Electrician in Keene, NH

For anyone considering a move to Keene, New Hampshire, as an electrician, the picture is one of stable opportunity, a unique cost-of-living dynamic, and a tight-knit professional community. Keene isn't a sprawling metropolis; it's a regional hub in the Monadnock region, with a population of about 22,923 in the metro area. This means the job market is intimate—you'll get to know other tradespeople, contractors, and inspectors. The work is steady, driven by a mix of residential growth, institutional maintenance, and the seasonal demands of a college town and a regional medical center.

This guide is built on local data and on-the-ground insights. We'll break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world path to building a career here. The goal isn't to sell you on Keene, but to give you the facts so you can decide if it's the right fit for your tools and your life.

The Salary Picture: Where Keene Stands

When we talk about electrician salaries in Keene, we're looking at a market that slightly outperforms the national average but is firmly anchored in the regional economy. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage surveys, here’s how the numbers break down.

The median salary for an electrician in the Keene metro area is $63,211 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $30.39. For context, the national average for electricians is $61,550 per year. Keene sits slightly above that mark, which is notable for a non-urban area. The metro area supports about 68 jobs specifically for electricians, which reflects a stable, but not booming, demand.

Experience is the biggest driver of pay, as in any skilled trade. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages within the Keene market.

Experience-Level Pay Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Keene, NH)
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 years	$42,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level / Journeyman	3-7 years	$58,000 - $72,000
Senior / Master Electrician	8-15 years	$70,000 - $90,000+
Expert / Specialist	15+ years	$85,000 - $110,000+ (often with licensing/ownership)

Insider Tip: The leap from apprentice to journeyman is the most significant pay bump. Once you have your New Hampshire Journeyman Electrician license, you become much more valuable. Senior roles and specialties (like fire alarm systems, industrial controls, or solar) command the highest premiums.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Keene holds its own against other New Hampshire markets. It’s not as high-paying as the Manchester-Nashua or Portsmouth metro areas, where demand is higher and cost of living is more competitive, but it’s on par with or better than smaller rural areas. The trade-off is Keene's lower population density and unique community feel.

Metro Area	Median Salary (Electrician)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Driver
Keene, NH	$63,211	109.0	Healthcare, Education, Residential
Manchester-Nashua, NH	~$68,000	115.2	Manufacturing, Tech, Population Density
Portsmouth, NH	~$71,000	132.5	Coastal Construction, Defense, High-End Residential
Rochester-Dover, NH	~$62,500	107.8	Manufacturing, Seacoast Commuters

Keene offers a balanced proposition: a salary that comfortably supports a single-person or family household, especially when paired with the city’s lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $63,211 salary in Keene doesn't feel the same as it would in a lower-cost state. The key is understanding your net pay and major monthly expenses. New Hampshire has no state income tax or sales tax, which is a huge financial advantage, but property taxes are among the highest in the nation.

Let's break down a monthly budget for an electrician earning the median salary.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $63,211 / 12 = $5,267.58
• Taxes (Federal & FICA): ~22% (approx. $1,159/month)*
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,108/month
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,471/month (Keene average)

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$4,108	After federal tax and FICA (no NH state tax)
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,471	36% of net income - at the higher end of manageable
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; heating costs spike in winter
Groceries & Household	$450	Keene has competitive grocery prices (Market Basket, Hannaford)
Vehicle (Payment, Ins., Gas)	$500	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$300	If employer doesn't cover full premium
Retirement Savings (5%)	$263	Pre-tax 401(k) contribution
Miscellaneous / Discretionary	$674	Eating out, entertainment, savings

Can they afford to buy a home? It's a challenge, but possible with discipline. The median home price in Cheshire County is around $300,000. A 20% down payment is $60,000. With a $63,211 salary, a lender would likely approve a mortgage up to ~$280,000, depending on debt-to-income ratio. Homeownership is feasible, especially for dual-income households or those who save aggressively for a down payment. The high property tax (often $6,000-$8,000 annually on a $300k home) is the biggest ongoing hurdle.

