HVAC Technician Career Guide: Concord, NH

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking the skilled trades in New England, I can tell you that Concord, New Hampshire isn’t the first city that comes to mind for HVAC work—but that’s precisely why it’s a compelling market. It’s a capital city with a stable, year-round economy, a mix of residential and commercial work, and a cost of living that’s manageable compared to Boston’s sprawl. If you’re an HVAC technician looking for a place where you can build a solid career without the chaos of a major metropolis, Concord deserves your attention. Let’s break down what your life and wallet would actually look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Concord Stands

Salaries for HVAC technicians in Concord are right at the national average, which is a good starting point. The local median sits at $57,173/year, translating to an hourly rate of $27.49/hour. For context, the national average for this role is $55,670/year. This means Concord pays slightly better than the U.S. as a whole, a small but meaningful edge that adds up over time. The metro area has 88 jobs in the field, indicating a healthy but not oversaturated market. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is steady and reliable, driven by the aging housing stock in older Concord neighborhoods and the constant need for maintenance and retrofitting in commercial buildings.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level. These are realistic estimates based on local job postings and industry data, reflecting the progression from apprentice to master.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Concord)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $50,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $65,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$68,000 - $80,000
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$80,000+ (plus bonuses)

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often comes with specialization. Technicians certified in commercial refrigeration or complex heat pump systems can command salaries at the higher end of the mid-level bracket and above. Overtime is common, especially during peak summer and winter seasons, and can add 5-15% to your annual earnings.

When compared to other New Hampshire cities, Concord holds its own. While Boston and its suburbs pay more, they come with a drastically higher cost of living. Manchester, NH’s largest city, has a slightly lower cost of living but also slightly lower average wages for techs. Concord strikes a balance, making it a smart choice for those seeking stability and quality of life.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $57,173, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes would be approximately $4,200/month. Now, factor in the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Concord: $1,471/month. This leaves you with about $2,729/month for all other expenses—utilities, car payments, gas, groceries, and savings.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single HVAC technician earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,471	Average for the metro area.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Higher in winter due to heating costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential for service calls; Concord is car-dependent.
Gasoline	$150	Commute and daily service calls.
Groceries & Household	$400
Health Insurance (if not covered by employer)	$300	Varies widely.
Savings/Discretionary	$658	Emergency fund, retirement, fun money.
Total	$3,729	Leaves a cushion of ~$471.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with careful planning. The median home price in Concord is around $375,000. With a 10% down payment ($37,500), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of roughly $2,150 (including taxes and insurance). This is higher than rent, but it’s manageable if you have a partner with income or if you save aggressively for a larger down payment. Many local technicians buy homes in neighborhoods like Penacook or the West Side, which are more affordable than the historic South End.

Where the Jobs Are: Concord's Major Employers

Concord’s HVAC job market is driven by a mix of large residential companies, commercial contractors, and institutional facilities that maintain their own systems. Here are the key players:

1. P. Gagnon & Son, Inc. Located right in Concord, this is a major full-service mechanical contractor. They handle everything from residential installations to commercial HVAC and plumbing. They’re a primary employer for experienced techs, with a strong reputation and consistent hiring.
2. DiPietro’s Oil & Propane While based in nearby Henniker, they have a significant presence in the Concord region. They’re a classic fuel company that has heavily diversified into HVAC service, installations, and maintenance plans. They’re a great option for techs who want to work with a family-owned business.
3. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning The Concord branch of this national franchise is a major employer. They focus on residential service and replacement, offering structured training and career paths. It’s a good entry point for those new to the field.
4. Concord Hospital The hospital is a massive employer for in-house facilities technicians. These roles are highly stable, come with excellent benefits (including pensions), and require knowledge of complex medical-grade ventilation and boiler systems. Competition for these jobs is fierce.
5. Larkin & Sons HVAC & Plumbing A local, family-owned company serving the Concord and Lakes Region area. They emphasize quality service and have a loyal customer base. They often hire for both service tech and installation roles.
6. New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) While not a traditional HVAC employer, the state has its own facilities maintenance division for its Concord headquarters and regional buildings. These are state jobs with great benefits and are worth monitoring on the state’s job board.
7. Local Plumbing & Heating Companies: Don’t overlook smaller shops like C.O. Felton Plumbing & Heating or Merrimack Valley Mechanical. They often have less structured hiring but may offer more hands-on learning and a tight-knit team environment.

Hiring Trends: There is a noticeable demand for technicians who are proficient with modern systems, especially heat pumps (as New Hampshire pushes for electrification) and smart home integrations. Commercial experience is a significant differentiator, particularly for roles at the hospital or with companies like P. Gagnon.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a clear, licensure path for HVAC technicians, administered by the New Hampshire Board of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). It’s not overly burdensome, but it’s mandatory for independent work.

• Requirements: To work under a licensed master HVAC contractor, you must be registered as an apprentice. To own your own business or work independently, you need a Master HVAC License. This requires a minimum of four years (8,000 hours) of practical experience under a licensed master contractor and passing a state exam.
• Costs: The application fee for the Master HVAC License is $200. Exam fees are additional (typically around $150-$200). Apprenticeship registration is minimal. Continuing Education (CE) is required for license renewal every two years (24 hours of approved courses).
• Timeline: If you’re starting from zero, plan on 4-5 years to get your Master License. This includes time as an apprentice and studying for the exam. You can start working immediately as an apprentice while you accumulate your hours.

