Plumber in Lebanon, NH

Here is a comprehensive career guide for plumbers considering a move to Lebanon, New Hampshire.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lebanon Stands

If you're a plumber looking at Lebanon, NH, the first question is always about the paycheck. Let's cut straight to the data. The median salary for a plumber in this area is $65,060/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.28/hour. This sits slightly above the national average for plumbers, which is $63,350/year. That small edge might not seem like much, but in a regional market, it signals steady demand and a willingness from employers to pay for skilled tradespeople.

The job market itself is tight. There are only 29 jobs listed in the metro area at any given time. This isn't a boomtown where you can hop between three different companies in a week. It’s a stable, relationship-driven market where reputation is currency. The 10-year job growth is 6%, which is modest but reliable. This growth is tied directly to the region’s two biggest anchors: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) and Dartmouth College. Both have aging infrastructure and constant construction projects (think new dorms, lab upgrades, and hospital expansions), which keeps a steady flow of service and installation work.

Now, let's break it down by experience. These are typical ranges you can expect in the Upper Valley market, based on local job postings and conversations with contractors.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $55,000	Apprentice tasks, drain cleaning, basic fixture installs, assisting senior techs.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$60,000 - $75,000	Service calls, rough-in for residential, commercial maintenance, troubleshooting.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Project leads, complex commercial jobs, mentoring apprentices, code expert.
Expert/Foreman (15+ yrs)	$90,000+	Managing crews, bidding jobs, specialized systems (medical gas, hydronics).

Compared to other NH cities, Lebanon holds its own. It's more affordable than the seacoast (Portsmouth) and less expensive than Manchester/Nashua, but salaries have remained competitive. The cost of living is a key factor here, which we'll dig into next.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $65,060 salary looks good on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Lebanon? Let’s run the numbers.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber Earning $65,060)

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$5,421
• Est. Taxes (Federal, FICA, State NH has no income tax): ~$1,150
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,271

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,471
• Utilities (Est. - Heat, electric, internet): $250
• Car Payment & Insurance (Essential in NH): $450
• Groceries & Food: $400
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $300
• Miscellaneous (tools, savings, entertainment): $500

Total Monthly Expenses: ~$3,371

Remaining for Savings/Debt: ~$900

This budget shows a livable wage, but it's tight. The biggest hurdle is housing. The Cost of Living Index for Lebanon is 109.0 (US avg = 100), meaning everything costs about 9% more than the national average. The rent is the primary driver. While you have about $900 left over, that number can shrink quickly with a car payment or if you have a family.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in the Upper Valley is significantly higher than the national median. A modest 3-bedroom home in a good neighborhood can easily start at $400,000. With a $900 monthly surplus, saving for a 20% down payment ($80,000) would take over 7 years. However, many local tradespeople do buy homes, often by:

1. Starting with a condo or townhouse in the $250k-$300k range.
2. Living just outside Lebanon in more affordable towns like White River Junction, VT (just across the river) or Enfield, NH, where prices drop.
3. Partnering with a spouse who has a dual income.

Insider Tip: Don't overlook the "side hustle" potential. Many local plumbers take on small, private jobs for cash on weekends—water heater replacements, minor repairs. This isn't for everyone (and must be done professionally), but it's a common way to boost income for that home down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Lebanon's Major Employers

With only 29 jobs in the metro, knowing where to look is key. The market is dominated by a few large players and a handful of smaller, reliable service companies.

1. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC): The 800-pound gorilla. DHMC employs its own facilities team for maintenance and often uses large contractors for renovations. They need plumbers with experience in medical gas systems, high-pressure steam, and hygienic piping. Hiring is steady but competitive; it often requires a union card (UA Local 493) and a clean background check. They value reliability above all else.

2. Dartmouth College: Similar to DHMC, the College has a massive facilities department. They manage over 200 buildings, many of which are historic (fancy word for old plumbing). Projects range from lab retrofits in the Life Sciences Center to dorm repairs. This is great for someone who enjoys a mix of service and unique, problem-solving jobs.

3. Bascom & Co. / Bascom Plumbing & Heating: A local institution. They are a major contractor for residential and commercial new construction and service in the Upper Valley. They are often the first call for many real estate agents and developers. Working here means you'll see the inside of new homes and high-end remodels.

4. Service Experts / Liberty Air: These are large corporate service franchises. They offer structured training programs and benefits but can be more focused on sales quotas and efficiency metrics. Good for a plumber early in their career looking to get broad exposure to all types of systems.

5. Local Mechanical Contractors: Firms like Upper Valley Mechanical or Dartmouth Heating & Plumbing (separate from the college) handle a lot of the commercial and industrial work. They’re the ones installing systems in new medical office buildings, schools, and small manufacturing facilities.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. A general service plumber is needed, but one who can also handle boilers, hydronic systems, or commercial backflow prevention will get more calls and higher pay. The demand is less about new construction and more about service, repair, and retrofit of existing infrastructure.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has clear requirements for plumbers. It's not the most complex state to get licensed in, but you must follow the steps.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, typically 4-5 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training. You'll also need to complete classroom instruction.
2. Journeyman License: After your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the state exam. You must have your hours documented and verified by your employer.
3. Master License: To operate your own business or pull permits, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires at least two years as a journeyman and passing another exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: You earn while you learn. Your pay starts low and increases with experience.
• Exam Fees: The journeyman exam fee is around $150, and the master exam is similar.
• Licensing Fee: The journeyman license itself costs $175 (fee subject to change; always check with the NH Board of Plumbing & Gas Fitting).
• Timeline: From starting as a helper to holding a journeyman license is typically 4-5 years. The process is straightforward if you keep your records.