Where the Jobs Are: Keene's Major Employers

The job market for electricians in Keene is stable, driven by a few key sectors. You won't find massive industrial complexes, but you will find consistent work from institutions that need constant maintenance and upgrades.

1. Elliot Health System (Cheshire Medical Center): This is the largest employer in the region. As a Level III Trauma Center, the hospital requires specialized electricians for critical systems, backup power, and ongoing renovations. They often hire in-house maintenance staff and use local contractors for major projects. Hiring is steady for journeyman-level talent.

2. Keene State College: The college has a massive physical plant and is constantly upgrading dorms, academic buildings, and athletic facilities. They have a dedicated facilities department that hires electricians for maintenance and small projects. It’s a great job for work-life balance and benefits.

3. Monadnock Regional School District: Serving several towns around Keene, the school district has a facilities team that handles electrical work across multiple campuses. This is a stable, union-friendly environment with predictable hours.

4. Local Residential & Commercial Contractors: The backbone of the trade. Companies like C.G. Sheehan Electrical, M & M Electric, and T & S Electric are well-established. They handle everything from new home construction in Swanzey to commercial fit-outs downtown. Insider Tip: Many of these shops are small (5-15 employees). Getting your foot in the door often requires a personal recommendation or a stop-in with a resume.

5. Municipal & State Projects: The City of Keene and NH Department of Transportation have periodic projects requiring licensed electricians. These are often bid out to local firms, creating sub-contracting opportunities.

6. Renewable Energy Installers: With New Hampshire's interest in solar, companies like ReVision Energy (which serves the region) and local solar contractors are increasingly hiring electricians for PV system installation and integration. This is a growing specialty area.

Hiring Trend: The market is not desperate for workers, but qualified, licensed journeyman electricians are always in demand. The growth rate of 11% over 10 years indicates steady, sustainable expansion, not a boom-and-bust cycle.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a clear, structured licensure process managed by the New Hampshire Board of Electricians. It's not the fastest path, but it's straightforward.

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This typically involves 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed master electrician and 576 hours of classroom instruction. This takes about 4-5 years.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) or National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) journeyman exam. Once you pass, you apply to the state board for your license. Cost: Exam fee ($250) + License fee ($100).
3. Master Electrician License: Requires 2,000 additional hours as a journeyman and passing the master electrician exam. This is needed to pull permits and run your own business.

Timeline to Get Started: If you start as an apprentice today, expect to be a licensed journeyman in 4-5 years. The NH Board of Electricians website is the definitive source for current forms and exam dates.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Living in Keene is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. The city is compact, so "long" commutes are rarely more than 20 minutes.

