Construction Manager in Manchester, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Manchester Stands

As a local who’s watched the construction boom in Manchester over the last decade, I can tell you the numbers here are solid, especially when stacked against the national average. Construction Managers in the Manchester, NH metro area command a median salary of $109,865 per year, which translates to a robust hourly rate of $52.82. That’s a clear step above the national average of $108,210, giving you a slight but meaningful financial edge just by being in New Hampshire’s largest city. The metro area supports 230 jobs for Construction Managers, indicating a healthy, competitive market rather than a saturated one. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 8%, a promising sign of sustained demand driven by residential development, commercial renovations, and infrastructure projects in and around the Queen City.

To give you a clearer picture of how salaries break down by experience level, here’s a realistic estimate based on local market trends:

Experience Level	Estimated Manchester Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Site supervision, scheduling support, safety compliance, subcontractor coordination.
Mid-Level (4-9 years)	$95,000 - $125,000	Full project management, budget oversight, client relations, permitting.
Senior-Level (10-15 years)	$125,000 - $155,000	Business development, complex project leadership, P&L responsibility.
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$155,000+	Regional management, strategic planning, major client partnerships.

When you compare Manchester to other New Hampshire cities, the picture becomes more nuanced. While Boston’s suburbs like Nashua and Portsmouth may offer higher median salaries (often due to cost of living), Manchester provides a compelling balance. It’s the state’s economic hub for construction, with a lower cost of living than the seacoast or southern MA border. Cities like Concord or Rochester might have slightly lower salary ranges, but Manchester’s volume of projects—from the revitalization of the Millyard to new housing in Bedford—provides more opportunities for advancement and specialized experience.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get pragmatic. A median salary of $109,865 sounds great, but what does it mean for your daily life in Manchester? Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single person, assuming a standard take-home after federal and state taxes (NH has no income tax, but a 5% interest & dividends tax and a 8.5% business profits tax for some structures; for a W-2 employee, the main hit is federal). A rough take-home is about $6,500-$7,000/month.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Estimate)	Notes
Take-Home Pay	~$6,800	After federal taxes (no state income tax).
Rent (1BR)	$1,348	Median for Manchester metro.
Utilities	$250	Includes electric, gas, internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Manchester is car-dependent; public transit (MTA) is limited.
Groceries	$450
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer.
Savings/Retirement (10%)	$680
Discretionary Spending	$1,272	Dining out, entertainment, hobbies.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The homeownership rate in Manchester is above the national average. Using the 28/36 rule (max 28% of gross income on housing), your monthly housing budget could be up to $2,563. With a median 1BR rent of $1,348, you’re well below that threshold. For a home purchase, a $300,000 house (a common price point for a starter home in the area) with a 20% down payment ($60,000) would have a monthly mortgage of around $1,200-$1,300 (depending on interest rates). This is very manageable on a $109,865 salary. Many Construction Managers in the area live just outside the city—like in Bedford, Goffstown, or Hooksett—for more space and a slightly lower tax burden, while still having a 10-20 minute commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Manchester's Major Employers

The construction market here is driven by a mix of large national firms with a strong local presence and established regional contractors. Hiring is active for both residential and commercial projects. Here are key employers to target:

