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

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Career Guide: Plumbing in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

As a career analyst who has spent years tracking the labor market in the Seacoast region, I can tell you that Portsmouth is a unique market. It’s a historic coastal city with a booming tourism and service economy, but it’s also part of the greater Portsmouth-Rochester metro area, which has a distinct job ecosystem. For a plumber, this means a mix of high-end residential work, commercial service contracts, and seasonal demand tied to the weather and the tourist season. If you’re considering a move here, you need to understand the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the licensing hurdles before you pack your tools.

This guide is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the New Hampshire Department of Justice (which handles licensing), and local market analysis. It’s designed to give you a clear, no-nonsense picture of what your career as a plumber in Portsmouth looks like.

The Salary Picture: Where Portsmouth Stands

Portsmouth’s economy is strong, but the cost of living is significantly higher than the national average. Your wages must reflect that. According to the most recent BLS data for the Portsmouth-Rochester metro area, the median annual salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $65,554/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.52/hour.

This positions the region slightly above the national average of $63,350/year. However, that premium is necessary to offset the local cost of living. For context, the metro area has an estimated 44 job openings for plumbers at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady and stable, driven by the constant need for maintenance in older homes and new construction in developing areas.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries vary widely based on experience and specialty. Here’s how the numbers typically break down in the Portsmouth market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Equivalent	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00	Often starts as a helper. Licensed apprentices can command the higher end.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $70,000	$27.88 - $33.65	Fully licensed Journeyman. Can handle most residential and light commercial jobs.
Senior (8-15 years)	$72,000 - $85,000	$34.62 - $40.87	Master Plumber status. Often leads crews, handles complex installs, and writes estimates.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$85,000 - $100,000+	$40.87 - $48.08+	Focus on high-end systems (hydronic heating, medical gas, industrial), or business ownership.

Note: These ranges are local estimates based on the median and typical industry progression. Union positions (Local 788) can push the high end.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Portsmouth is not the highest-paying city in New Hampshire, but it offers a strong balance. Granite State cities with heavy industrial bases often pay more, but with a higher cost of living and fewer residential opportunities.

City	Median Salary	Key Market Driver	Cost of Living (vs. US Avg)
Portsmouth	$65,554	Residential/Commercial Mix, Tourism	111.6
Manchester	$68,200	Industrial, Municipal, Healthcare	105.2
Nashua	$66,100	Manufacturing, Tech Corridor	108.8
Concord	$64,900	Government, State Facilities	103.5
Keene	$61,800	Education (Keene State), Residential	98.1

Data Source: BLS, local market analysis.

Insider Tip: Don’t just chase the highest number. Manchester’s median is slightly higher, but the work is often more industrial and union-heavy. Portsmouth offers a wider variety of job types, which can be better for building a diverse skill set.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary is one thing; your disposable income is another. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary of $65,554/year, assuming a typical single filer with no dependents and a standard deduction.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber earning $65,554/year)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,463	($65,554 / 12)
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$1,150	Approx. 21% effective rate. NH has no state income tax on wages, but has a 5% Dividends & Interest Tax.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$4,313	This is your post-tax cash flow.
Average 1BR Rent	$1,582	Citywide average. See neighborhood breakdown below.
Utilities (Est.)	$250	Includes heat, electric, water, internet.
Transportation	$350	Gas, insurance, maintenance. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored plan contribution.
Food & Groceries	$400	For one person.
Remaining Discretionary	$1,431	This covers savings, debt payments, retirement, and entertainment.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The short answer is: It’s challenging but possible with discipline and a partner’s income. The median home price in Portsmouth is well over $500,000. A 20% down payment on a $500k home is $100,000. With a $4,313 monthly take-home and a $1,582 rent, saving $100,000 would take years without aggressive savings.

However, many plumbers in the region are in dual-income households or purchase homes in more affordable neighboring towns like Rochester or Dover (cost of living index ~100). An FHA loan with a lower down payment is an option, but your monthly mortgage payment would be significantly higher than your current rent. You’d need a strong credit score and likely a co-borrower.