1. Downtown Keene: The heart of the action. Walkable to restaurants, Elm City Park, and the colonial architecture. Rent for a 1BR is high ($1,500-$1,700). Ideal for young professionals who want a social scene and a short walk to work if you're employed by the hospital or college. Insider Tip: Parking can be a headache if you have a work truck or van.
2. West Keene / Route 12: More suburban, with single-family homes and apartments. Commute to downtown is 5-10 minutes. Rent is slightly lower ($1,300-$1,500 for a 1BR). Great for those who want a bit more space and quieter streets. Close to shopping plazas and easy highway access.
3. Swanzey / Westmoreland: Just west of Keene, these towns offer a more rural feel with lower rent ($1,200-$1,400) and larger plots. Commute is 10-15 minutes. Ideal for electricians who own a truck, need a garage for tools, and prefer a country vibe. Very common for tradespeople.
4. Spofford / Surry: To the south and east, these are classic New England villages. Rent can be similar to Swanzey, but the commute is slightly longer (15-20 mins). Great for those who want a quiet, scenic setting and don't mind driving. Housing stock is older and more character.
5. Marlboro / Harrisville: A bit further out (20-25 min commute), but you get significant rent savings ($1,000-$1,300) and a true "live in the woods" experience. These are tight-knit communities. Best for electricians who prioritize privacy and nature over a quick commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Keene, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about deepening your expertise and building a reputation.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial Controls/PLCs: High demand at local manufacturers (like C&J Energy or smaller machine shops). This can add $5-$10/hour to your rate.
  • Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems: Required for commercial and institutional work. Certification is a major value-add.
  • Solar/Alternative Energy: The fastest-growing niche. Installers with this skill set are highly sought after and can often work for themselves as subcontractors.
  • HVAC Integration: As buildings become smarter, electricians who understand HVAC controls have a distinct advantage.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. From Apprentice to Journeyman: The first big step, securing your license and higher pay.
  2. From Journeyman to Master/Owner: This is the entrepreneurial path. Many electricians in Keene eventually start their own one- or two-person shop, serving the residential market. It requires business acumen but offers the highest long-term earning potential.
  3. From Field to Project Management: For those who don't want to run their own business, moving into a project manager role at a larger contracting firm is a solid path. It uses your technical knowledge but adds organizational skills.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is solid. The drivers are an aging workforce (retirements create openings), ongoing maintenance of existing infrastructure (hospital, college, homes built in the 70s-90s), and the gradual push toward energy efficiency and electrification. Keene won't see explosive growth, but it offers a secure, long-term career for a skilled electrician.

The Verdict: Is Keene Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities: salary, cost of living, community, and pace of life.

Pros	Cons
Median Salary ($63,211) is competitive for the region.	High cost of living (Index 109) is driven largely by housing and property taxes.
No state income or sales tax significantly boosts net pay.	Limited job market (only ~68 electrician jobs) means competition for the best positions.
Stable, predictable demand from healthcare and education sectors.	Isolated location – it's a 1.5+ hour drive to Manchester, Nashua, or Worcester for major city amenities.
Strong sense of community and professional network for trades.	Winters are long and can be harsh, affecting work schedules and quality of life.
Outdoor recreation is outstanding (Monadnock, skiing, hiking).	Housing availability can be tight, especially for families seeking 3BR homes.
Good work-life balance – less traffic, more manageable pace.	Cultural and dining options are limited compared to larger cities.

Final Recommendation: Keene is an excellent fit for electricians who value community, outdoor access, and a stable, predictable career over high-octane urban living. It's ideal for journeyman-level electricians looking to settle down, potentially buy a home, and build a long-term reputation. It's less ideal for those seeking rapid career advancement in a large corporate structure or who require the amenities of a major metropolitan area.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job as an electrician in Keene without a New Hampshire license?
No. To perform electrical work for compensation in New Hampshire, you must hold a valid state license (Apprentice, Journeyman, or Master). You can work as an apprentice under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master.

2. How does the cost of living in Keene compare to the rest of New England?
It's mid-range. It's significantly more affordable than Boston, Portland (ME), or coastal NH, but more expensive than rural Vermont or upstate New York. The lack of a state income/sales tax is a major equalizer, but high property taxes and housing costs keep the overall index at 109.0.

3. Is the work seasonal?
For residential electricians, there can be a slight slowdown in deep winter, but it's not a major issue. Commercial and institutional work (hospital, college) is year-round. Many electricians use slower periods for training, bidding smaller projects, or taking planned time off.

4. What's the best way to find a job in Keene?
Start with the NH Board of Electricians for licensed apprentice programs. For journeyman/master roles, network with local contractors (Sheehan, M&M, T&S), check the job postings at Cheshire Medical Center and Keene State College, and use local job boards like the Keene Sentinel classifieds. Word-of-mouth is powerful here.

5. Do I need a truck?
Yes, almost certainly. While some larger companies may provide a work vehicle, most electricians, especially those in residential or small commercial, use their own. A reliable truck or van is considered a standard part of the trade toolkit in a rural area like Keene.