Project Manager in Nashua, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Nashua Stands

Let's get the numbers out of the way first, because they're the foundation of your decision. As a Project Manager in Nashua, you're looking at a median salary of $102,829/year, which breaks down to $49.44/hour. This is slightly above the national average for Project Managers, which sits at $101,280/year. Being about 1.5% above the national median is a solid starting point, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

The job market here is tight but stable. There are currently about 181 Project Manager positions open in the Nashua metro area. That's not a flood of openings, but it's enough to be selective. The 10-year job growth for management occupations in this region is projected at 6%, which is steady and reliable, if not explosive. This reflects Nashua's economy: it's built on a foundation of manufacturing, healthcare, and tech services, not on boom-and-bust cycles.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your experience level is the biggest driver of where you'll land in that salary range. Here’s the typical progression you can expect in the Nashua market:

Level	Years of Experience	Expected Salary Range (Nashua)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $85,000	Assistant PM, coordinating tasks, tracking budgets, supporting senior PMs.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $115,000	Leading mid-sized projects, managing cross-functional teams, client-facing.
Senior	8-15 years	$115,000 - $140,000	Managing large programs, strategic planning, mentoring junior PMs, PMP certification often required.
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$140,000+	Portfolio management, enterprise-wide initiatives, leading PMO, driving organizational change.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Nashua holds a unique position in New Hampshire's economic landscape. It's more affordable than the tech hubs of Manchester and the seacoast while offering stronger salaries than the more rural parts of the state.

• Manchester (NH's "Queen City"): Salaries are slightly higher, with a median around $105,000, but the cost of living, particularly housing, is also higher. The job market is more competitive and has a greater concentration of corporate HQs and financial services.
• Portsmouth (Seacoast): Salaries are comparable to Nashua, but the cost of living is significantly higher due to tourism and proximity to Boston. A 1BR apartment in Portsmouth can easily be $200-$300 more per month than in Nashua. The lifestyle is different—more coastal, seasonal, and tourist-driven.
• Concord (State Capital): Salaries for Project Managers are generally a touch lower, around $98,000, with the market dominated by state government and nonprofit work. The pace is slower, and the cost of living is very similar to Nashua.

Insider Tip: If you're a mid-level PM (3-7 years) aiming for the $95,000-$110,000 range, Nashua offers the best balance of salary and affordability in Southern NH. You get access to the Boston job market (a 45-60 minute commute) without the Boston price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $102,829 salary sounds great, but let's see what it looks like in your bank account. We'll use 2024 tax estimates and local rent data.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents)

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,569
• Estimated Deductions (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,150 (approx. 25% effective rate for NH)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,419

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Nashua is $1,489/month. This gives you a baseline.

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Take-Home Pay: $6,419
• Rent: -$1,489
• Utilities (Elec, Heat, Internet): -$200
• Groceries: -$400
• Transportation (Gas/Car Payment/Insurance): -$450 (Car is essential in Nashua)
• Healthcare (Company Plan Share): -$250
• Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, Savings): -$3,630

As you can see, the numbers work in your favor. After covering all essential expenses, a Project Manager in Nashua has a healthy $3,600+ left for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle. This is the key advantage of Nashua's salary-to-cost-of-living ratio.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in the Nashua metro is roughly $425,000. With a $102,829 salary and a good credit score, you are well within the range for a conventional mortgage. A 20% down payment ($85,000) is substantial, but many first-time buyers in NH use FHA loans or other programs. Your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $2,200 - $2,600 range, which is very manageable on a Project Manager's salary here. This is one of the biggest draws for professionals in their 30s and 40s looking to build equity.

Where the Jobs Are: Nashua's Major Employers

Nashua's economy is a diverse mix of legacy manufacturing, cutting-edge tech, and essential services. Project Managers are needed across all sectors. Here are the top local employers to target:

1. BAE Systems: A global defense and aerospace giant with a massive facility in Nashua. They are a top employer for Project Managers with experience in government contracting, engineering, and complex product development. Hiring is steady but requires security clearance eligibility. Insider Tip: They often post roles on their own careers site before they hit major job boards. Network with current employees on LinkedIn from their Nashua office.

