Plumber in Nashua, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Nashua Stands

Plumbing is a skilled trade with steady demand, and Nashua’s market reflects that stability. Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a plumber in Nashua is $64,319/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.92/hour. This puts the local market slightly above the national average, which sits at $63,350/year. It’s a competitive wage for the region, especially considering the cost of living.

The job market itself is modest but consistent. There are currently 181 plumbing jobs listed in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which, while not explosive, signals a reliable and sustainable career path. This growth isn't about flashy booms; it's about the steady churn of an aging workforce, new construction in the city’s growing pockets, and the constant need for maintenance and repair in a climate with freezing winters.

To understand where you fit, here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression. These are industry-standard ranges adjusted for Nashua’s market, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job postings.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Nashua Annual Salary Range (Median)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $55,000	Apprentice tasks, basic repairs, support work. Often non-union.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$60,000 - $70,000	Lead service calls, installation of fixtures, code compliance.
Senior/Journeyman	5-10 years	$70,000 - $85,000+	Complex installations, commercial work, mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Master	10+ years	$85,000+	Business ownership, master licensing, design consultation, large projects.

Insider Tip: Union plumbers (Local 717) often have higher base rates and better benefits, especially for commercial and industrial work. A union journeyman can command $35-$42/hour plus benefits, pushing total compensation well above the median. Non-residential work (hospitals, data centers, manufacturing) typically pays a premium over residential service work.

How Nashua Compares to Other NH Cities

Nashua sits comfortably in the middle of New Hampshire’s plumbing salary landscape. It’s more affordable than the Seacoast (Portsmouth) and offers slightly better wages than the more rural parts of the state.

City	Median Annual Salary	Key Market Driver
Nashua (Metro)	$64,319	Mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial.
Portsmouth	~$68,000	High-end residential, commercial marine, and tourism-focused.
Manchester	~$65,500	Larger urban center, more union and commercial opportunities.
Concord	~$63,000	Government and state facility work.
Rochester/Dover	~$61,000	More residential, lower cost of living.

Nashua’s advantage is its location. You’re 45 minutes from Boston but in a state with no income tax and a manageable cost of living. The job market here isn’t driven by a single industry, which means more stability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about the finances. A $64,319 salary sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Nashua?

Assumptions for a single plumber:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,360 ($64,319 / 12)
• Estimated Taxes (NH has no state income tax, but federal & FICA apply): 22% = **$1,179**
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,181

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,489	The city-wide average.
Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water, Internet)	$200 - $300	Varies by season (heating costs spike in winter).
Groceries	$400	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential for commuting to job sites.
Fuel	$150 - $200	Commuting to nearby towns like Amherst or Hudson.
Health Insurance (If not provided)	$300 - $500	Check if union or employer offers it.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$500	Eating out, tools, savings.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,439 - $3,589
Remaining (Disposable Income)	~$592 - $742

Can you afford a home? It’s tight on a single median salary. With a $64,319 income, you’d likely qualify for a mortgage of around $250,000 - $280,000 (assuming $20,000 down and standard debt-to-income ratios). In Nashua’s current market, that’s a realistic starting point for a condo or a smaller single-family home, especially in neighborhoods like South End or Granite Street corridor. However, with only ~$600/month left after core expenses, saving for a down payment would require strict budgeting. Dual-income households have a significant advantage here.

Local Insight: The rental market is competitive. The $1,489/month average is for a standard 1BR. You can find cheaper in older buildings in the North End or for a roommate situation. Many plumbers live in neighboring towns like Hudson or Londonderry for slightly lower rents and a shorter commute to job sites in Nashua and southern NH.

Where the Jobs Are: Nashua's Major Employers

Nashua’s plumbing economy is a mix of large union contractors, specialized service companies, and in-house facilities roles. Here are the key players:

1. Nashua Plumbing & Heating (Local Institution): A long-standing, full-service company handling residential and light commercial work. They are a go-to for older homes in the historic districts. They often hire apprentices and journeyman-level techs. Hiring tends to pick up in spring and fall.

