Construction Manager in Laconia, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Laconia Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Laconia offers a unique financial picture for Construction Managers. The median salary here is $111,131/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.43/hour. This is a solid figure, especially when you consider the national average sits at $108,210/year. You're beating the national average right out of the gate, which isn't common in many smaller cities. However, the key is understanding where Laconia fits within the New Hampshire landscape and the broader Lakes Region.

The job market for Construction Managers in the Laconia metro area is relatively tight but stable. There are approximately 33 jobs available at any given time. This isn't a massive, sprawling market like Manchester or Boston, but for a city with a metro population of 16,982, it's respectable. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which indicates steady demand rather than explosive growth. This is good news for long-term stability but means you won't see the constant churn of a major metropolis.

To give you a clearer picture, let's break down salaries by experience level. These are estimates based on regional data and the local median, reflecting the reality on the ground in Laconia.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Laconia)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Often starts with larger firms or on major commercial projects.
Mid-Career (4-9 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	This is where the median $111,131 falls. Stable, project-managing roles.
Senior (10-15 yrs)	$120,000 - $135,000	Typically managing multiple projects or specialized, high-value builds.
Expert/Principal (15+ yrs)	$135,000+	Often involves firm leadership, complex public works, or high-end custom builds.

How Laconia Compares to Other NH Cities:

• Manchester/Nashua: Salaries can be 10-15% higher (closer to $120,000+), but cost of living and traffic are significantly greater. The job market is also much larger.
• Portsmouth: Salaries are similar or slightly higher, but the cost of living, especially housing, is dramatically higher than Laconia.
• Concord: A strong benchmark. Salaries are very comparable, but Concord offers a more centralized state government and commercial sector. Laconia trades some corporate jobs for a distinct, tourism-driven construction cycle.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative opportunities in Laconia aren't just in commercial builds. The seasonal nature of the Lakes Region means experienced managers who can handle high-end residential renovations, marina developments, and ski-area infrastructure projects often command a premium.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get to the bottom line. The median salary of $111,131/year is one thing; your actual disposable income is another. New Hampshire has no state income tax or sales tax, which is a massive financial advantage. However, property taxes are among the highest in the country. This is the single biggest factor in your monthly budget.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Construction Manager earning the median $111,131. We'll assume a take-home pay of roughly 70% after federal taxes, FICA, and an estimate for property tax (if you own a home).

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$9,261	($111,131 / 12)
Estimated Take-Home	$6,483	After ~30% for federal taxes/FICA. NH has no state tax.
Housing (Rent - 1BR)	$1,471	The current average for a 1-bedroom apartment.
Utilities	$250	Includes electricity, heating (a big factor in NH winters), internet.
Car & Insurance	$400	Essential for Laconia. No real public transit to speak of.
Groceries & Food	$450
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely by employer.
Misc. (Clothing, etc.)	$300
Debt/Student Loans	$300	Varies by individual.
Remaining Discretionary	$2,012	This is your savings, investments, or "fun" money.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, but with strategic planning. Let's say you want to buy a modest single-family home. The median home price in the Laconia area is around $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), you'd be looking at a mortgage of $280,000.

• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (P&I): ~$1,500 (at current interest rates)
• Estimated Property Taxes: ~$600-$800/month (This is the killer; Laconia's rate is roughly $20 per $1,000 of assessed value)
• Total Housing Cost: ~$2,200/month

This is a significant jump from the $1,471 average rent. It would consume about 34% of your gross income, which is manageable but tight. The key is the down payment. Saving $70,000 on a $111,131 salary is feasible, but it requires discipline. Many locals buy smaller homes, fixer-uppers, or look in neighboring, more affordable towns like Belmont or Meredith to make the numbers work.

Insider Tip: Don't overlook the "grandfather" neighborhoods in Laconia proper. Areas like the Lakeport section or near the downtown core have older, more affordable housing stock that can be renovated, adding value over time.