1. Brady Sullivan Properties: A giant in NH real estate development, they are constantly involved in large-scale residential and commercial projects across Manchester and the state. They handle everything from historic mill conversions to new apartment complexes. They value managers with experience in multi-family and mixed-use developments.
2. Barr & Young Construction: A leading commercial contractor based in Manchester, specializing in healthcare, higher education, and corporate interiors. Their portfolio includes work for Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester and various local businesses. They have a reputation for quality and are a stable employer.
3. Turner Construction: While a national firm, their Northeast operations have a significant footprint in Manchester, managing large institutional projects (e.g., hospital expansions, university buildings). A job here looks great on a resume and often comes with excellent benefits and training.
4. City of Manchester: The city government itself is a major employer for Construction Managers and Public Works Directors. They oversee municipal projects, roadwork, and public facility maintenance. The hiring process is rigorous, often requiring civil service exams, but offers tremendous job security.
5. St. Mary’s Center for Orthopedics & Performance Medicine (Part of Dartmouth-Hitchcock): While a hospital, their expansion and renovation projects require skilled construction managers. The healthcare sector in Manchester is growing, and these projects demand managers who understand strict regulatory and cleanliness standards.
6. Local & Regional Developers: Keep an eye on firms like The Pennrose Companies (affordable housing) and Red Oak Apartments (residential management), which often seek construction managers for development and renovation phases. The Manchester Development Authority also oversees many public-private partnership projects.

Insider Tip: The construction scene in Manchester is relationship-driven. Attend events hosted by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) New Hampshire Chapter or the NH Home Builders Association. It’s where you’ll hear about unlisted opportunities.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire does not have a state-level license specifically for "Construction Managers." Instead, licensure falls under the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) for related trades or for performing work as a contractor. The key is understanding the distinction:

• Construction Manager (No License Required): You can manage projects, schedule, and coordinate as an employee of a licensed contractor or as a consultant. Your expertise is your credential.
• Construction Contractor (License Required): If you plan to own your own business and perform physical construction work (e.g., general contracting, electrical, plumbing), you must obtain a license from the NH Board of Licensing for Contractors.

Steps for a Contractor License (if applicable):

1. Determine License Type: New Hampshire offers several classifications (e.g., Residential Builder, Commercial Builder, Electrical, Plumbing). For a Construction Manager moving into ownership, the "Commercial Builder" license is common.
2. Experience & Exam: You typically need 2-4 years of verifiable experience as a journeyman or supervisor. You must pass a business and law exam, as well as a trade exam specific to your classification.
3. Financial Requirements: You’ll need proof of financial stability, often including a surety bond (minimum $25,000 for commercial) and liability insurance.
4. Costs: Exam fees are approximately $250-$350. License application fees are around $200. The total initial cost, including insurance and bonding, can range from $1,500 to $5,000+.
5. Timeline: From starting the application to receiving your license can take 3-6 months. Start by contacting the NH Board of Licensing for Contractors and reading their guidelines on the OPLC website.

Insider Tip: Even if you don’t plan to start your own firm, getting a contractor’s license can make you a more valuable candidate for senior roles, as it demonstrates a deep understanding of the legal and financial sides of the business.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Choosing where to live in the Manchester area depends on your lifestyle, commute, and desire for space. Here’s a breakdown of top areas for professionals in your field:

Neighborhood/Area	Commute to Manchester Center	Vibe & Lifestyle	Estimated 1BR Rent
Downtown Manchester	Walk/Bike	Urban, vibrant, close to restaurants, bars, and the Amoskeag Riverwalk. Ideal for those who want to be in the thick of it.	$1,400 - $1,600
North End / Parker Street	5-10 min drive	Residential, family-friendly, mix of classic NH homes and apartments. Close to the airport and major highways (I-93, I-293).	$1,200 - $1,400
Bedford (Suburban)	15-20 min drive	Upscale suburban, top-rated school district, more space and privacy. Popular with senior managers and execs.	$1,500 - $1,800
Goffstown (Suburban/Rural)	20-25 min drive	Quaint New England town feel, great access to outdoor recreation (Piscataquog River, Uncanoonuc Mountains). More affordable.	$1,100 - $1,350
Hooksett (Exurban)	10-15 min drive	Conveniently located between Manchester and Concord. Easy highway access, growing retail hubs, and a mix of residential and commercial.	$1,250 - $1,500