2. Merrimack Valley Plumbing & Heating (Union Contractor): Based in nearby Merrimack, this shop handles major commercial and institutional projects (like schools and hospitals). They are part of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 717. Getting in here usually requires union apprenticeship placement. The work is steady and the pay/benefits are excellent.

3. St. Joseph Hospital (Part of Dartmouth-Hitchcock): As a major healthcare employer in Nashua, they have an in-house facilities and maintenance team. These are highly sought-after, stable positions with great benefits. They handle all medical gas lines, steam systems, and plumbing for the entire facility. Competition for openings is high.

4. The Nashua School District: Another large institutional employer. The district’s facilities department is responsible for plumbing maintenance across all schools. These jobs offer a good work-life balance, summers off (with some maintenance), and a pension.

5. Nashua Wastewater Treatment Facility: City of Nashua jobs include positions for wastewater operators and maintenance plumbers. These are civil service jobs with strong pensions and benefits. The work is critical infrastructure and highly secure.

6. Local HVAC & Plumbing Firms: Companies like P.G. Smith Mechanical and Town & Country Heating & Plumbing serve the broader Nashua region. They are often the first call for emergency repairs and system replacements in suburbs like Amherst and Bedford. These firms manage a mix of residential and commercial work.

Hiring Trend: The most consistent demand is for journeyman-level plumbers who can work independently on service and repair calls. The commercial sector is seeing steady investment, particularly in healthcare and technology facilities, driving demand for specialized piping and medical gas work.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a clear, structured licensing process managed by the NH State Board of Plumbers & Gas Fitters. You cannot legally perform plumbing work without proper licensing.

Requirements to Become a Journeyman Plumber:

• Education: Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (4 years, 8,000 hours minimum on-the-job training, and 576 classroom hours).
• Exam: Pass the Journeyman Plumber exam (National Standard Plumbing Code-based).
• Application: Submit an application to the NH Board with proof of apprenticeship completion and exam passage.
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $150. License fee is $35 annually. Apprenticeship programs have additional fees (often a few hundred dollars per year, covered by some employers).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Apprenticeship Application: Can take 3-6 months to get placed, depending on union vs. non-union and competition.
• Apprenticeship: 4 years total.
• Journeyman License: Available immediately upon completing apprenticeship and passing the exam.
• Master Plumber License: Requires 5 years as a journeyman and passing a more complex exam. Allows for business ownership and supervising other plumbers.

Insider Tip: If you’re already licensed in another state, NH has reciprocity with many states (like MA, ME, VT). You’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement, which often involves an exam. Check directly with the NH Board for the latest reciprocity agreements.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. For plumbers, proximity to job sites and major routes (like the F.E. Everett Turnpike and Route 3) is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Plumbers
South End	Quiet, residential, mix of older and newer homes. 5-10 min to downtown.	$1,500 - $1,700	Central location. Easy access to most job sites in Nashua and surrounding towns. Great for families.
North End	More urban, walkable to downtown, close to St. Joseph Hospital.	$1,400 - $1,600	Lowest rent in the city. Short commute to commercial jobs downtown and hospital work.
Granite Street Corridor	Transitional, mix of apartments and small homes, close to major shopping/plazas.	$1,300 - $1,500	Affordable, with quick access to the Turnpike for jobs in Manchester or the Northeast.
The "Ledges" / West Nashua	Suburban, quiet, near the Nashua Country Club.	$1,600 - $1,800	Great if you work for a company serving the western suburbs (Amherst, Milford). More family-oriented.
Nashua Riverfront	Older, character-filled homes near the Merrimack River.	$1,450 - $1,650	Proximity to downtown and the historic district. Older homes often need plumbing work, so you’re close to your customer base.

Commute Insight: Most plumbing work vanishes around Nashua, but many contractors service the entire Southern NH region. If you live in South Nashua, you’re 10 minutes from the highway to get to Derry or Londonderry for work. Living in North Nashua puts you closer to Manchester and Hooksett. Traffic is minimal compared to Boston, but the highway to Boston (Route 3) gets congested during rush hour.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in Nashua isn’t just about fixing leaks. There are clear paths for advancement and specialization, which directly impact your earnings.