2. St. Joseph Hospital / Dartmouth Health: Nashua's largest healthcare provider. They need Project Managers for IT implementations (new EMR systems), facility expansions, and process improvement initiatives. This is a great path for PMs with healthcare or IT experience. The pace is fast, but the work is mission-driven.

3. Nashua Corporation: A diversified industrial company with roots in paper and now focused on specialty materials and packaging. They seek PMs for manufacturing process improvements, plant expansions, and supply chain projects. Ideal for those with a mechanical or industrial engineering background.

4. Fidelity Investments: While their main campus is in Merrimack (a 10-minute drive from Nashua), Fidelity is a dominant force in the region. They hire Project Managers for internal IT projects, client-facing platform upgrades, and compliance initiatives. The work is corporate, stable, and offers strong benefits. The culture is very structured.

5. City of Nashua Government: The municipal government is a major employer. Projects range from public works (road repairs, sewer upgrades) to IT modernization and community development. Salaries here are on the lower end of the PM spectrum (closer to $85,000 - $95,000), but the benefits and job security are exceptional. You'll need to be comfortable with bureaucracy and public accountability.

6. Tech Startups & Scale-Ups: Nashua has a growing tech scene, particularly in software and e-commerce. Companies like Nashua-based software firms (often in downtown tech hubs) hire agile PMs for product development. These roles can be higher risk but offer equity and rapid growth potential. Look for companies in the "Nashua Innovation District" near the Amtrak station.

Hiring Trends: The strongest demand is for PMs with PMP certification and experience in agile methodologies (especially Scrum Master roles). There's also high demand for IT Project Managers who can bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders. For healthcare and manufacturing roles, domain-specific knowledge is a huge plus.

Getting Licensed in NH

Unlike some states (like California, with its CCM), New Hampshire does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers. The key credential is the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Requirements & Process:

1. Education: A four-year degree (36 months leading projects) OR a high school diploma (60 months leading projects).
2. Training: You must complete 35 hours of project management education (can be done online from PMI-authorized training partners).
3. Application & Exam: Submit an application to PMI, pay the exam fee ($405 for members, $555 for non-members), and pass the 180-question exam.

Timeline & Cost:

• Timeline: From start to finish, expect 3-6 months. This includes studying (100-200 hours recommended), applying, and scheduling the exam.
• Total Cost: $1,200 - $2,000 including the exam fee, study materials, and training course.
• Renewal: Every 3 years, you need 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units).

Local Insight: The Nashua Chapter of the PMI is very active. Joining their events is a fantastic way to meet local hiring managers and find study groups. While the state doesn't license PMs, having your PMP is often a non-negotiable requirement for senior-level roles at top employers like BAE and Fidelity.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Nashua's neighborhoods offer different lifestyles and commute times. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, urban feel, restaurants, arts. Close to I-293 for commute.	$1,600 - $1,900	Young professionals, those who want to avoid a car for daily errands.
South Nashua (Route 101 Corridor)	Suburban, family-oriented, near top schools. Easy access to I-93 for Boston commutes.	$1,450 - $1,700	PMs with families or those who prioritize space and quiet.
East Nashua (Amherst St. Area)	Established residential, mix of single-family homes and apartments. Good value.	$1,300 - $1,600	Budget-conscious PMs seeking a balance of affordability and convenience.
West Nashua (Fountain St. Area)	Near the Merrimack River, quieter, more wooded. Close to the Nashua Country Club.	$1,400 - $1,750	PMs who want a suburban feel with easy access to outdoor activities.
Merrimack / Bedford (Just outside city)	Very suburban, larger homes, excellent schools. 10-15 min commute to Nashua jobs.	$1,600 - $2,000+	Senior PMs with higher salaries and families looking for top-tier school districts.

