The Electrician's Guide to Concord, NH: A Data-Driven Career Analysis

As someone who’s watched Concord’s electrical trade evolve over the last two decades, I can tell you this city has a unique rhythm. It’s the state capital, a regional healthcare hub, and sits at the crossroads of I-93 and I-89. For an electrician, that means a steady mix of residential new builds, commercial retrofits, and industrial maintenance work. You’re not just wiring houses; you’re keeping the lights on at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center’s satellite clinic and installing EV chargers in the bustling Penacook neighborhood. This guide isn’t about selling you on Concord—it’s about giving you the hard numbers and local insights to decide if your skills fit here.

The Salary Picture: Where Concord Stands

Let’s start with the data. In Concord, the Median Salary for Electricians is $63,211/year. That translates to an Hourly Rate of $30.39/hour. It’s important to see how this stacks up nationally and against other cities in New Hampshire. The National Average for Electricians sits at $61,550/year, meaning Concord pays slightly above the national baseline. However, the cost of living is a critical factor we’ll dissect later.

Job availability is a key metric. The Concord metro area supports 132 Electrician jobs. Over the last decade, the 10-Year Job Growth rate is 11%, which is solid, reflecting ongoing construction and infrastructure upgrades in the region.

Here’s how experience typically correlates with pay in this market. Remember, these are market medians based on local job postings and union agreements.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	Residential rough-in, conduit bending, assisting journeymen, basic troubleshooting.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$60,000 - $69,000	Commercial wiring, service calls, code compliance, leading small crews.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$70,000 - $82,000	Project supervision, industrial controls, complex systems design, mentoring.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$85,000+	Master Electrician roles, business ownership, specialized systems (fire alarm, data).

How does Concord compare to other New Hampshire cities?

• Manchester: Higher median salary (~$65,500) but more competition and a denser, busier urban environment.
• Nashua: Similar salary range, with a stronger industrial base (defense contractors).
• Portsmouth: Significantly higher cost of living (especially housing) drives salaries up (~$68,000+), but the job market is smaller and more tourism-driven.
• Keene/Laconia: Typically lower salaries (~$58,000-$60,000) but with a lower cost of living and a more relaxed pace.

Concord offers a "Goldilocks" zone: a salary that can provide a comfortable living if managed wisely, without the intense pressure of the southern NH border cities or the high costs of the seacoast.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $63,211 salary sounds solid, but what does it mean for your daily life in Concord? Let's break down the monthly take-home for a single electrician filing as "Head of Household" (a common scenario for tradespeople supporting a family).

Assumptions: Federal tax (12%), NH state tax (no income tax), FICA (7.65%), and local property tax (factored into rent).

• Gross Monthly Salary: $5,267.58
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$4,250/month

Now, against Concord's housing market. The Average 1BR Rent is $1,471/month. The Cost of Living Index is 109.0 (US avg = 100), meaning Concord is 9% more expensive than the national average, largely driven by housing and healthcare costs.

Sample Monthly Budget (Electrician earning $63,211/year):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apt)	$1,471	Rent in a safe, accessible neighborhood.
Utilities	$250	Electricity, gas, internet. NH winters are cold.
Transportation	$400	Car payment, insurance, gas. Public transit is limited.
Groceries	$450	For one person.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer; many local shops offer plans.
Misc. & Savings	$1,379	Debt, entertainment, retirement savings.
Total	$4,250	Balanced Budget

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Concord is approximately $350,000. A standard 20% down payment is $70,000. With a take-home of $4,250/month, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $280,000 loan would be roughly $1,800-$2,000/month. That’s 42-47% of your take-home pay, which is high but potentially manageable for a dual-income household. For a single electrician at this median salary, buying a home alone in Concord is challenging without significant savings or moving to a more affordable neighboring town like Pembroke or Boscawen. Insider Tip: Many local electricians buy older homes (1920s-1950s) in neighborhoods like the North End or West End, where they can use their skills to renovate and build equity over time.

Where the Jobs Are: Concord's Major Employers

Concord’s job market is dominated by the public sector, healthcare, and a resilient construction industry. Here are the key players hiring electricians:

1. State of New Hampshire (Dept. of Transportation, Facilities Management): As the capital, Concord has a massive state government presence. They maintain state office buildings, the prison in Concord, and infrastructure along I-93. Hiring is steady, with excellent benefits and pensions. They often post jobs on the state's HR portal.
2. Elliot Health System: The largest healthcare provider in the region, with a major campus in Manchester but significant facilities in Concord, including outpatient clinics and the Concord Hospital. They require specialized, low-voltage electricians for medical equipment and backup power systems. Hiring trends show a need for electricians with experience in healthcare environments.
3. Concord Hospital: A separate and major employer. They have a constant need for electricians for facility maintenance, new construction (like their recent expansions), and ensuring critical power systems are reliable. This is a prime location for electricians with an interest in healthcare technology.
4. BAE Systems (Nashua, but a major regional employer): While not in Concord proper, many Concord residents commute to BAE's Nashua campus. They hire electricians for manufacturing and facility maintenance. The defense industry is stable and pays well, often above the Concord median.
5. Local Electrical Contractors: The backbone of the job market. Firms like C.C. Sullivan & Sons (a local institution), M.C. Electrical, and T. P. Electric handle residential, commercial, and industrial projects. They are the primary source of apprenticeship opportunities and journeyman positions. Insider Tip: The best way to get hired here is through word-of-mouth. Join the local IBEW chapter (Local 490) or stop by contractor offices with a resume. The summer construction season (April-October) is when hiring spikes.
6. Concord School District: Maintains and upgrades wiring, lighting, and security systems across a dozen schools. Stable, unionized work with a school-year schedule.
7. Diversified Energy (Renewables & Solar): A growing sector. Companies installing solar arrays on farms and commercial rooftops in the Concord area are increasingly looking for electricians with PV (photovoltaic) system certifications.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process. You cannot work as a journeyman or master electrician without state certification.

