Project Manager in Keene, NH

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Keene, New Hampshire.

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The Salary Picture: Where Keene Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Keene isn't a major metropolitan hub for project management like Boston or Manchester. The job market is smaller but stable. Let's cut right to the numbers because that's what matters when you're planning a move.

The median salary for a Project Manager in Keene is $104,014/year, with an hourly rate of $50.01. This is actually slightly above the national average for the role, which sits at $101,280/year. This is a key point: while the cost of living is higher than the U.S. average, your earning potential here is competitive.

However, the job market is tight. There are only about 45 Project Manager jobs in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is modest at 6%. This means you'll need to be strategic about your search, and often roles are filled through networking rather than public postings.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in our region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $88,000
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$95,000 - $115,000
Senior (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $130,000
Expert/Program Director	$125,000+

How Keene Compares to Other NH Cities:

• Manchester/Nashua: Salaries are generally 5-10% higher here due to the density of tech, finance, and healthcare employers, but the cost of living and commute traffic are significantly worse.
• Portsmouth: Salaries are on par or slightly higher, but the cost of living, especially housing, is dramatically higher than Keene.
• Concord: Salaries are very similar to Keene, but the market is slightly larger due to state government and related contractors.

Insider Tip: In Keene, your salary is often tied more closely to the specific employer (e.g., a hospital vs. a manufacturing firm) than to a strict corporate ladder. Don't be afraid to negotiate if you have PMP certification and relevant industry experience.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. A median salary of $104,014/year translates to approximately $8,668/month before taxes. After federal, state (5%), and FICA taxes, you're looking at a net take-home of roughly $6,200 - $6,500/month, depending on your deductions.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Keene is $1,471/month. This is a significant portion of your income, but manageable on a Project Manager's salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	-$6,300	(After taxes)
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,471
Utilities (Electric/Heat/Internet)	-$250	NH winters = high heating costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	-$500
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	-$300	Varies widely.
Student Loans/Debt	-$400	Adjust based on your situation.
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment)	-$600
Remaining for Savings/Investment	$2,329

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of Keene's biggest draws. While the median home price is rising, it's still far more attainable than in southern New Hampshire. A median-priced home of around $350,000 with a 20% down payment ($70,000) would have a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $2,100 - $2,300. On a $104,014/year salary, this is within the recommended 28-30% of gross income range. Many Project Managers here are homeowners within a few years of moving.

Where the Jobs Are: Keene's Major Employers

The 45 open jobs are concentrated at a handful of key employers. You're not going to find a massive tech campus, but you will find stable, well-paying organizations that need skilled PMs.

1. Cheshire Medical Center (Dartmouth Health): The largest employer in the region. They constantly have projects for EMR (Electronic Medical Record) upgrades, facility expansions, and process improvements. Hiring is steady, and they value PMI-certified professionals. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on IT and healthcare administration projects.

2. Keene State College: A major public college with ongoing capital projects, IT infrastructure upgrades, and program development initiatives. Roles here often blend project management with administrative duties. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, often aligned with the academic year and state budget cycles.

3. Manufacturing Firms (Bristol-Myers Squibb, C&S Wholesale Grocers): Keene has a strong manufacturing and logistics base. BMS has a large biologics facility that requires PMs for process validation and compliance projects. C&S, a massive grocery distributor, needs PMs for supply chain and IT system implementations. Hiring Trend: Strong, especially for PMs with Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing experience.

4. Monadnock Community Hospital (Peterborough, 20 min drive): While not in Keene proper, it's a major regional health employer. Similar to Cheshire Medical, it needs PMs for clinical and operational projects. Hiring Trend: Steady growth as the region's population ages.

5. Local State Government & Municipal Projects: The City of Keene and Cheshire County manage numerous projects, from roadwork and public transit to IT modernization. These jobs are posted on government job boards and often require residency. Hiring Trend: Stable, funded by local taxes and state/federal grants.

6. Insurance & Financial Services (Liberty Mutual, regional firms): While not a HQ location, several insurance and financial firms have regional offices in the Monadnock region that hire for project management roles, particularly in IT and process improvement. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on digital transformation.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers. The industry standard is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is what employers in Keene look for.

Path to Getting Started:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree is typically required for the PMP. If you don't have one, you can substitute a high school diploma with more project management hours.
2. Experience: You need 36 months of leading projects within the last 8 years (with a bachelor's) or 60 months (with a high school diploma).
3. Training: You must complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education. Many online providers (Coursera, PMI's own courses, etc.) offer this for $300 - $1,000.
4. Exam: The PMP exam fee is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. Membership costs $129/year.
5. Total Estimated Cost: $800 - $1,600 (depending on training and membership).
6. Timeline: From starting your study to taking the exam, a realistic timeline is 3-5 months.