Personal Insight: The commute from the suburbs is remarkably easy compared to major metros. A 15-minute drive from Bedford is the norm. If you’re working on projects in the southern part of the metro (like in Bedford or Salem), living in the North End or Hooksett can put you within a 10-minute drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% projected 10-year job growth is encouraging, but smart Construction Managers in Manchester position themselves for premium roles. The path isn’t just linear; it’s about specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Managers with expertise in sustainable building (LEED, Passive House) command higher salaries, as New Hampshire and the city of Manchester have green building initiatives. Experience with complex projects like multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, or industrial construction (e.g., data centers, which are becoming more common in rural NH) also adds a significant premium—often 10-15% above the median.
• Advancement Paths: The typical trajectory is from field engineer to assistant project manager, to project manager, and then to senior project manager or director of operations. To break into executive roles (VP of Construction, Owner’s Rep), network aggressively with the NH Association of General Contractors (NH AGC) and consider pursuing an PMP (Project Management Professional) certification, which is highly respected.
• 10-Year Outlook: Manchester’s construction market is tied to its role as a regional hub. Expect steady demand in healthcare (expansions at Elliot Hospital and Dartmouth-Hitchcock), higher education (SNHU, UNH Manchester), and residential (ongoing revitalization of the mill district and suburban sprawl). The 8% growth is realistic, but the opportunities will be in managing larger, more complex projects. The key to long-term growth is moving from managing construction to managing business—understanding finance, client acquisition, and market strategy.

The Verdict: Is Manchester Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-National Average Salary with no state income tax.	Car-dependent; public transit (MTA) is limited.
Steady job market with 8% growth and 230 positions.	Winters can be harsh (snow, ice) affecting construction schedules.
Affordable Housing compared to Boston, Newport, or Nashua.	Limited cultural/nightlife compared to a major city like Boston.
Easy Commutes and a central location in Southern NH.	Smaller professional network; requires active networking.
Access to Outdoor Recreation (hiking, skiing, lakes) within minutes.	Competitive housing market in top school districts (Bedford).

Final Recommendation: Manchester is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager seeking a strong financial foundation, manageable cost of living, and a healthy job market without the intense competition and cost of a major coastal city. It’s ideal for professionals who value outdoor access, a reasonable commute, and a tight-knit community feel. If you’re ambitious, willing to specialize, and can handle New England winters, Manchester offers a stable and rewarding long-term career path.

FAQs

1. I’m moving from a major city like Boston or Chicago. How will my salary and lifestyle compare?
Your take-home pay will be significantly higher in Manchester due to no state income tax and a lower cost of living. While your gross salary might be slightly lower than in Boston, your disposable income will likely be greater. The lifestyle is quieter and more car-centric, but you’ll trade traffic jams for mountain views and easier access to nature.

2. Do I need a degree to be a Construction Manager in NH?
While a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field is highly preferred by most major employers, it’s not always mandatory. Extensive field experience (10+ years) combined with certifications (like OSHA 30, PMP) can often substitute for a degree. The NH contractor license, however, does rely on verifiable experience, not necessarily a degree.

3. What’s the winter construction season like?
It’s challenging but manageable. Most outdoor structural work slows or halts from December through March. Skilled managers thrive by focusing on interior fit-outs, planning/scheduling for the spring, project closeouts, and professional development during the off-season. Companies that specialize in commercial interiors or healthcare renovations have less seasonal disruption.

4. How competitive is the job market for Construction Managers?
With 230 jobs in the metro, it’s competitive but not cutthroat. The market favors those with specialized experience (e.g., healthcare, multi-family) and local connections. Unemployment for this role is typically low. To stand out, focus on your project portfolio and be prepared to discuss specific local projects you’ve followed (e.g., the redevelopment of the former Stark Mill).

5. What professional associations should I join?
Immediately join the ABC New Hampshire Chapter and the NH Associated General Contractors (NH AGC). Both host networking events, training sessions, and job boards. The NH Home Builders Association is also valuable if you lean toward residential development. These groups are where you’ll meet the decision-makers in the local industry.