Electrician in New Hampshire: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
New Hampshire employs 3,330 electricians, with a statewide median of $62,840 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Hampshire licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in New Hampshire (May 2025)
- New Hampshire median pay
- $62,840 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $43,190
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $78,370
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $91,850
- Employed in New Hampshire
- 3,330
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major New Hampshire markets:
- Boston
- $79,910 (13,410 employed)
- Manchester
- $64,080 (970 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Hampshire
Prices in New Hampshire run about 4% above the national average (cost-of-living index 104.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,840 median is worth closer to $60,307 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Hampshire (2024–2034)
New Hampshire is projected to grow electricians employment +10.0%, about in line with the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 370 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Hampshire License and Certification Requirements
Journeyman Electrician license — regulated by the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Electricians.
- Complete four years of field experience under a licensed journeyman/master.
- Complete 600 hours of classroom training (or an associate degree in an electrical program).
- Pass the journeyman exam and apply to the NH Board of Electricians (OPLC).
Official requirements: New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Electricians →
Training in New Hampshire
IBEW/IEC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route. New Hampshire licenses electricians statewide through OPLC.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Hampshire include:
- Manchester Community College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.
Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.
Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
First Steps
Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in New Hampshire?
The median wage for electricians in New Hampshire is $62,840 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $43,190, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $91,850. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in New Hampshire?
Journeyman Electrician license, overseen by the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Electricians. Complete four years of field experience under a licensed journeyman/master.
Is being an Electrician a good career in New Hampshire?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which New Hampshire metros pay electricians the most?
Among New Hampshire metro areas, Boston leads at $79,910, followed by Manchester ($64,080). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Electrician in New Hampshire?
Real New Hampshire options include Manchester Community College. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Electrician a growing career in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire projects electricians employment to change +10.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 370 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New Hampshire statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Electricians (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET New Hampshire wages · New Hampshire licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.