Insider Tip: Once certified, you must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years to maintain your PMP. Local PMI chapters (like the one in Southern NH) host events that can help you earn these.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Keene is very walkable and bikeable, but your neighborhood choice will impact your lifestyle and commute.

1. Downtown Keene: The heart of the city. You can walk to restaurants, the Colonial Theatre, and the main business district. Commute is a walk or short bike ride for most in-town jobs. Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800 for a 1BR.
2. West Keene / Route 12 Corridor: Quieter, more residential, with classic New England homes. A 5-10 minute drive to downtown. Great for those wanting a bit more space and a yard. Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,650 for a 1BR.
3. East Swanzey / Marlboro Street Area: More affordable, with a mix of apartments and single-family homes. A 5-10 minute commute to downtown and close to the scenic Monadnock region for outdoor activities. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,450 for a 1BR.
4. Spofford / Westmoreland: These are more rural, "country living" towns about 10-15 minutes outside of Keene. Ideal for those who want privacy, land, and don't mind a short commute. Rent Estimate: Hard to find apartments; house rentals start around $1,800/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Keene, vertical growth often means moving into program or portfolio management within your existing employer or switching to a larger firm in Manchester or Boston. However, there are ways to specialize and increase your earning power locally.

• Specialty Premiums: PMs with certifications or experience in IT (Agile/Scrum), Healthcare (HIPAA compliance), or Manufacturing (Six Sigma) command a premium. A certified Agile PM could earn 10-15% above the median.
• Advancement Paths: The common path is: Project Coordinator -> Project Manager -> Senior Project Manager -> Program Manager/Director of Operations. At smaller employers like local hospitals or schools, you may need to move to a different organization to advance beyond the Senior PM level.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is modest but positive. The demand will be driven by the ongoing digital transformation in healthcare, manufacturing, and local government. The key will be adaptability. PMs who can manage hybrid (in-person/remote) teams and are proficient with modern PM software (like Jira, Asana, Smartsheet) will be most successful. The limited job pool means building a strong local network is critical for long-term career mobility.

The Verdict: Is Keene Right for You?

Keene offers a high quality of life and a salary that comfortably supports it, but it's not for everyone. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost of Living: Your $104,014 salary goes much further here than in a major metro.	Limited Job Market: Only 45 jobs means less choice and potential for longer searches.
Outdoor Access: Unbeatable access to hiking (Monadnock), skiing (nearby), and lakes.	Isolation: It's a 1.5+ hour drive to Manchester or Boston. Limited major city amenities.
Strong Community & Safety: It's a tight-knit, safe city with a classic New England feel.	Cultural & Dining Scene: Good for a town its size, but limited compared to a city.
Manageable Commute: Traffic is virtually non-existent. A 5-15 minute commute is the norm.	Seasonal Tourism: The town gets very busy during peak foliage and ski season.
Homeownership is Attainable: You can realistically buy a home on a PM's salary.	Winters are Harsh: Long, cold, and snowy winters are a real consideration.

Final Recommendation:
Keene is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who values work-life balance, outdoor recreation, and community over the fast-paced career ladder of a major city. It's ideal for mid-career professionals (3-10 years of experience) looking to plant roots, buy a home, and enjoy a high quality of life. If you crave the energy of a large urban center or need a very specialized niche in your project management field, you might find Keene limiting. However, if you're adaptable and want your salary to buy you a better lifestyle, Keene is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a project management job in Keene without already living there?
It's challenging but possible. Because the market is small, many employers prefer local candidates. Your best bet is to use LinkedIn to network with PMs at key employers (like Cheshire Medical or Keene State) and be clear in your applications that you are relocating. Having your PMP is a huge advantage.

2. How important is knowing someone to get a job in Keene?
Very. The "Live Free or Die" state motto extends to the job market—networking is key. The local economy is relationship-driven. Attend a PMI Southern NH chapter meeting (even virtually) or connect with the Keene Young Professionals Network to start building contacts before you move.

3. What's the commute like from Keene to nearby cities?
From Keene, you're looking at a 45-60 minute commute to Brattleboro, VT, and a 75-90 minute commute to Manchester. The drive to Boston is about 2 hours without traffic. This makes commuting for a higher-paying city job difficult but not impossible, though you'd need to weigh the gas and time cost.

4. Are remote project management roles common for Keene residents?
Yes, this is a growing trend. Many residents work remotely for companies based in Manchester, Boston, or even out-of-state. The key is having a strong, verifiable track record. A stable, high-speed internet connection is essential, as some rural areas on the outskirts of town can have spotty service.

5. What's the best way to negotiate salary when the local median is known?
Use the $104,014 median as a benchmark, not a ceiling. If you have in-demand skills (like Agile or healthcare IT experience), certification (PMP), and can demonstrate past project successes (budgets saved, timelines met), argue for the senior end of the range. Also, consider the total compensation package: NH has no state income tax on wages, which is a significant financial benefit compared to neighboring states like Massachusetts.