Project Manager in New Bedford, MA

The Salary Picture: Where New Bedford Stands

As a local, I can tell you that project management here isn't about the high-flying tech salaries you'd find in Boston; it's about steady, solid work with a cost of living that won't break you. The data backs this up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for Project Managers in Metro New Bedford is $101,553/year, or an hourly rate of $48.82/hour. This is marginally above the national average of $101,280/year, but the real advantage is the local economic context. The metro area, with a population of 100,683, has about 201 active project management jobs. It's a niche market, but a stable one, with a 10-year job growth of 6%. This growth isn't explosive; it's steady, tied to the region's revitalization, healthcare expansion, and port-related logistics.

To understand where you fit in, you need to break down that median. Salary is rarely a one-size-fits-all number, and in New Bedford, it's heavily influenced by your sector. A PM in marine construction or renewable energy logistics will command a different rate than one in healthcare administration or municipal projects.

Here’s a realistic experience-level breakdown for the New Bedford market:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (New Bedford)	Key Local Industries at This Level
Entry-Level	$75,000 - $85,000	Assistant PM in construction, entry-level coordinator in healthcare, municipal support roles.
Mid-Level	$90,000 - $110,000	This is the sweet spot. Managing port logistics projects, clinical trial phases at local hospitals, or community development grants.
Senior-Level	$120,000 - $145,000	Director-level roles in hospital systems (like Southcoast Health), senior PMs for major marine contractors (e.g., Cianbro), or leading large-scale public works.
Expert/Sector-Specific	$150,000+	Specialized roles in offshore wind logistics, senior consultants for the state's MassDevelopment, or leading major infrastructure projects for the City of New Bedford.

How does this compare to other MA cities? It's a tale of two worlds. New Bedford's median of $101,553 is respectable but lags far behind Greater Boston. In the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro, the median salary for project managers is closer to $135,000. However, the cost of living in Boston is over 50% higher. In Springfield, a comparable mid-sized MA city, salaries might be slightly lower (around $95,000), but the job market is less diverse. New Bedford's value proposition is this: you can earn near the national average in a city where your paycheck stretches much further than in Boston, Worcester, or Springfield.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. The median salary of $101,553 sounds great on paper, but what's left after Uncle Sam and the landlord? For a single filer in Massachusetts, you're looking at an effective tax rate of roughly 22-25% after federal and state taxes, bringing your net take-home pay to approximately $76,000-$79,000 annually, or about $6,300-$6,600 per month.

Now, factor in housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New Bedford is $1,205/month. This is a critical data point. In Boston, that same apartment could easily cost $2,500+. Here's a sample monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Based on Take-Home)	Local Reality Check
Housing (1BR)	$1,205	This is the city average. You can find places for $950 in the North End or over $1,500 in the newer downtown loft conversions.
Taxes (Annualized)	~$1,700	A simplified monthly estimation of federal/state/FICA.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes Eversource (electric/gas) and internet. Winters can be costly for heating.
Car/Transport	$350 - $500	Insider Tip: You'll likely need a car. Public transit is limited. Factor in gas, insurance (which is reasonable here), and maintenance.
Groceries	$350 - $450	A mix of Stop & Shop, Market Basket (in nearby Fairhaven), and local spots like the Saturday Downtown Farmers' Market.
Healthcare	$200 - $300	This varies wildly by employer. Many larger local employers (hospitals, the city) offer good plans.
Discretionary	$1,000+	After all essentials, you have a healthy buffer for dining out (try the waterfront bistros), saving, or entertainment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is where New Bedford truly shines for a median-earning professional. The median home price in New Bedford is around $350,000. With a $101,553 salary, a 20% down payment ($70,000) is a significant but achievable goal over a few years of saving. With a strong credit score, a mortgage on a $280,000 loan (at current rates) would be roughly $1,800-$2,000 per month—only slightly more than the average rent. In contrast, buying in Boston on that same salary is a near-impossible dream for most. New Bedford offers a real path to homeownership for project managers.

