Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering Derry CDP, NH.

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A Project Manager’s Guide to Derry CDP, NH

You’re looking at Derry, New Hampshire. Maybe you’ve heard it’s a great place to raise a family, or maybe you’re just looking for a tech corridor spot that isn’t Manchester. As a local who’s watched this town evolve from a bedroom community into a legitimate professional hub, I can tell you it’s a unique blend of New England town charm and pragmatic career growth. It’s not the bustling city center of Boston, nor is it the sprawling suburbs of southern New Hampshire. It’s Derry. It’s practical.

For a Project Manager, this means a market that values efficiency, reliability, and deep roots. The cost of living is higher than the national average, but the salaries reflect that. You’re trading space for opportunity and a specific lifestyle. This guide breaks down the math, the neighborhoods, and the long-term game plan for making it here.

The Salary Picture: Where Derry CDP Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. In Derry CDP, the median salary for a Project Manager is $104,804/year, with an hourly rate of $50.39/hour. This sits comfortably above the national average of $101,280/year. It’s a solid baseline, but as any PM knows, your experience dictates your value.

The job market here is tight but growing. With 43 Project Manager jobs currently listed in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%, the demand is stable, not explosive. This isn't a boomtown; it's a place for sustained career building.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically break down based on experience in the Derry area:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Derry CDP)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$75,000 - $90,000	Supports senior PMs, handles documentation, manages smaller sub-tasks, coordinates meetings.
Mid-Level	$95,000 - $115,000	Manages full project lifecycles, handles budgeting, mentors junior staff, interfaces with clients.
Senior-Level	$120,000 - $145,000	Oversees program portfolios, strategic planning, high-level stakeholder management, risk mitigation.
Expert/Lead	$150,000+	Director-level roles, sets methodology, drives organizational change, negotiates major contracts.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Derry offers a competitive salary for its cost of living. It’s more expensive than Manchester but offers a quieter lifestyle. Here’s how it stacks up against nearby hubs:

City	Median Salary (Project Manager)	1BR Rent Avg.	Cost of Living Index
Derry CDP	$104,804	$1,506	111.6
Manchester	$108,200	$1,650	113.4
Nashua	$106,500	$1,580	112.1
Portsmouth	$112,000	$1,850	121.5
Concord	$101,500	$1,350	109.8

Insider Tip: While Portsmouth pays more, the cost of living is significantly higher. Derry offers a "sweet spot" for PMs who want a reasonable commute to both Manchester and the Massachusetts border (and its higher salaries) without the price tag of the Seacoast.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $104,804 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly life? Let's run a practical budget. We’ll estimate taxes (federal, state, FICA) at roughly 25% of gross pay for this bracket, which is a standard ballpark for New Hampshire (which has no state income tax on wages, but high property taxes).

• Gross Monthly: $104,804 / 12 = $8,733
• Net Monthly (Est. 25% deductions): ~$6,550
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,506

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Income: $6,550)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,506	Median price for a decent unit in a safe neighborhood.
Utilities	$200	Electric, gas, internet. NH winters can spike heating costs.
Groceries	$450	For one person. NH doesn't tax prepared food or clothing, which helps.
Transportation	$400	Car payment/insurance/gas. Public transit is limited; a car is a must.
Healthcare	$300	Employer-sponsored plan (co-pays, deductibles).
Entertainment/Dining	$400	Derry has a growing scene but is cheaper than Boston.
Savings/Retirement	$1,000	15% of gross is a solid target.
Misc. & Buffer	$1,294	For emergencies, hobbies, shopping.
Remaining	~$0	This budget is tight but realistic.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the big question. The median home price in Derry is approximately $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), you’re looking at a mortgage of $340,000. At current interest rates (~7%), that’s a monthly payment of roughly $2,260 (principal & interest) plus property taxes and insurance.

The Verdict: On a single $104,804 salary, buying a home immediately is a stretch. It would consume over 50% of your net income. However, with a dual-income household or by saving aggressively for 2-3 years for a larger down payment, it becomes very feasible. Many PMs in Derry rent for 1-2 years to understand the market before buying.

Where the Jobs Are: Derry CDP's Major Employers

The job market here isn't dominated by one industry. It's a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, tech, and remote work. Here are the key players:

1. Southern New Hampshire Health (SNHH) - Derry Medical Center: A major employer in the region. They hire PMs for IT projects, facility expansions, and operational efficiency initiatives. The healthcare sector is recession-resistant.
2. BAE Systems: While their main office is in Nashua, they have a significant presence in the region. They hire PMs with security clearances for defense and aerospace projects. This is a premium employer with top-tier benefits.
3. Amazon (Nashua Fulfillment Center): Just down the road in Nashua, Amazon is a massive employer for logistics and operations PMs. The commute is easy (15-20 mins), and they offer competitive salaries that can outpace local averages.
4. Sig Sauer (Epping, NH): A short drive north, this firearms manufacturer is a major industrial employer. They hire project managers for manufacturing process improvements and new product launches.
5. Local Tech & Marketing Firms: Derry has a growing number of small-to-midsize tech companies and marketing agencies (like Thryv or smaller web dev shops) that need PMs to manage client projects. These roles often offer more flexibility and a closer-knit team environment.
6. State of New Hampshire Government: Concord is a 30-minute drive. State agencies (Department of Transportation, Health & Human Services) hire PMs for infrastructure and public health projects. The process is slower but offers unparalleled job stability and benefits.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a noticeable shift toward hybrid work. Many Derry-based PMs work remotely for Boston or NYC companies while living here. This allows them to leverage a higher salary ($120k+) while paying Derry's cost of living. Keep your LinkedIn profile sharp.