Where the Jobs Are: Laconia's Major Employers

The job market for Construction Managers in Laconia is driven by a mix of public sector, institutional building, and private commercial/residential development. Here’s a list of key employers and trends:

1. City of Laconia Public Works Department: A primary source for stable, long-term employment. They manage roads, bridges, water/sewer systems, and municipal buildings. Hiring is often tied to budget cycles and grant funding. Insider Tip: Building a relationship with the current Director or senior staff is crucial. Many positions are filled through internal promotions.

2. Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGHealthcare): As the region's largest medical facility, LRG is constantly in a state of minor renovation, expansion, or equipment upgrade. They are a key client for private construction firms. The recent merger and restructuring (now part of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock system) means there's an ongoing need for managers who understand healthcare codes and infection control during construction.

3. Meredith Village Savings Bank / Local Banks: While not direct employers, these institutions finance countless local projects. Working for a general contractor that does work for them or their customers is a direct path. The banking sector in the Lakes Region is very active in construction lending.

4. The Weirs Beach Condominiums & Motel Row: The Weirs is the epicenter of tourism. The aging infrastructure here (from the 1960s-80s) is ripe for renovation, rebuild, and seasonal maintenance. Private owners and small management companies are constantly seeking reliable CMs for this work. It's a niche but consistent market.

5. Belknap County: The county itself is a major employer for public works projects, including the Belknap County Complex and facilities for social services. County projects can be large-scale and require multi-year management.

6. Private Residential & Commercial Firms: Companies like McLane Construction (based in nearby Concord but active in the Lakes Region) and several smaller, local family-owned builders (e.g., Duston & Sons, Inc.) are key players. The trend is toward high-end custom homes, lakefront renovations, and small commercial strips.

7. New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT): While not based in Laconia, NHDOT has a significant presence in the Lakes Region managing Route 107, Route 3, and the Lakeport Circle. Their contracts support a network of subcontractors and CMs.

Hiring Trends: The market has shifted from post-recession recovery to focused, quality-driven projects. The demand is less for volume and more for managers who can handle complex renovations, energy-efficient builds, and projects with tight seasonal windows (e.g., must be done before the summer tourist season).

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire does not require a state-issued "Construction Manager's License." However, the industry is regulated through other channels, and professional certification is highly valued.

1. Licensing Pathways:

   • Contractor's License: If you plan to run your own firm and sign contracts, you need a Contractor's License from the NH Board of Licensing for Contractors. This requires proof of insurance, financial stability, and often a qualifying party with experience. The application fee is several hundred dollars.
   • Professional Engineer (PE) License: For CMs working on complex structural or civil projects, a PE license (administered by the NH Board of Professional Engineers) is essential. This requires an ABET-accredited degree, passing the FE and PE exams, and 4 years of progressive experience.
   • Certifications: The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is the gold standard. It requires experience, education, and passing an exam.

2. Timeline and Cost:

   • Contractor's License: 30-60 days for approval. Cost: ~$300-$500 total (application + surety bond).
   • CCM Certification: Minimum 4 years of experience. Study time: 3-6 months. Exam fee: ~$495. Total investment (including study materials): ~$1,500.

3. Practical Advice: Start by joining the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) NH/VT Chapter. They offer training, networking, and resources tailored to the New England region. Their annual conference is a great place to meet local contractors.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your commute and lifestyle in Laconia will be defined by where you choose to live. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Commute to Downtown	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent (Est.)
Downtown Laconia	5-10 min walk/bike	Urban, walkable, historic. Close to restaurants, the Colonial Theatre. Older apartments, some renovated.	$1,300 - $1,600
Lakeport	5-10 min drive	Historic village feel, on Lake Winnipesaukee. Mix of residential and small business. Tight-knit community.	$1,400 - $1,700
The Weirs/Endicott	10-15 min drive	Tourist hub, boardwalk, casinos, marinas. Noisy and crowded in summer, quiet in winter.	$1,200 - $1,500
South End / Gilford Border	10-15 min drive	More suburban, family-oriented. Close to schools, shopping plazas, and Gilford's amenities.	$1,350 - $1,550
Meredith (NH-106 Corridor)	15-20 min drive	Upscale, tourist-focused. More expensive, but beautiful lakeside living. Very strong rental market.	$1,600 - $1,900+