Where the Jobs Are: New Bedford's Major Employers

The job market here is not dominated by Fortune 500 tech giants. It's a mosaic of established institutions, maritime industry, and growing sectors. Jobs in the metro are capped at around 201, so you're not competing with thousands, but you need to know where to look.

1. Southcoast Health System: The region's largest private employer. They are constantly managing projects for their flagship St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and community clinics. Projects range from IT system integrations (EHR) and new facility builds to clinical trial management. Hiring Trend: Steady growth, especially in project coordinators for nursing and IT.
2. The City of New Bedford: The municipal government is a major source of PM roles. Think urban revitalization projects in the Downtown Cultural District, harbor cleanup initiatives, public school renovations, and grant management for community development. Insider Tip: These jobs are listed on the city's official website and MassCareers. They offer excellent benefits and pension.
3. Dawn Foods (Global Headquarters): A major, often-overlooked employer. As a global manufacturer, they have constant needs for project managers in supply chain, new product launches, and plant efficiency (Lean/Six Sigma) projects. Hiring Trend: They recruit locally and value local talent with strong operational PM experience.
4. Industrial Contractors (Marine & Construction): Companies like Cianbro Corp., Bristol County Construction, and The Jackson Group are deeply involved in port infrastructure, offshore wind staging, and commercial building. Projects are large-scale, physical, and run on tight deadlines. Hiring Trend: Boom times with the offshore wind industry (Vineyard Wind, Revolution Wind) using the port as a staging area. This is a high-growth niche.
5. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Bourne, but a major regional employer): While the campus is in Bourne, the Academy's projects—from new dorms to maritime training facilities—have a ripple effect in the New Bedford area. They hire PMs for capital projects and often source talent from the local labor pool.
6. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (North Dartmouth): A key driver of R&D and construction. Projects include new science buildings, IT infrastructure upgrades, and research grant management. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to state funding and tuition revenue, but a consistent source of professional PM roles.

Insider Tip: The most dynamic hiring isn't always posted. The offshore wind logistics projects are often managed by joint ventures or subcontractors. Building a network with contractors at the New Bedford Harbor is as important as checking job boards.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts does not require a state-specific license to practice as a project manager. However, professional certifications are the currency of credibility. The most recognized are:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) for entry-level.
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) for agile environments.

State-Specific Requirements: For public works or certain regulated industries, you may need certifications like OSHA 30 or state-mandated construction supervisor licenses, but these are role-specific, not PM-specific.

Costs and Timeline:

• PMP Exam: The application process is rigorous. You'll need 36 months of leading projects with a secondary degree (or 60 months with a bachelor’s). The exam fee is $405 for PMI members ($555 for non-members). Total Investment: ~$500-$1,000 including study materials and membership.
• Timeline: From deciding to pursue the PMP to having the certificate in hand typically takes 4-8 months if you're diligent. The exam itself is 230 minutes.
• Getting Started: The best first step is to join the PMI Southern New England Chapter (which covers Providence and New Bedford). Attend their virtual or local meetings. It's the single best way to connect with local PMs and get advice tailored to the regional market.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing a neighborhood in New Bedford is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local's guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown / Waterfront	Walkable, historic, with new restaurants and lofts. A 5-10 minute drive to the harbor industrial area.	$1,400 - $1,800+	Younger PMs who want an urban lifestyle, are working in downtown offices, or can handle a short commute to the port.
North End	Residential, family-oriented, tighter-knit community. A 10-15 minute drive to most job centers.	$950 - $1,200	PMs seeking affordability and a quiet home life. Great access to I-195 for commutes to Dartmouth or Fairhaven.
South End	Similar to North End but closer to the harbor. Home to many historic buildings and older industrial spaces.	$1,000 - $1,300	Those who work in the port or maritime industry. A more "old New Bedford" feel with lower rents.
Near UMass Dartmouth (North Dartmouth)	Suburban, campus-adjacent. Quieter, with more green space. A 15-20 minute drive to downtown New Bedford.	$1,100 - $1,400	PMs who are students or working at the university, or who prefer a suburban setting with easy highway access.
Fairhaven (Adjacent Town)	A separate town, but part of the metro. Quaint, historic, with a strong sense of community. A 10-15 minute commute to New Bedford.	$1,200 - $1,500	PMs with families or those seeking a small-town feel with excellent schools and easy access to both New Bedford and I-195.

