Electrician in Manchester, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Manchester Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Manchester isn't the most expensive place to live in New Hampshire, but it's certainly not the cheapest. For electricians, the financial picture is solid but requires careful budgeting, especially when you factor in the state's overall cost of living. The median salary for electricians in the Manchester-Nashua metropolitan area is $62,491 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.04. This is slightly above the national average of $61,550, which is a good sign—it means your skills are valued here. The metro area supports 346 jobs for electricians, with a projected 10-year job growth of 11%. This indicates steady demand, largely driven by commercial construction, residential development, and the maintenance of aging infrastructure in the city's core.

Breaking it down by experience level is crucial for setting realistic expectations. Here’s a typical progression in the Manchester market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $55,000	Assisting journeymen, conduit bending, basic wiring, safety protocols.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	Reading blueprints independently, troubleshooting, residential/commercial projects.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Project management, mentoring apprentices, complex system installations.
Expert/Specialist	$85,000+	Master electrician licensing, high-voltage systems, industrial controls, business ownership.

When you compare this to other New England cities, Manchester holds its own. It's more affordable than Boston (where a median salary might be higher but living costs are prohibitive) but offers more opportunities than smaller NH cities like Keene or Conway. The key here is the $62,491 median—it’s a livable wage that allows for a modest lifestyle, but you'll need to budget carefully, especially if you're the sole income provider.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what $62,491 looks like in your bank account. Using New Hampshire's tax structure (no state income or sales tax, but property taxes are high), here's a rough monthly breakdown. We'll assume a single filer with standard deductions.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,207.58
• Federal Income Tax (est.): ~$650
• FICA (7.65%): ~$398
• NH Property Tax (via rent/owner-occupied): Embedded in rent
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,159

Now, layer in the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Manchester: $1,348/month. This immediately eats up about 32% of your take-home pay. This is at the upper limit of the recommended 30% rule for housing costs, meaning you'll need to be disciplined with other expenses.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an electrician earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,348	Average across the city. Newer builds in the North End will be higher.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$180	NH has high electricity costs (Eversource).
Groceries	$400	Shop at Hannaford or Market Basket for best prices.
Transportation	$250	Gas, insurance, basic maintenance. Car is essential.
Health Insurance	$150	If provided by employer, out-of-pocket portion.
Debt/Student Loans	$200	Varies widely.
Savings/Retirement	$500	401(k) or IRA. Critical for long-term security.
Discretionary/Other	$331	For everything else. Tight, but manageable.

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging but possible. The median home price in Manchester is roughly $350,000. With $4,159 monthly take-home, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,000/month, pushing you over 50% of your income. This is not advisable. However, if you have a partner with income, or you advance to a senior salary ($70,000+), homeownership in Manchester becomes a realistic goal. Many electricians I know buy in surrounding towns like Londonderry or Derry where prices are slightly lower, accepting a longer commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Manchester's Major Employers

The job market for electricians in Manchester is diverse, spanning from massive construction firms to specialized service providers. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Brady Sullivan Properties: A major developer with continuous projects. They often hire electricians for new construction (apartments, condos) and renovations. Hiring trends show a focus on energy-efficient systems, so experience with EV charging stations and LED retrofits is a plus.

2. Manchester School District: The district maintains a large portfolio of buildings. They hire for in-house electrician positions for facility maintenance. These are stable, union jobs with great benefits but can be competitive. Watch the city's job board for postings.

3. Elliot Health System: As the largest hospital system in southern NH, Elliot has constant maintenance, renovation, and new construction needs (like the recent expansion of Elliot Hospital). They seek licensed electricians with experience in healthcare facilities, where codes are stringent.

4. Granite State Electric (a unit of Eversource): While primarily a utility, they contract with electricians for specific projects, including meter upgrades, transformer installations, and storm response. This is a great path for those interested in the power distribution side of the trade.

5. Local Union 490 (IBEW): The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 490, is based in Manchester and covers southern NH. Union contractors (like Carr Electric or M&G Electric) post jobs for members. The union provides apprenticeship programs, which are a top-tier way to earn while you learn. Insider tip: Attending a union open house is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door.

6. Residential & Commercial Service Companies: Firms like Service Experts or N.H. Electrical are always looking for journeymen and master electricians for service calls, troubleshooting, and small projects. These roles offer variety but can be on-call.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable push toward renewable energy and smart home technology. Companies are seeking electricians with certifications in solar installation, battery backup systems, and home automation. Becoming proficient in these areas can set you apart and command a premium.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire's licensing is managed by the State Board of Electrical Examiners. It's a straightforward but rigorous process. Do not work as an electrician in NH without a license—the fines are steep.

