Plumber in Rochester, NH

Alright, let’s talk about becoming a plumber in Rochester, New Hampshire. If you’re considering a move here, or you’re a local starting your career, this guide is for you. I’m not going to sell you on Rochester—I’m going to give you the straight facts, from someone who knows the city’s plumbing needs, its neighborhoods, and what it takes to earn a good living with a wrench in your hand.

Rochester isn’t the biggest city in New Hampshire, but it’s a workhorse. It’s a nexus point between the Seacoast, the Lakes Region, and the larger metropolitan area of Manchester and Boston. That means a steady demand for skilled trades. The local economy is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and the day-to-day needs of a population of over 32,000. For a plumber, that translates to consistent work—if you know where to look and what you’re worth.

Let’s break it down, piece by piece.

The Salary Picture: Where Rochester Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. You need to know what you can expect to make. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Rochester-Dover metropolitan area, the numbers are solid. The median salary for a plumber here is $65,554 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.52. For context, the national average for plumbers is $63,350/year. So, right out of the gate, Rochester pays slightly better than the national average—a good sign.

But median is just the middle point. Your actual earnings will depend heavily on your experience, specialization, and whether you work for a company or run your own show. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Likely Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $55,000	Apprentice tasks: trenching, pipe cutting, basic fixture installs, assisting senior techs.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$60,000 - $75,000	Independent service calls, residential rough-ins, water heater installations, diagnosing common issues.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Complex commercial/industrial work, project management, mentoring apprentices, specialty systems (medical gas, hydronics).
Master Plumber/Business Owner	$90,000 - $120,000+	Business overhead, bidding projects, managing crews, high-end residential and commercial contracts.

How does this compare to other NH cities? It’s competitive. For example, the Manchester-Nashua metro area has a higher cost of living and slightly higher median pay, but the job market is also more saturated. Meanwhile, a city like Concord might see similar pay but with a different mix of public sector vs. private jobs. The key advantage in Rochester is the lower competition compared to the southern part of the state, combined with the ability to serve multiple regions from one central location.

Insider Tip: The 6% 10-year job growth for the metro area (BLS projection) is crucial. It’s not explosive, but it’s steady and reliable. This growth is driven by an aging infrastructure in older Rochester neighborhoods (think Forest Park or the older parts of East Rochester) and the ongoing development along the Route 125 corridor. In a trade like plumbing, steady growth is more valuable than a boom-and-bust cycle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what a $65,554 salary means for your monthly budget. Using a simplified tax estimate (federal, state, FICA), your take-home pay will be roughly $4,200 - $4,400 per month, depending on your filing status and deductions.

Now, the biggest variable: housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Rochester is $1,582/month. The Cost of Living Index is 111.6 (US average = 100), meaning you’re paying about 12% more for everyday goods and services than the national average. So, is it affordable?

Let’s run a sample monthly budget for a mid-career plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
After-Tax Income	~$4,300	Based on $65,554 annual salary.
Rent (1BR)	$1,582	The city average. You can find lower in some areas.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$250 - $350	Varies by season; NH winters are cold.
Groceries & Household	$450 - $550	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential in Rochester; public transit is limited.
Healthcare	$250 - $400	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous (Food, Fun, Savings)	$600 - $800	This is your flexibility zone.

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but possible, especially if you’re a two-income household or have significant savings. The median home price in Rochester is around $375,000. A 20% down payment is $75,000. With a mortgage rate of 6-7%, your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,400/month. That’s a significant jump from renting. For a single plumber on the median salary, buying a home would require extreme budgeting, likely living in a more affordable neighborhood, or waiting until your income moves to the senior or expert level ($75,000+).

Insider Tip: Many local plumbers buy homes in the more affordable outlying towns like Farmington or Milton, where prices are lower, and commute into Rochester for work. The commute is short (15-20 minutes), and the savings can be substantial.