Insider Tip: The rental market is competitive but not insane. Use Facebook groups like "New Bedford, MA - Rentals" and local realtors. Avoid the immediate downtown area west of Acushnet Ave if you prefer street parking—it's a hassle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 6% 10-year job growth, New Bedford isn't a boomtown, but it's stable. Growth is concentrated in specific sectors:

• Offshore Wind & Green Energy: This is the biggest driver. As Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind ramp up, the need for PMs in logistics, supply chain, and port operations will grow. This is a high-premium specialty.
• Healthcare: As the population ages, Southcoast expansion will continue. PMs with clinical or healthcare IT experience will be in steady demand.
• Public Sector & Infrastructure: Federal infrastructure funding trickles down to cities like New Bedford. PMs with grant management and public works experience have a long-term path.

Advancement Paths: In New Bedford, advancement often means moving from a local contractor to a regional role, or from a coordinator to a director within a hospital or the city. The ceiling is lower than in Boston, but so is the competition. To break past the $145,000 mark, you'll likely need to specialize (e.g., become a leader in offshore wind PM) or move into consulting. The 10-year outlook is positive but modest. New Bedford's growth is tied to regional trends, not national ones. Your career will be secure, but you must be proactive about networking and skill-building.

The Verdict: Is New Bedford Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordability: Median salary of $101,553 offers a high quality of life. Homeownership is attainable.	Limited Job Market: Only 201 jobs available. You may need to be flexible on industry.
Industry Niche: Strong in healthcare, maritime, and emerging green energy. Offers unique experience.	Slower Pace: Career growth is steady (6%), not explosive. Not ideal for those seeking rapid promotions.
Location: Easy access to Providence, RI (30 mins) and Boston (1.5-2 hrs) for networking or day trips.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited. A car is a near-necessity.
Work-Life Balance: Less commute stress, lower cost of living reduces financial pressure.	Seasonal Challenges: Winters can be harsh and gray. Coastal living means humidity and nor'easters.

Final Recommendation: New Bedford is an excellent choice for a project manager who values stability, affordability, and a unique professional profile over the high-stakes, high-reward grind of a major metropolis. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, or for those passionate about the maritime, healthcare, or green energy sectors. If you're a high-achiever seeking a fast-paced, high-salary career in tech or finance, look to Boston. But if you want a balanced life where your salary has real purchasing power and your work directly impacts your community, New Bedford is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market in New Bedford too small to be sustainable?
A: It's small but resilient. The 201 jobs figure is the average number of openings at any given time. Turnover is lower here, so you must be patient and persistent. Networking is critical. The key is targeting the right industries (healthcare, maritime) rather than applying broadly.

Q: How important is a car? Can I rely on public transit?
A: A car is highly recommended. The METRO Regional Transit Authority provides bus service, but it's not comprehensive for all neighborhoods or shift times. For project managers who may need to visit job sites (ports, hospitals, construction zones), a personal vehicle is essential for efficiency.

Q: What's the interview process like for local companies?
A: It's often more personal and less formal than in big cities. Expect multiple rounds, but you might meet with the same people more than once. References matter a lot in a tight-knit community. Insider Tip: Always research the company's history in New Bedford. Mentioning a specific local project they did shows genuine interest.

Q: Can I commute from Providence, RI, to New Bedford for work?
A: Absolutely, and many do. The drive is about 30-45 minutes via I-195. Providence offers a slightly larger rental market and more nightlife, while New Bedford has cheaper housing. It's a viable strategy if you can't find the right fit immediately in New Bedford.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work for New Bedford-based companies?
A: Hybrid models are becoming more common, especially post-pandemic. However, given the hands-on nature of many local industries (construction, healthcare, port logistics), fully remote PM roles are rare. Flexibility is increasing, but on-site presence for key meetings and site visits is still expected.