route 12	Suburban, residential. 5-10 min drive to downtown. More single-family homes.	$1,300 - $1,600	Great for homeowners or those wanting more space and a quieter feel. Easy access to the hospital and highway.
East Swanzey / Surry Road	Semi-rural, slightly outside the city limits. 10-15 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,500	Lower rent, more land, and a small-town feel. Best for those who don't mind a short drive and value privacy.
North Keene / Route 101	Residential, close to Keene State College. 5-8 min drive to downtown.	$1,400 - $1,700	Popular with professionals. Good mix of apartment complexes and houses. Can be noisy during the academic year.
Spofford / Westmoreland	Rural, lake communities. 15-20 min commute.	$1,500 - $2,000+	For those seeking a classic New England village lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation. Commute is a trade-off for scenery.

Insider Tip: Parking in Downtown Keene can be challenging in the winter. If you have a work truck or need reliable parking, a neighborhood with a driveway (West Keene, Swanzey) is a better bet than an apartment downtown.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a small market like Keene, traditional "vertical" promotions are limited. Growth comes from specialization and strategic moves.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salaries are found in complex niches. Healthcare Construction Management is the top earner due to the technical and regulatory demands (infection control, MEP systems). Institutional (Higher Ed/Government) work is next, offering stability and pension benefits. High-End Custom Residential can be lucrative if you partner with the right architects and builders.
• Advancement Paths: Your path might look like this: Project Engineer at a local GC -> Project Manager at a regional firm (like Barton & Gray) -> Senior Project Manager/Operations Manager -> Principal or Owner of your own small firm. The final step is very viable in Keene, as the market can support well-run, specialized boutique firms.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is promising. The demand will be driven by the aging infrastructure of the hospital and college, coupled with the need for modern, energy-efficient buildings. The rise of remote work may also lead to renovations of older commercial spaces into mixed-use or residential properties, creating new project types. Your best bet for long-term growth is to become the local expert in a specific sector (e.g., "the go-to CM for healthcare retrofits in the Monadnock Region").

The Verdict: Is Keene Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Salary goes far due to no state income tax and reasonable housing costs.	Limited Job Market: Only 45 jobs in the metro. Moving often requires patience and networking.
Stable, Niche Market: Steady demand from hospitals, colleges, and public works. Less volatile than boom-bust markets.	Lower Ceiling: Fewer "Executive VP" roles compared to Boston or Manchester. Growth is often entrepreneurial.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, easy access to outdoor recreation (hiking, skiing, lakes).	Seasonal Weather: Winters are long and can be harsh, impacting construction schedules and daily life.
Strong Community Feel: Easy to build a professional network. You'll know people in your industry quickly.	"Small Town" Limitations: Fewer dining, cultural, and entertainment options than a major city.
Great for Families/Safety: Very low crime rates, good public schools.	Transportation Dependency: A reliable vehicle is essential; public transit is minimal.

Final Recommendation:
Keene is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values stability, work-life balance, and high quality of life over the high-stakes, high-reward chaos of a major metro. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build deep community roots. It is not the place for someone seeking rapid job-hopping or who thrives on the energy of a large, competitive city. If you can find a role (or create one) in healthcare, education, or a specialized trade, Keene offers a financially and personally rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. I'm a CM from a big city. Will my experience translate?

• Absolutely, but you'll need to adjust. Project scales may be smaller, and you'll need to quickly learn local contractors, subcontractors, and the specific permit processes for the City of Keene and Cheshire County. Your large-project management skills are a huge asset, but be prepared to get more hands-on with the local details.

2. What's the best way to find a job in Keene before moving?

• Use LinkedIn to identify and connect with project managers, VPs, and principals at the firms listed above. Search for "Keene State College capital projects" or "Cheshire Medical facilities management." Reach out directly, referencing your specific skills (e.g., healthcare, higher ed). The market is small enough that a direct approach can work wonders.

3. How bad are the winters really for construction?

• They are a real factor. The building season is heavily concentrated from April through October. Winter work often involves interior renovations, snow removal for site access, and planning. Your project schedules must account for weather delays. However, many CMs appreciate the forced downtime in deep winter.

4. Is it possible to commute to Keene from a larger city?

• Not really. Keene is in a relatively remote part of the state. The closest larger metro is Manchester, which is a 1+ hour drive each way, often through mountainous and weather-impacted roads. Commuting from Brattleboro, VT is possible (30-40 mins) but doesn't offer a larger housing market. You generally need to live in or very near Keene to be competitive for jobs.

5. What professional organizations should I join?

• The NH Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Granite State Chapter is the most relevant for networking and continuing education. Also, consider the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) for national credentials. Locally, the Keene Chamber of Commerce is an excellent way to meet the key players in town, not just in construction.