Where the Jobs Are: Rochester's Major Employers

Rochester’s plumbing job market is a mix of large companies, mid-sized local firms, and independent operators. The 65 jobs in the metro area (BLS data) might seem small, but they are stable. Here are the key players and where to find opportunities:

1. Spaulding Mechanical: Located in Rochester, this is one of the region's largest mechanical contractors. They handle large commercial and institutional projects (including work for Frisbie Memorial Hospital). They hire apprentices and journeymen consistently. Hiring trends lean toward candidates with OSHA 30 and commercial experience.
2. Frisbie Memorial Hospital (Part of UMass Memorial Health): The hospital itself has in-house maintenance and facilities teams. While they may not always have openings, when they do, it’s for a stable, benefits-heavy position. They also use local contractors for major projects, so getting on a preferred contractor list is a smart move.
3. Local HVAC/Plumbing Companies: Firms like N.H. Plumbing & Heating and Yeti Mechanical (serving the Seacoast) are major employers for residential and light commercial work. They value technicians with strong customer service skills and the ability to work independently.
4. The City of Rochester Public Works: The city maintains its own water and sewer infrastructure. Jobs here are competitive, often requiring a CDL and passing civil service exams. Check the city’s official website for postings. It’s a public sector path with great benefits.
5. Manufacturing Facilities: Companies like L3Harris Technologies (in nearby Portsmouth, but many employees live in Rochester) and Ally Financial (in Rochester) have large facilities that require on-site maintenance crews, including plumbers.
6. Residential Builders & Developers: As new subdivisions go up along Route 125 and in surrounding towns, plumbing contractors get steady work. Companies like Tilcon (though more aggregate) and local builders need subs. Networking at the Rochester Chamber of Commerce events is key here.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable push toward plumbers who can handle modern systems: PEX, tankless water heaters, and smart water leak detection. Commercial experience is a premium. The trend is also toward more specialization—being the go-to guy for backflow prevention or medical gas can set you apart.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a straightforward but strict licensing process managed by the New Hampshire Board of Plumbers & Gas Fitters. You cannot work as a plumber without a license.

1. Apprenticeship (4 years): You must complete a state-approved 4-year apprenticeship program (hourly, on-the-job training) and 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. You’ll earn while you learn. Your starting wage will be at the entry-level range ($45k-$55k), increasing each year.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the state journeyman exam. This allows you to work independently under a master plumber. There is no additional licensing fee for the exam itself, but you must pay to take it.
3. Master Plumber License: To work for yourself or own a business, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires 4 years as a licensed journeyman and passing the master exam. You’ll also need to secure business insurance and registration.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: A program fee may apply (often a few hundred dollars per year). You earn a wage, so it’s an investment that pays for itself.
• Exams: Exam fees are typically $150 - $250 (check the Board’s current fee schedule).
• Total Time: From day one of your apprenticeship to holding a Master’s license, you’re looking at a minimum of 8 years. However, you can start earning a journeyman salary after 4 years.

Insider Tip: The New Hampshire Plumbers & Gas Fitters Training Center in Manchester is a primary resource. They offer prep courses for the state exams. Enrolling in a prep course before you take the test is highly recommended—it significantly increases your pass rate.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Rochester has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character.

