Electrician Career Guide: Rochester, NH

If you're an electrician considering a move to Rochester, New Hampshire, you're looking at a solid job market in a city that balances affordability and opportunity. As a local, I’ve watched this city evolve from a quiet mill town into a bustling hub in the Seacoast region. Rochester sits at a strategic crossroads: it’s close enough to the Portsmouth and Dover tech corridors for higher-paying gigs, but it’s got its own economy and a much more reasonable cost of living. This guide will break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world logistics of building your career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Rochester Stands

Rochester’s electrician job market is stable and slightly above the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for electricians in the Rochester metro area is $63,691 per year, with a typical hourly rate of $30.62. This puts local tradespeople ahead of the national average of $61,550 per year. The metro area supports 98 current jobs in the trade, and the 10-year job growth projection is 11%, which is promising for long-term stability.

Here’s how pay breaks down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice work, conduit bending, basic residential wiring, assisting journeymen.
Mid-Career	$63,691 (Median)	Journeyman-level work, troubleshooting, commercial/industrial installations, leading small crews.
Senior	$75,000 - $85,000	Master electrician duties, project management, complex system design, permitting, client relations.
Expert/Specialist	$90,000+	Niche expertise (e.g., data centers, industrial automation, renewable energy systems integration).

How Rochester Compares to Other NH Cities

Rochester holds its own against other New Hampshire cities. It’s more affordable than the trendy Seacoast towns like Portsmouth, where salaries might be slightly higher but rent can be double. Manchester and Nashua have larger job markets and higher ceilings for specialists, but Rochester offers a strong balance. For a journeyman electrician, the purchasing power here is often better than in the state’s larger cities.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. The Rochester cost of living index is 111.6 (US avg = 100), driven largely by housing. With a median 1BR rent of $1,582/month, you need to understand your net income.

Using the median salary of $63,691 and accounting for estimated taxes (federal, state, FICA—NH has no state income tax on wages), your monthly take-home pay would be approximately $3,950. Here’s a sample monthly budget:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,582	This is the metro average. Smaller units or older buildings can be cheaper.
Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet)	$250 - $350	NH winters mean higher heating costs. As an electrician, you'll appreciate a well-insulated unit.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential in Rochester. Rates are moderate but higher than the national average.
Groceries & Essentials	$400 - $500	Slightly above average.
Health Insurance	$300 - $450	Varies by employer. Many trades jobs offer good plans.
Miscellaneous (Food, Fun, Savings)	$500 - $700	Your discretionary income.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,432 - $4,182

Can you afford to buy a home? It's challenging but possible. The median home price in Rochester hovers around $350,000. With a $63,691 salary, you'd be at the upper limit of conventional affordability. A 20% down payment ($70,000) is a significant hurdle. However, many electricians here buy homes after a few years in the trade, often using FHA or VA loans (many local employers are veterans-friendly). A dual-income household makes it much more feasible. Insider tip: Look for homes in the older, established neighborhoods like Gonic or East Rochester, where prices are often lower than the new developments near Route 125.

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Where the Jobs Are: Rochester's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of local contractors, regional firms, and industrial employers. You won't find massive corporate campuses, but you will find steady, well-paying work.

1. Wentworth Home Services: A large, local HVAC and electrical contractor. They are one of the biggest employers for electricians in the region, handling residential, commercial, and service work. They have a reputation for investing in training and often hire from within their apprentice pool.
2. Port City Electric: Based in nearby Portsmouth but a major player in the Seacoast, they frequently take on large-scale commercial and industrial projects in Rochester. Working for them can expose you to high-end commercial builds and data centers.
3. Rochester Public Works & School District: The City of Rochester and its school system (Rochester Public Schools) employ in-house electricians for facility maintenance. These are coveted, stable jobs with excellent benefits and pensions. They post openings on the city’s employment portal.
4. BAE Systems (Portsmouth): While not in Rochester, many local electricians commute 20-25 minutes to BAE’s Portsmouth shipyard. The work is industrial, unionized (IBEW Local 256), and pays at the top of the scale. It’s a major source of high-end jobs for locals.
5. Local General Contractors (e.g., T. O’Connor & Sons, ProBuild): These firms manage new construction projects (homes, strip malls, light industrial). Electricians subcontracted through them get constant work, especially in the growing corridors like the Rochester Crossing area.
6. Residential Service Giants (e.g., Paul the Plumber, Cornerstone): These multi-trade companies are always expanding their electrical departments. They offer steady service work, which is less seasonal than new construction.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable shift toward energy efficiency and smart home systems. Employers are seeking electricians with certifications in solar, heat pumps, and home automation. Having a background in these areas can put you at the top of the list.

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Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a clear, structured path to licensure through the New Hampshire Board of Electrical Examiners.

• Apprenticeship: First, you must complete 1,000 hours of on-the-job training per year for 4 years (total 4,000 hours) under a licensed master electrician. You'll also need 144 hours of classroom instruction per year.
• Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the NH State Journeyman Electrical Exam (based on the NEC). The exam fee is approximately $150. You must submit an application to the Board with proof of your hours and training. Total state fees are around $200-$300.
• Master License: Requires 8,000 hours of work as a journeyman and passing the Master Electrician exam. This allows you to pull permits and run your own business.

Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to getting your journeyman license typically takes 4-5 years. You can start the process immediately upon arriving if you find an employer willing to sponsor an apprentice. Insider tip: Start applying to apprenticeships at local companies like Wentworth and the IBEW Local 256 (which covers the Seacoast) even before you move. Their programs are competitive.

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Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Rochester impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Electricians
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, older buildings, close to restaurants and the Rochester Opera House. Commute to local job sites is excellent.	$1,400 - $1,700	You're in the heart of the action. Great for those who don't want to drive much. Older homes mean frequent service calls and upgrades.
Gonic	A historic village within Rochester, with a small-town feel, older mill-style homes, and easy access to Route 125.	$1,300 - $1,600	Very central. Rent is slightly lower. The mix of old and new housing stock provides diverse work opportunities.
East Rochester	More suburban, with newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. Close to the Maine border and Route 125.	$1,500 - $1,800	Ideal for those who want a quieter, residential life. Easy highway access for commuting to Portsmouth or Dover.
Somersworth (Bordering)	Technically a separate city, but a 5-minute drive from Rochester. More affordable, with a dense residential feel.	$1,250 - $1,550	A budget-friendly option. You get a NH address with lower rent, and you're still central to all Rochester job sites.
Hilltop / Environs	A residential area on the west side of the city, featuring modest single-family homes.	$1,350 - $1,650	A great "starter" neighborhood. Many young tradespeople buy here. It's a short drive to the Rochester Industrial Park.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Rochester, your career growth isn't just about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about specializing and potentially starting your own business. The 11% job growth over the next decade points to sustained demand.

• Specialty Premiums: Electricians who can add these skills see a direct pay bump:
  • Industrial Controls/PLC Programming: Useful for working at BAE or local manufacturers. Can add $5-$10/hour to your rate.
  • Solar & Renewable Energy: With New Hampshire's push for green energy, certified solar installers are in demand. Can increase earnings by 10-15%.
  • Low-Voltage / Data & Security: Adding certifications for cabling, fire alarms, and security systems makes you a one-stop shop for commercial clients.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Electrician → Business Owner. Many local master electricians started as apprentices at a local firm, gained their master's license, and then opened their own solo operation or small crew, often specializing in service calls or residential remodels.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is strong. With an aging workforce (many master electricians are nearing retirement) and continuous development in the Rochester/Dover corridor, there will be a growing need for new business owners and project managers. Those who invest in business skills (bidding, client management) will see the highest returns.

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The Verdict: Is Rochester Right for You?

Rochester offers a compelling package for electricians: a median salary that beats the national average and a cost of living that, while above average for NH, is still manageable compared to the major coastal cities. The job market is steady, with a clear path to six-figure earnings through specialization or business ownership.

Pros & Cons Table:

Pros	Cons
Strong Median Salary ($63,691) with good growth potential.	Cost of Living (111.6) is driven by housing; buying a home is tough on a single income.
Diverse Job Market: Residential, commercial, industrial, and service work.	Winters are harsh and can impact work schedules (though service calls surge).
Central Location: Close to the high-paying Portsmouth job market without the extreme cost.	Limited public transit; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Tight-Knit Trade Community: Easy to network with other electricians.	Nightlife and dining are more limited than in Manchester or Nashua.
Path to Business Ownership: A realistic goal for skilled, business-savvy electricians.	Traffic congestion on Route 125 during peak hours can be frustrating.

Final Recommendation: Rochester is an excellent choice for electricians who are past the apprenticeship stage and are looking for a stable, well-paying base to build a career. It’s particularly ideal for those who value a close-knit community, easy access to outdoor activities (Lakes Region, White Mountains), and a slightly slower pace of life than a major metro area. For apprentices, it’s a great place to learn, but be prepared for a tight budget for the first few years.

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FAQs

Q: Is the pay enough for a single person to live comfortably in Rochester?
A: Yes, but you must budget carefully. The median salary of $63,691 allows for a comfortable life if you manage your housing costs wisely. Living with a roommate or choosing an apartment in a more affordable neighborhood like East Rochester or Somersworth is key.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job before moving?
A: Check the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security website and national job boards like Indeed, but also call local contractors directly. A personal call to the service manager at a company like Wentworth Home Services or a visit to the IBEW Local 256 office in Portsmouth can be more effective than an online application.

Q: How do winters affect an electrician’s work in Rochester?
A: Winters (Nov-Mar) can be slow for new construction but busy for service calls (heating system failures, holiday lighting, electrical issues from storm damage). Many electricians use the slower months for continuing education, certifications, or taking on small interior projects.

Q: Are there union opportunities?
A: Yes. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 256 represents electricians in the Seacoast region, including Rochester. Union jobs typically offer higher wages, better benefits, and pensions. However, union work can be project-based and less consistent than steady employment with a large non-union contractor.

Q: Do I need to know anyone to get a good electrical job here?
A: While networking helps, Rochester’s job market is large enough that skilled, licensed electricians can find work through traditional channels. Having a clean driving record, your own tools, and a valid NH or reciprocal license will make you a strong candidate. The community is friendly, but merit still comes first.