Getting Licensed in NH

Project Management is not a licensed profession in New Hampshire. You do not need a state-issued license to practice. However, certifications are the currency of credibility.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard. The exam costs ~$400-$550 (member vs. non-member). Re-certification is every 3 years.
• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): The entry-level PMI certification. Costs ~$225-$300. Great for those starting out.
• Agile Certifications (CSM, PMI-ACP): Highly valued in tech and software roles. Costs range from $1,000 (for a CSM course) to $500 for the exam-only route.

Timeline & Cost to Get Started:
If you have a bachelor's degree and 36 months of leading projects, you can qualify for the PMP. The process takes 2-3 months of study (using PMI's materials) and costs $500-$1,500 total (exam + study guide). In Derry, having your PMP can add a $10,000-$15,000 premium to your salary offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Derry is walkable in pockets but very car-dependent. Your choice depends on your lifestyle.

1. Derry Village: The historic heart of town. Walkable to shops, libraries, and parks. Great for families. You'll find older homes and new condos here.
   • Commute: Central to everything.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,800 for a 1BR.
2. East Derry: Quieter, more residential. Closer to the highway (I-93) for an easy commute to Manchester or Nashua. Larger lots, more suburban feel.
   • Commute: Excellent for regional travel.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600 for a 1BR.
3. West Derry: More rural, with direct access to Route 102. Great for those who want space and don't mind a slightly longer commute. The cost of living can be slightly lower here.
   • Commute: Best for those working in the western part of town or nearby Londonderry.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
4. Londonderry Border: Technically a different town, but the border is seamless. This area offers quick access to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and major highways. Ideal for business travelers.
   • Commute: Top-tier for regional and air travel.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700 for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: Avoid the areas too close to the "Derry Traffic Circle" if you value peace and quiet. It's a major commercial hub, and while convenient, traffic can be heavy.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Derry, career growth is about specialization and network. The 6% 10-year job growth indicates steady, not meteoric, expansion.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salaries go to PMs in IT/Software (especially with Agile/Scrum), Construction/Engineering (due to the region's growth), and Healthcare IT. A PMP is table stakes; a specialty certification (like PMI-ACP) is the differentiator.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager to Senior PM to Program Manager. In Derry, you might also move into Operations Management or Consulting. The network here is tight—getting involved with the NH Tech Alliance or PMI New Hampshire Chapter is crucial for advancement.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the growth of remote work, Derry PMs will increasingly compete with—and collaborate with—professionals in Boston. The key will be leveraging the lower cost of living while maintaining high-level skills. The local market will likely see more tech and healthcare projects, given the demographic trends.

The Verdict: Is Derry CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary: $104,804 median is strong for the cost of living.	High Rent & Home Prices: $1,506 rent and $425k homes are significant.
Strategic Location: Easy commute to Manchester, Nashua, and Boston.	Car Dependency: Public transit is sparse; you need a reliable vehicle.
Quality of Life: Excellent schools, low crime, family-friendly amenities.	Limited Nightlife: It's a suburb, not a city. Dining and entertainment are quieter.
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers from healthcare to defense.	Slower Growth: The 6% job growth is steady, not explosive.
No State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.	High Property Taxes: NH makes up for no income tax with high property taxes.

Final Recommendation:
Derry CDP is an excellent choice for mid-career Project Managers (3-10 years of experience) who value stability, good schools, and a reasonable commute to higher-salary markets. It's not the place for a recent graduate seeking a bustling, cheap city. It's a place to build a career and a life. If you can secure a salary at or above the median and are willing to start with a rental, Derry offers a fantastic, data-driven foundation for long-term growth. Come for the job, stay for the quiet New England charm.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living in Derry really 11.6% higher than the national average?
Yes, but it's nuanced. The 111.6 Cost of Living Index is heavily driven by housing prices. Other goods and services (like groceries, which aren't taxed on prepared food or clothing in NH) are closer to the national average. Your biggest expense will be rent or mortgage.

2. Do I need to live in Derry to work there?
Not necessarily. Many PMs live in surrounding towns like Londonderry, Windham, or Salem and commute 10-15 minutes. However, living in Derry puts you closer to the community and reduces commute times for in-town jobs.

3. How competitive is the job market for 43 openings?
With 43 openings in a metro of 21,668 people, the market is competitive but not impossible. These numbers (from sources like BLS and local job boards) indicate a steady demand. To stand out, you need a PMP and a tailored resume. Networking locally is key.

4. What's the commute like from Derry to Boston?
It's about 45-70 minutes by car, depending on traffic. This is a big reason PMs move here—they can access Boston salaries while living in a lower-cost area. However, daily commuting is draining. Most Derry PMs work hybrid or locally.

5. Is New Hampshire friendly to remote workers?
Extremely. The lack of state income tax is a huge draw for remote workers earning Boston or NYC salaries. Many Derry residents work remotely for companies on the East Coast. Just ensure you have a strong internet connection (fiber is available in parts of Derry).

Sources: Data compiled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, New Hampshire Employment Security, and local rental market analyses (Zillow, RentCafe) as of 2024. Salary data is specific to the Derry CDP metropolitan area.