Specialty Premiums (Annual Salary Boost):

• Medical Gas Installation: +$10,000 - $15,000. Critical for hospital work.
• Backflow Prevention Testing: +$5,000 - $8,000. Certification required; high demand for commercial clients.
• Irrigation Systems: +$7,000 - $12,000. Common in suburban landscaping businesses.
• Hydronic Heating (Boilers): +$8,000 - $10,000. Niche but steady, especially in older NH homes.
• Pipefitting (Industrial): +$12,000 - $20,000. For union plumbers working in power plants, mills, or large commercial sites.

Advancement Paths:

1. From Apprentice to Journeyman: The first big jump, moving from support to lead technician.
2. Service Manager: Overseeing a team of service plumbers. Requires business skills.
3. Estimator/Project Manager: For those in the commercial sector, planning and bidding jobs.
4. Master Plumber / Business Owner: The ultimate goal. You can start your own contracting business, though insurance and overhead are significant. Nashua’s mix of old and new housing stock provides a steady stream of customers for a small business.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth rate means the field will expand. The biggest factor is the aging workforce—many master plumbers are nearing retirement. This creates opportunities for journeyman plumbers to step into leadership roles and start their own businesses. The demand for eco-friendly systems (high-efficiency boilers, water-saving fixtures) and smart home plumbing tech will also create new niches.

The Verdict: Is Nashua Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average pay relative to national and regional averages.	Housing costs are rising, squeezing the budget for single-income earners.
Short, low-stress commutes compared to major metros.	Job market is not as large as Boston or Manchester; fewer "big shop" opportunities.
No state income tax and relatively low other taxes.	Winters can be harsh, which can mean frozen pipes (more emergency work) but also difficult outdoor conditions.
Stable, diversified economy with healthcare, tech, and manufacturing.	Limited nightlife/cultural scene compared to larger cities. More of a "live to work" town.
Excellent work-life balance and access to outdoor recreation (hiking, lakes).	Union presence is smaller than in some other NH towns; non-union work is common.

Final Recommendation: Nashua is an excellent choice for plumbers, particularly those who are early to mid-career and value stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a good work-life balance. It’s a "sweet spot" market: not as competitive as Boston for jobs, but offering better pay and more opportunity than rural New Hampshire. It’s ideal for someone who wants to build a career, potentially start a family, and own a home within a reasonable timeframe. If you’re looking for the highest possible earnings and a buzzing urban environment, you might look to Portsmouth or Boston. But for a sustainable, well-compensated trade career in a manageable city, Nashua is a strong contender.

FAQs

1. I’m a licensed plumber in Massachusetts. Can I work in Nashua?
Yes, but you need to secure a New Hampshire license. NH has reciprocity with MA. You’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement through the NH State Board of Plumbers & Gas Fitters. You may be required to take the NH exam portions related to state-specific codes. Contact the board directly for the current process.

2. What’s the demand for emergency service plumbers in Nashua?
High, especially in winter. Frozen pipes are a common issue from December to March. Many local companies have 24/7 emergency teams. This work can be lucrative but requires being on-call and working irregular hours. It’s a great way for a journeyman to earn extra income or for a company to increase its revenue.

3. Is it worth joining a union in Nashua?
It depends on your career goals. Union plumbers (Local 717) typically earn higher hourly wages and have strong benefit packages (healthcare, pension). The work is often on larger commercial/industrial projects. Non-union plumbers have more flexibility in choosing employers and may get faster advancement in small residential companies. Research both paths.

4. How do I find an apprenticeship in the Nashua area?
The primary route is through the New Hampshire Plumbing & Heating Contractors Association or the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 717. They coordinate apprenticeship programs. You can also ask local companies (like Nashua Plumbing & Heating) if they sponsor apprentices. The process is competitive, so having a clean driving record and a willingness to learn is essential.

5. What is the best way to prepare for the NH plumbing exam?
The exam is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and NH State Amendments. The best preparation is through your state-approved apprenticeship program. For self-study, the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association offers study guides. Also, the NH Board’s website has exam information and references. Practicing with the codebook is key—knowing how to navigate it quickly is half the battle.