Insider Tip: Many local plumbing companies offer profit-sharing or bonus structures, especially for those who take on service call roles or work overtime during peak seasons (winter freezes). This can be a crucial boost to your savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Portsmouth's Major Employers

The plumbing job market here is a mix of small, family-run shops and larger regional contractors. The most stable jobs are with companies that have long-term service contracts with local institutions. Here are the key players:

1. Crown Plumbing & Heating (Portsmouth): A staple in the city. They handle a lot of the historic home restorations in the South End and commercial work downtown. They’re known for investing in apprentices and have a strong reputation. Hiring trends: steady, with a preference for local candidates with a clean driving record.

2. P. G. Thibeault (Rochester, serves Portsmouth): A larger mechanical contractor. They do significant commercial and industrial work, including for Portsmouth Regional Hospital (a major local employer) and some municipal projects. They often hire for pipefitter roles. Hiring trends: project-based, with a need for specialists in medical gas and hydronic systems.

3. A. B. Electrical & Plumbing (Kittery, ME - just across the bridge): While technically in Maine, they serve the entire Seacoast. They have a strong residential focus and are known for modern bathroom remodels and high-efficiency boiler installations. Hiring trends: looking for journeyman plumbers with experience in modern fixture installation and customer service.

4. City of Portsmouth Public Works: The city maintains its own infrastructure, including water and sewer lines. These are municipal jobs with excellent benefits and pensions. They are highly competitive. Hiring trends: openings are rare and posted on the city’s official website. They often require a CDL.

5. Portsmouth Regional Hospital (Part of HCA Healthcare): The hospital’s in-house facilities team is a major employer. This work is less about new construction and more about 24/7 maintenance, backflow prevention, and ensuring sterile water systems. Hiring trends: stable, with a need for technicians who understand healthcare compliance.

6. Local Unions (UA Local 788): While not a direct employer, the union hall is a critical resource. They connect members with high-wage commercial and industrial projects throughout the Seacoast and Southern Maine. Hiring trends: strong for large-scale projects like the new developments at the former Portsmouth Naval Shipyard or the Pease Tradeport.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a clear, but strictly enforced, licensing path. You cannot work as a plumber without proper licensure. The process is managed by the New Hampshire Department of Justice, Board of Plumbing & Gas Fitting Examiners.

The Path to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (4,000 hours of on-the-job training) OR have 8,000 hours of documented plumbing experience under a master plumber. The New Hampshire Department of Labor oversees apprenticeship programs.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship and hours, you must pass the New Hampshire State Plumbing Exam. The exam fee is approximately $150. Once licensed, you can work independently under a master plumber.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires a minimum of 2 years as a licensed journeyman and passing the Master Plumber exam. This allows you to run your own business and pull permits. Exam fee is also around $150.

Timeline & Costs Breakdown:

Step	Estimated Time	Key Costs
Apprenticeship	4 Years	Low cost. You earn while you learn. Union dues may apply.
Journeyman Exam & License	Post-Apprenticeship	$150 (Exam) + $150 (Initial License Fee) + Background Check (~$50)
Master Plumber License	2+ Years as Journeyman	$150 (Exam) + $150 (License Fee)

Total Estimated Cost to Journeyman: ~$350 (plus any training materials or union dues).

Insider Tip: The NH board website has the full application packet. Start gathering your work experience logs now. If you’re moving from another state, NH has reciprocity with some states, but not all. Check the board’s website for the current list.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your rent, and your lifestyle. Portsmouth itself is small, but the job market extends into surrounding towns.

Neighborhood/Town	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Downtown	Pros & Cons
Portsmouth (City Center)	$1,850 - $2,200	5-15 min walk/bike	Pro: No commute, walk to everything. Con: Highest rent, parking is a nightmare. Best for those without a work van.
Portsmouth (West End)	$1,600 - $1,900	10-15 min drive	Pro: More residential, quieter, easier parking. Con: Still pricey.
Dover, NH	$1,400 - $1,600	20-25 min drive	Pro: Significantly cheaper, vibrant downtown, major employer (Dover Hospital). Con: Commute via Route 101 can be congested.
Rochester, NH	$1,200 - $1,450	25-30 min drive	Pro: Most affordable option, industrial job base. Con: Less "coastal" vibe, older housing stock.
Newington, NH	$1,500 - $1,750	10-15 min drive	Pro: Close to Portsmouth, wooded lots, good schools. Con: Very limited rental inventory, mostly single-family homes.