Insider Tip: For a new arrival, South Nashua or East Nashua offers the best value and easiest adjustment. You get more space for your money and are still a 10-minute drive from downtown. If you want to maximize your social life and minimize car use, bite the bullet on the higher rent for a Downtown apartment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Nashua's Project Manager career path is steady and offers clear advancement, especially if you specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• IT / Agile PM: +10-15% over base. High demand for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches at tech firms and Fidelity.
• Construction / Engineering PM: +10% over base. Needed for the region's manufacturing and infrastructure projects.
• Healthcare PM: +5-10% over base. Stable, but requires deep knowledge of regulatory environments (HIPAA, FDA).

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Path: From PM to Program Manager → Portfolio Manager → Director of PMO. Common in tech and engineering firms (BAE, Fidelity).
2. Management Path: From PM to Manager of Projects → Senior Manager → VP of Operations. More common in healthcare and corporate settings.
3. Consulting Path: Use Nashua as a base for consulting to the Boston market. Many NH PMs work remotely for Boston-based companies, earning Boston salaries while living at Nashua costs.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth is conservative. Nashua's proximity to Boston is a double-edged sword. It means competition, but it also means local employers must offer competitive salaries to retain talent. As remote work normalizes, Nashua PMs can potentially tap into the Boston salary median ($115,000+) while living in Nashua. The key is to stay certified (PMP), keep skills sharp (especially in tech and agile), and build a strong local network through the PMI Nashua Chapter.

The Verdict: Is Nashua Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost Ratio: Your $102,829 goes much further here than in Boston or on the seacoast.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited. You will need a reliable vehicle.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: From defense to healthcare to tech, opportunities are resilient.	Competitive Housing Market: While more affordable than Boston, the rental and homebuyer market is competitive.
Proximity to Boston: Access to a major metro's job/cultural scene without the brutal cost.	Limited "Big City" Culture: Nashua is a city, but it lacks the density of museums, theaters, and nightlife of a major metropolis.
Excellent Quality of Life: Low crime, good schools, easy access to nature (beaches, mountains within 1-2 hours).	Seasonal Weather: Winters are long and can be harsh, though they are manageable.
No State Income or Sales Tax: A significant financial benefit.	Smaller Professional Network: The local PM community is tight-knit; building a network takes intentional effort.

Final Recommendation:
Nashua is an excellent choice for Project Managers in the mid-to-senior career stage (5-15 years of experience). It's ideal for those who want to own a home, enjoy a high quality of life, and have access to a stable job market without the intensity and cost of a major coastal city. It's less ideal for early-career PMs who thrive on the networking grind of a dense urban core or for those who want a vibrant, car-free lifestyle.

FAQs

1. Do I need to live in Nashua to work there?
No. Many PMs live in surrounding towns like Merrimack, Hudson, or even southern Massachusetts (like Lowell) and commute. However, living in Nashua itself provides the best balance of commute time and access to local amenities.

2. How important is the PMP certification here?
For roles at top employers like BAE Systems and Fidelity, it's often a requirement for mid-to-senior level positions. For smaller companies or government roles, it's a strong advantage but sometimes negotiable. If you plan to stay in the field long-term, getting it is a wise investment.

3. What's the commute like to Boston?
It's very manageable. From central Nashua, it's a 45-60 minute drive to downtown Boston via I-93, depending on traffic. Many residents work remotely for Boston companies or make the commute 2-3 days a week. The Amtrak train from Nashua to Boston's South Station takes about 70 minutes.

4. Are there opportunities for remote Project Manager roles based in Nashua?
Yes, the remote work trend has created a clear opportunity. Many Nashua-based PMs now work fully remotely for companies in Boston, New York, or even nationally, while enjoying New Hampshire's tax benefits and lower cost of living. The key is securing a role with a company that has a remote-first culture.

5. What's the best way to find a Project Manager job in Nashua?
Start with the major employers listed above (BAE, Fidelity, Dartmouth Health). Use LinkedIn, but also check the Nashua Chamber of Commerce job board and the PMI Nashua Chapter website. Networking is highly effective here; attend a local PMI meeting to get insider leads. For government jobs, check the City of Nashua's official website.