Pro Tip: The NH Board of Plumbing & Gas Fitting website is your best friend. Keep all your apprenticeship logs and pay stubs. In a small state like NH, the community is tight; a good reputation with the board inspectors goes a long way.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

You need a place that fits your budget and offers a reasonable commute. Lebanon’s commute is short—most places are 10-15 minutes away—but traffic around the hospital and college can add up.

1. West Lebanon (03784): This is the commercial heart. It's where DHMC, the main shopping plazas, and many contractors are located. Commuting is a breeze (usually under 10 minutes). It's a mix of older homes and new condos. The downside? Rents are on the higher side.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,500 - $1,700
   • Vibe: Convenient, busy, practical.

2. Downtown Lebanon (03766): Walkable, with a small-town feel, coffee shops, and the local theater. It's near Dartmouth College, so it has a more cultural vibe. Commute to DHMC is 5-10 minutes. Housing is a mix of apartments and small, older homes.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,400 - $1,600
   • Vibe: Community-focused, vibrant, slightly pricier for the charm.

3. Northfield / Lyme Road Area: This area is north of downtown, heading towards Dartmouth's main campus. It's quieter, more residential, with larger lots. The commute is still short (10-15 mins). It's popular with families and those who want more space.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,300 - $1,500 (harder to find; more 2BRs)
   • Vibe: Residential, quiet, collegiate.

4. White River Junction, VT (Just across the river): This is the "insider tip" for affordability. It's 5 minutes from downtown Lebanon. The Cost of Living Index is lower here, and you'll find more affordable apartments and houses. The trade-off is you'll pay a slightly higher property tax (VT) and get less snow removal on your street. The commute is easy via I-91/I-89.

   • Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,400
   • Vibe: Gritty, affordable, up-and-coming.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Lebanon isn't just about turning wrenches; it's about strategic specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding certifications can boost your pay by 10-20%.
  • Medical Gas Certification: (Covers systems in DHMC and clinics) - +$5 to $10/hour.
  • Backflow Prevention Tester: (Required for many commercial clients) - +$3 to $5/hour.
  • Hydronic/Boiler Specialist: (Critical for NH winters) - +$5 to $8/hour.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Technician: The classic path. You'll work solo, diagnose problems, and fix them. Pay is based on efficiency and sales of parts.
  2. Project Lead/Foreman: You'll run a crew for a contractor on a construction or remodel job. This is less about hands-on work and more about people management and scheduling.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal. With a master license and a good reputation, you can start your own one- or two-truck operation. The overhead is manageable in this market, and word-of-mouth is powerful.
• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): This growth will come from retirements (an aging workforce) and infrastructure upgrades (especially at DHMC and the college). The key to staying relevant will be adapting to new technologies: PEX systems, tankless water heaters, and efficient commercial boilers. The plumber who understands both old cast iron and new PEX will always have work.

The Verdict: Is Lebanon Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by DHMC and Dartmouth.	High Cost of Living: Especially housing.
Above-Average Pay: Median $65,060 beats the national average.	Limited Housing Stock: Competitive rental market.
Quality of Life: Safe, clean, four-season outdoor access.	Small Town Feel: Can be insular; you must build a reputation.
Strong Community: You know your customers and coworkers.	Seasonal Work: Winters are busy with frozen pipes, summers can slow for service.
Career Growth Path: Clear path to specialization and ownership.	Licensing Process: Takes 4-5 years of apprenticeship.

Final Recommendation:
Lebanon, NH, is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability over boom-and-bust cycles. It's perfect for someone willing to invest in the local community and build a long-term career. If you're a journeyman or master plumber looking for a change, the transition is smooth if you have your NH license or are willing to get it quickly.

It's not the best choice if you're looking for the highest possible salary without considering cost of living, or if you crave the anonymity of a large city. For a plumber who is skilled, reliable, and wants to own a home in a safe, outdoor-oriented community, Lebanon offers a realistic path to a solid middle-class life.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get licensed in NH if I'm already a plumber from another state?
If you hold a journeyman or master license from another state, NH has reciprocity with many states. You'll need to apply directly with the NH Board of Plumbing & Gas Fitting, provide proof of your license and hours, and possibly take the state-specific portion of the exam. The process can take 2-4 months.

2. Is the union strong in Lebanon?
UA Local 493 represents plumbers and pipefitters in the region, covering both NH and VT. Union jobs, especially at DHMC and large commercial contractors, offer great benefits and pensions. Non-union service companies are also prevalent. It's a personal choice, but knowing a union rep is a valuable connection.

3. What's the winter workload really like?
Brutal. February and March are peak season for frozen pipes and boiler failures. You'll work long, emergency hours. This is when you earn your extra pay, but it's physically and mentally demanding. Summers are slower, with more focus on remodels and new construction.

4. Do I need a truck and tools to get started?
As an apprentice, no. Your employer will provide most tools and a service vehicle. As a journeyman, many companies still provide trucks. If you go independent, you'll need to invest in a reliable van and a full set of tools (expect a $10,000-$20,000 initial investment).

5. What's the best way to find a job if I'm moving there?

1. Check the NH Board of Plumbing & Gas Fitting website for a list of licensed contractors.
2. Search for "plumber Lebanon NH" on Indeed and LinkedIn.
3. Call local mechanical contractors directly. Ask for the hiring manager. In a small market, a direct phone call shows initiative.
4. Network with suppliers like Morse's Lumber or F.W. Webb. They know who's hiring and who's good to work for.