1. Downtown Rochester: Walkable, with a mix of old apartments and new conversions. Rent is close to the city average ($1,500 - $1,700). You’re central to everything, but parking can be a hassle. Great for someone who wants to be in the heart of the action and doesn’t mind a small space.
2. Forest Park: A historic neighborhood with beautiful, older homes (early 1900s). It’s quiet and residential. Rent is similar to downtown, but you get more character. The plumbing in these homes is often old, meaning more service work for locals. A great place to live if you understand the quirks of older systems.
3. East Rochester: More suburban, with single-family homes and larger apartments. Rent is slightly below average ($1,400 - $1,600). Commute is easy to the industrial parks and major plumbing companies. Ideal for a young family or someone who wants a bit more space.
4. Gonic: A village within Rochester, with a mix of rural and suburban feel. You can find houses with yards here. Rent is comparable to East Rochester. Commute is short, and it’s close to Route 125 for easy access to other towns. Good for someone who wants a quieter lifestyle but stays close to work.
5. Milton (Just South): Not technically Rochester, but a 10-minute commute. Rent and home prices are significantly lower. You get more land, a small-town feel, and easy access to Rochester jobs. A top choice for those prioritizing affordability and space.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career as a plumber in Rochester isn’t just about fixing leaks. It’s about specializing and expanding your scope.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding certifications can bump your pay significantly. Backflow prevention certification is in high demand due to local water regulations, adding $5-$10/hour to your rate. Medical gas certification is a golden ticket for hospital and commercial work. Hydronics and radiant heating skills are sought after for high-end residential projects.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Technician: Master residential/commercial service. You’ll diagnose and fix problems on the fly. High earning potential with commissions.
  2. Project Foreman: Move into management, overseeing crews for new construction or large renovation projects.
  3. Business Owner: Start your own small company. This is the ultimate goal for many, offering the highest income ceiling but with significant business overhead and risk.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 6% job growth, the field is stable. The key will be adapting to new technologies—water-efficient fixtures, smart home integration, and advanced leak detection. Plumbers who embrace these changes will be in the best position. The aging workforce also means there will be plenty of service work as older systems fail.

The Verdict: Is Rochester Right for You?

Here’s a final, balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 6% growth and steady demand from housing and infrastructure.	Cost of Living: 11.6% above national average, primarily due to housing and energy.
Competitive Pay: Median salary ($65,554) is above the national average.	Limited Job Pool: Only 65 jobs in the metro; competition for the best positions can be stiff.
Central Location: Easy to serve the Seacoast, Lakes Region, and Southern NH.	Harsh Winters: Frozen pipes and heating system failures are a major part of the winter workload (and your personal life).
Diverse Work: From historic home repairs to commercial projects.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle for commuting and service calls. Public transit is not viable.
Quality of Life: Good schools, low crime, and access to outdoor recreation.	Slower Pace: If you crave a major city vibe, Rochester may feel too small.

Final Recommendation:
Rochester is an excellent choice for a plumber who is practical, self-motivated, and values stability over high-flying excitement. It’s a place where you can build a solid career, earn a good living, and potentially own a home if you manage your finances carefully. It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a fast-paced, high-density urban environment or if you’re unwilling to handle the physical demands of a NH winter.

If you’re starting your apprenticeship or are a journeyman looking for a change, Rochester offers a balanced, realistic path to a successful plumbing career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to specialize to make good money in Rochester?
A: Not to start, but it helps long-term. You can earn the median salary as a general service plumber. However, specializing in areas like backflow, commercial work, or medical systems can push you toward the $75,000 - $90,000 range faster and make you more recession-proof.

Q: Is there a lot of union work in Rochester?
A: The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 496 (based in Manchester) covers New Hampshire. Some large commercial projects (like hospital work) may be unionized. For residential and smaller commercial work, most companies are non-union. It’s worth contacting the local to see which projects are active in the area.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers in Rochester?
A: Two things: the winter and the age of the housing stock. Winter means long hours dealing with frozen pipes and boiler failures. The older homes require knowledge of galvanized steel and cast iron pipe systems, which are less common in new construction.

Q: Can I work as a plumber without a license in NH?
A: No. It is illegal. You must be a licensed apprentice, journeyman, or master plumber. The state board is active in enforcement. Working unlicensed risks fines and makes you unemployable with reputable companies.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship program?
A: Contact the New Hampshire Plumbers & Gas Fitters Joint Apprenticeship Committee. They can connect you with local contractors who are hiring apprentices. You can also apply directly to companies like Spaulding Mechanical or Yeti Mechanical and ask about their apprenticeship opportunities.