The Path:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a state-approved 4-year apprenticeship program (8,000 hours on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction). The IBEW Local 490 offers a respected program, as do several non-union training centers.
2. Journeyman License: After your apprenticeship, you must pass the NH Electrical Journeyman Exam, which is based on the NEC (National Electrical Code). The exam fee is approximately $100-$150.
3. Master Electrician License: Requires 2,000 hours of work and passing a more advanced exam. This is essential if you want to pull permits and run your own business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Tuition is often low-cost or free through union or employer-sponsored programs. You earn while you learn, starting at ~50% of journeyman wage.
• Exam Prep: Local trade schools (like NHTI - Concord's Community College) offer prep courses for about $200-$400.
• Total Time to Journeyman: 4 years minimum. This is a consistent standard across the state.

Insider Tip: The NH State Electrical Board (under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) is the governing body. Their website is the single source of truth for application forms and current code editions. Always check there first.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Concord affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It Works for Electricians
West End	Quiet, residential, older homes. 10-min drive to downtown.	$1,350 - $1,500	Affordable homes to buy. Close to I-93 for easy access to job sites in Manchester or Nashua.
Penacook	Village feel, tight-knit community. 15-min commute to Concord center.	$1,250 - $1,400	More affordable than Concord proper. Popular with young families and tradespeople.
Downtown/State House Area	Urban, walkable, dense. 5-min commute to state jobs.	$1,500 - $1,700	Ideal for those working for the state or major downtown contractors. Less car-dependent.
North End	Mixed residential and light industrial. 10-min commute.	$1,300 - $1,450	Proximity to industrial parks and warehouse facilities. Good mix of older and newer housing stock.
Loudon (Exit 12)	Rural, small-town. 15-20 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,300	Insider Tip: Many electricians live here for the lower property taxes and space for workshops. You'll need a reliable vehicle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying a journeyman is fine, but Concord offers paths for advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding certifications can bump your income by 10-20%. In-demand specialties in Concord include:
  • Low-Voltage/AV: For corporate offices and hospitals. +$5/hr premium.
  • Fire Alarm Systems: Required in all commercial buildings. +$5-7/hr premium.
  • Solar/PV Installation: Growing field. +$3-5/hr premium.
  • Industrial Controls/PLC: For manufacturing facilities (like those in nearby Merrimack). +$8-10/hr premium.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Foreman -> Project Manager: Move from hands-on work to planning and logistics. Requires strong communication skills.
  2. Master Electrician -> Business Owner: Start your own outfit. Concord has room for a quality, small-scale residential and service company. The initial investment is in tools and a work truck.
  3. Specialist for a Large Employer: Become the go-to electrician for Elliot Health or the State, leading to supervisor roles.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is a positive sign. The aging workforce (many baby boomers retiring) will create openings. The push for energy efficiency, EV infrastructure, and broadband expansion (fiber to the home) will drive demand. Electricians who adapt to smart home technology and renewable energy will be the most secure.

The Verdict: Is Concord Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Less boom/bust than pure construction towns.	High Housing Costs: Rent and home prices are high for the region.
Above-National-Average Pay: $63,211 median provides a solid foundation.	Seasonal Weather: Harsh winters can slow outdoor work and affect commute.
Central Location: Easy access to lakes, mountains, and Boston (1hr drive).	Limited Nightlife/Urban Scene: It’s a state capital, not a metropolitan hub.
Strong Union Presence (IBEW Local 490): Good for benefits and wage floors.	Competitive for Entry-Level: Apprenticeship spots can be sought-after.
Manageable Scale: Not a sprawling city; commute times are short.	Cost of Living (109) eats into the salary advantage.

Final Recommendation:
Concord is an excellent choice for electricians who are journeyman-level or higher, value stability over high-risk/high-reward, and appreciate a balanced lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation. It’s less ideal for an apprentice without a secured spot, or for those seeking the energy of a major city. If you can secure a job with a steady contractor or the state, and are willing to live in a neighboring town like Penacook or Loudon, you can build a very comfortable, prosperous career here.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed to work as an electrician's helper in NH?
No, you can work as an unlicensed helper under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. However, to advance, you must enter a formal apprenticeship program.

2. How competitive is the apprenticeship market in Concord?
Moderately competitive. The IBEW Local 490 program is the most sought-after and has a rigorous application process (aptitude tests, interviews). Non-union programs may be slightly easier to enter, especially if you have prior construction experience. Insider Tip: Apply to multiple programs. Start the process a year before you want to begin.

3. What’s the demand for residential vs. commercial work?
Balanced. There’s steady new home construction, especially in the Penacook and West Concord areas. Commercial work is driven by state and healthcare projects. Many electricians work for firms that do both, which provides year-round stability.

4. Can I commute from a cheaper town and still work in Concord?
Absolutely. Many electricians live in Weare, Henniker, or Hopkinton (15-25 minute drives) where housing and taxes are lower. The trade-off is the commute on icy winter mornings, which is a real consideration.

5. What’s the best way to find a job as a new journeyman?

1. Contact all local contractors directly (C.C. Sullivan, M.C. Electrical, etc.). 2. Check the IBEW Local 490 job board. 3. Use the NH Job Service website. 4. Network at supply houses like CED or Platt Electric—hang out, talk to drivers and counter staff. This is a small-world industry, and a personal recommendation is gold.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), New Hampshire Department of Employment Security, MIT Living Wage Calculator, Zillow Rental Data, N.H. Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.