Pathway to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship (4 years): You must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a master electrician and 576 hours of classroom instruction. Your employer (or the union) will help you log this.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) exam or a state-approved equivalent. The exam fee is around $150.
3. Master Electrician License:
   • Path A: 12,000 hours as a journeyman under a master electrician + 48 classroom hours.
   • Path B: 6,000 hours as a journeyman + an Associate's degree in Electrical Technology + 48 classroom hours.
   • You must pass the Master Electrician exam (fee: ~$200).
4. Specialty Licenses (Optional but Recommended):
   • Low Voltage (Class C): For fire alarms, data cabling, etc. Separate exam.
   • Solar/PV: Requires additional training and certification, often through NABCEP.

Timeline & Costs: The entire process from apprentice to master can take 6-8 years. Total cost for exams and licensing fees is roughly $400-$600, not including tuition for classes. NH has reciprocity with several states, but you must apply through the Board. Insider tip: The exam is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC). Buy the latest code book immediately and study it religiously. Many local community colleges, like Manchester Community College, offer prep courses.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
The North End	Up-and-coming, walkable to downtown, mix of new construction and older homes. Easy access to I-93.	$1,500	Young professionals who want city life without the South End's high prices.
Piscataquog (West Side)	More residential, quieter, closer to the highway. Cheaper rents but fewer amenities.	$1,200	Those who prioritize a short commute and lower rent.
South Willow	Suburban feel, near the mall and I-93. Very convenient for driving to job sites.	$1,400	Families or those who prefer a suburban setting.
Amoskeag	Historic mill district, loft-style apartments. Trendy but can be pricey.	$1,600	Those who want character and don't mind higher rent.
Goffstown (Just Outside)	Small-town feel, 15-minute commute. Lower rent, but you'll pay property taxes in the town.	$1,100	Anyone seeking a quieter home base with easy access to Manchester.

Insider tip: Parking is a nightmare in the North End and South Main Street areas. If you have a work truck with ladders and tools, ensure your rental comes with a dedicated off-street spot. Many older buildings lack this.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 11% job growth over the next decade is promising, but the real growth is in specialization. The base salary of $62,491 is just your starting point.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding low-voltage certification can bump your pay by $5-$10/hour. Master Electrician status is non-negotiable for starting your own business and can immediately increase your consulting rate to $75-$100/hour.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service/Project Management: Move from field work to estimating and managing projects for a large contractor.
  2. Estimator: Use your field knowledge to bid on jobs. This is a desk job with a salary often in the $75,000+ range.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Start a one-person service truck and scale up. The Manchester market supports small electrical businesses, especially those focusing on residential remodels and emergency services.
• 10-Year Outlook: The need to upgrade aging electrical grids (especially in Manchester's historic buildings) and the push for green energy will drive demand. Electricians who can work on both legacy systems and new tech will be the most valuable. The commute to Boston for higher-paying union jobs is always an option, but with 11% growth locally, you can build a strong career right here.

The Verdict: Is Manchester Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons for an electrician considering Manchester.

Pros	Cons
Above-national-average salary for the trade.	High cost of living, especially for rent relative to salary.
No state income or sales tax (a major financial advantage).	Winters are long and cold, which can affect outdoor work.
Steady job market with 11% projected growth.	Car dependency is absolute; public transit is limited.
Diverse employer base (hospitals, schools, commercial, residential).	Competitive rental market; finding affordable, convenient housing takes work.
Proximity to Boston for networking and higher-paying opportunities.	Older housing stock can mean more troubleshooting and code updates.

Final Recommendation: Manchester is a solid choice for an electrician in the early to mid-career stage, especially if you value no state income tax and are willing to budget carefully. It's not a get-rich-quick city, but it offers a stable, sustainable career path. If you're ambition is to own a large home immediately, you might struggle. However, if you're willing to rent, invest in specialization, and leverage the 11% job growth, you can build a very comfortable life here. My advice: come for the apprenticeship, get licensed, and then let the market grow with you.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to join the union to find work in Manchester?
A: No, but it's a highly respected path. Many non-union contractors also hire licensed electricians. The union (Local 490) offers excellent benefits and wage floors, but the non-union sector is also robust. Research both.

Q: How bad is the winter for an electrician?
A: It can be tough. Outdoor work like new service installs is often on hold from December through March. However, interior remodels, commercial projects, and service calls continue year-round. You need to be prepared for cold-weather gear and potentially icy commutes.

Q: Is the cost of living really 5.1% above the national average?
A: Yes, and the figure is 105.1 (US avg = 100). The biggest driver is housing (rent and property taxes). Groceries and utilities are also higher. Your $62,491 salary goes further in Manchester than in Boston, but not as far as in the Midwest.

Q: What's the best way to get my foot in the door?
A: 1) Apply to the IBEW Local 490 apprenticeship. It's the gold standard. 2) Reach out directly to mid-sized contractors (like Carr Electric or M&G Electric) and ask if they're hiring for helper positions. 3) Take a basic electrical safety course at Manchester Community College to show initiative.

Q: Can I commute from Massachusetts for a higher salary?
A: Absolutely. Many electricians live in NH (for the low taxes) and work in Boston/Manchester (for higher wages). It's a common strategy. Just factor in the commute time and cost. The $30.04/hour median in Manchester is good, but Boston rates can be $45+/hour for journeymen.