Insider Tip: If you get a job with a company that services the whole Seacoast (like Crown or P.G. Thibeault), living in Dover or Rochester gives you central access to the entire service area and saves hundreds on rent. The commute is worth the financial breathing room.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in Portsmouth doesn’t have to plateau at journeyman level. The region’s specific needs create opportunities for specialization, which come with significant pay premiums.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas: Plumbers certified to work on medical gas systems in hospitals and clinics (like Portsmouth Regional) can command $5-$10/hour more than general plumbers. This is a niche that’s always in demand.
  • Hydronic Heating & Geothermal: With New England’s cold winters, specialists in efficient heating systems are highly sought after. The push for green energy also benefits those trained in geothermal loop installations.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification in backflow testing and repair is a recurring revenue stream. Businesses and municipal systems require annual testing, creating steady side work or service contract opportunities.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Service & Sales Tech: Moving from installation to service work, where you diagnose and repair issues. Top techs often have a commission-based pay structure, leading to higher earnings ($75,000+).
  • Foreman/Project Manager: For those who enjoy leadership, overseeing a crew on a commercial project is a natural step.
  • Business Ownership: Starting your own shop is the ultimate goal. The 10-year job growth of 6% suggests a stable market, but competition is high. Success depends on reputation, specialization, and targeting underserved niches (e.g., septic system servicing in outlying towns).

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is slower than the national average for some trades, but it’s resilient. The housing stock in Portsmouth and the Seacoast is old, requiring constant upkeep. Furthermore, the region’s focus on high-end residential and commercial development (like the new life sciences buildings at Pease) will continue to drive demand for skilled plumbers. The key to long-term growth is adaptation—staying current with water-saving technologies, corrosion-resistant piping, and smart home integration.

The Verdict: Is Portsmouth Right for You?

Portsmouth offers a high quality of life, a stable job market, and a beautiful coastal setting. But it demands a high income to match its cost of living. Here’s the final breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers from hospitals to hotels.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep.
High Earning Potential: Wages are above national average, with overtime opportunities.	Competitive Licensing: Strict requirements and exams.
Varied Work: From historic home restorations to modern commercial systems.	Seasonal Demand: Winter freezes can mean 60-hour weeks; summer can be slower.
Excellent Quality of Life: Coastal access, great food, historic charm.	Limited Housing Stock: Finding a rental or a home near work is tough.
Strong Network: A tight-knit trade community.	Commute Considerations: Living affordably means a commute.

Final Recommendation:
Portsmouth is an excellent choice for a mid-career plumber (Journeyman level) who is willing to live in a neighboring town like Dover or Rochester to manage housing costs. It’s less ideal for an entry-level apprentice unless you have a strong local support system or are entering a formal apprenticeship with a local company. The market rewards specialization and reliability. If you have your NH Journeyman License, clean driving record, and are interested in adding a specialty like medical gas or hydronics, Portsmouth provides a robust and rewarding career path. For a business owner, the high-end residential market is particularly lucrative, but it requires impeccable customer service and networking.

The bottom line: If you value a career with clear growth paths and a beautiful place to live, and you’re financially savvy, Portsmouth is a solid investment. If you’re looking for the absolute lowest cost of living or the highest raw industrial wages, you might look toward Manchester or the Lakes Region instead.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to know about saltwater corrosion for plumbing jobs in Portsmouth?
A: Yes, absolutely. While most residential plumbing uses PVC or PEX for supply lines, the coastal air and saltwater can accelerate corrosion on any metal components, including drain lines, sewer pipes, and especially water heaters and outdoor fixtures. Employers will value your knowledge of materials like copper with proper dielectric unions and corrosion-resistant fittings.

Q: Is there a union presence in Portsmouth?
A: Yes, **United