Insider Tip: The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) website is your best resource. Keep meticulous records of your work hours from day one. Many employers, like those listed above, have in-house programs to help you prepare for the state exam.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Where you live in Concord impacts your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods for a tech.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for HVAC Techs
Penacook	Quiet, riverfront village feel. 10-15 mins to downtown Concord.	$1,300 - $1,400	Most affordable rents. Easy access to I-93 for service calls to the north.
West End	Residential, family-friendly, near St. John's University.	$1,400 - $1,550	Central location. Close to major employers like P. Gagnon & Concord Hospital.
South End	Historic, walkable, near downtown restaurants and shops.	$1,500 - $1,700	Higher rent, but you could walk or bike to work if you land a downtown job.
East Side	Mix of older homes and new developments. Near the Merrimack River.	$1,450 - $1,600	Good balance of affordability and quiet. Short commute to the hospital area.
North End	Commercial corridor along Route 3, more apartments.	$1,350 - $1,500	Excellent highway access (I-93, I-89). Ideal if you service a wide region.

Commute Reality: Concord is a small city. A commute from Penacook to the South End is rarely more than 15-20 minutes by car. Traffic is negligible compared to major metros, meaning you spend less time in your truck and more time on the job or at home.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The HVAC field in Concord offers a clear path for advancement. The 6% job growth over 10 years is solid, but your individual trajectory depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Technicians with certifications in commercial refrigeration (for supermarkets, restaurants), VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems, or industrial boiler maintenance can earn 10-20% more than generalists. EPA 608 certification (Type II or Universal) is a baseline requirement. Adding NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certifications in air-to-air heat pumps or gas furnaces makes you highly marketable.
• Advancement Paths: The standard path is: Apprentice → Journeyman Technician → Senior Service Tech → Service Manager or Business Owner. Many techs in Concord eventually start their own small companies, capitalizing on the loyal local customer base. Others move into sales/estimating roles, where they can earn commission on top of a base salary.
• 10-Year Outlook: The push for energy efficiency and the transition to electric heat pumps (supported by NH state incentives) will create sustained demand. The commercial sector, especially with Concord Hospital and state buildings, will always need skilled maintenance personnel. For a tech willing to learn and adapt, the outlook is very positive.

The Verdict: Is Concord Right for You?

Making the move to Concord is a lifestyle and financial calculation. Here’s a straightforward pros and cons list.

Pros	Cons
Stable, growing job market with 88 local jobs and 6% growth.	Winters are long and cold—peak season for heating work but tough on commutes.
Cost of living is manageable (Index 109 vs. US 100).	Limited nightlife and cultural scene compared to Boston or Manchester.
Median salary ($57,173) provides a comfortable single-income lifestyle.	Car dependency is absolute; you need a reliable vehicle for work.
Short, traffic-free commutes—more time for family or hobbies.	Limited public transportation within the city.
Access to outdoor recreation (hiking, lakes, skiing) within minutes.	Competitive market for the best jobs (e.g., hospital facilities).
Strong community feel with a mix of urban and small-town vibes.	Salary growth plateaus if you don’t specialize or move into management.

Final Recommendation: Concord is an excellent choice for a mid-career HVAC technician seeking stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a high quality of life. It’s less ideal for a new apprentice looking for the highest possible starting wage or for someone who craves the energy of a 24/7 city. If you’re skilled, reliable, and willing to specialize, you can build a very prosperous and balanced life here.

FAQs

1. What’s the biggest challenge for HVAC technicians in Concord?
The biggest challenge is the sharp seasonal demand. Summers and winters are intensely busy, requiring long hours, while spring and fall can be slower. You need to budget for these fluctuations. Additionally, the housing stock in older neighborhoods like the South End often has outdated, inefficient systems, which can be a technical challenge to repair.

2. Do I need a truck for my job?
Almost certainly. While some companies provide vans, many technicians, especially those who are independent or work for smaller companies, use their own vehicles. A reliable, weather-capable vehicle with good insurance is a non-negotiable tool of the trade.

3. How competitive is the job market?
The market is competitive for the best jobs (like at Concord Hospital or with top-tier contractors), but there’s steady demand for all levels of technicians. Having an EPA 608 certification and a clean driving record gives you a significant edge. Networking with local suppliers (like Granite State Plumbing & Heating Supply) can lead to job leads.

4. Is the cost of living really that high?
The Cost of Living Index of 109.0 is above the U.S. average, but it’s driven primarily by housing and healthcare. Compared to nearby Boston (index ~160), Concord is a bargain. Your biggest expense will be rent, but it’s still possible to find a 1BR under $1,400 if you look in Penacook or the North End.

5. What’s the best way to find a job in Concord?
Start with the direct websites of the major employers listed above. Also, check the New Hampshire Employment Security website and local job boards like Indeed. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted LinkedIn profile—many local contractors and facilities managers are active on the platform. A direct, polite phone call to a company’s service manager can also set you apart.

Sources: Salary and job growth data are based on figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Concord, NH Metropolitan Statistical Area, and the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security. Cost of living data is from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Cost of Living Index. Licensing information is from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Board of HVAC. Rent data is aggregated from local real estate market reports and apartment listing sites for the Concord area.