Insider Tip: If you work for a firm with commercial projects, being near Route 107 or the I-93/Route 106 interchange is ideal for access. For residential work, living in Lakeport or the Weirs puts you close to the high-value lakefront properties that drive the market.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Laconia, career growth for a Construction Manager isn't just about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about specialization and reputation.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Historic Renovation: Laconia's downtown and Weirs Beach are full of historic structures. Expertise here is rare and valuable.
  • Lakefront Construction: Understanding shoreline regulations, septic systems, and working on "in-lake" structures (docks, boathouses) commands a premium.
  • Winter Construction: The ability to manage projects in New Hampshire's harsh winters (heated enclosures, frost protection) is a major differentiator.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. From CM to Senior Project Manager: Overseeing larger budgets ($5M+).
  2. From Senior PM to Operations Manager: Managing a geographic portfolio or a team of PMs.
  3. From Operations to Owner/Principal: Starting your own firm. The Lakes Region has a strong culture of small, successful family-owned construction businesses.

• 10-Year Outlook: The projected 8% job growth is realistic. The drivers will be:

  • Demographic: Retirees moving in, requiring home modifications.
  • Infrastructure: Aging roads, bridges, and water systems needing replacement.
  • Tourism: Continuous demand for updated hotels, restaurants, and recreation facilities.
  • Climate Resilience: Increased demand for managing projects that address flooding and weather-related damage.

The Verdict: Is Laconia Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary above national average for a lower cost of living in key areas.	High property taxes are a significant financial burden.
No state income or sales tax.	Limited job market (33 jobs) – can be competitive.
Stunning natural beauty (Lakes, mountains) offering great work-life balance.	Seasonal economy – some sectors slow down in the off-season.
Stable, growing job market in public works and institutional building.	Transportation is car-dependent; little to no public transit.
Tight-knit professional community. Networking is personal and effective.	Winters are long and can be isolating if you're not from a cold climate.

Final Recommendation:
Laconia is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values work-life balance, stability, and a strong community over the fast pace and higher salaries of major metros. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, access the outdoors, and build a lasting reputation in a specific niche (lakefront, historic, commercial). If you're early in your career and seeking maximum job variety or rapid promotion in a large corporate structure, you might find the market limiting. But for the seasoned manager who wants to plant roots and enjoy the unique lifestyle of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Laconia is a hidden gem. The data supports it, and the locals live it.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for Construction Managers really only 33 jobs?
That number refers to active job postings in the metro area at a given time. It doesn't capture the many positions filled through word-of-mouth or with existing contractors. The network is critical. Many CMs find their next role through a handshake at the ABC NH chapter meeting, not on a job board.

2. How do winters affect construction projects?
They halt some work but create others. Exterior site work slows from December to March, but interior fit-outs, renovations, and planning continue. Experienced CMs who can manage the logistics of winter work (snow removal, heating, safety) are highly valued. It’s a seasonal rhythm you must plan for.

3. Can I commute from a cheaper town?
Yes, but factor in the commute. Towns like Belmont or Laconia's northern outskirts are cheaper, but you'll add 15-30 minutes to your drive. Traffic is not a major issue, but winter driving can be. The best strategy is to live within 15 minutes of your most common project sites.

4. What’s the single most important credential for a CM in Laconia?
Beyond experience, it’s a Contractor's License if you want to run your own business, or a CCM certification if you're aiming for senior roles in larger firms. However, a deep understanding of local building codes, zoning bylaws, and the unique challenges of lakeshore construction is just as valuable as any certificate.

5. How can I break into the local network?
Join the ABC NH/VT Chapter and attend their events. Also, get involved with the Laconia Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment as a member or regular attendee; you'll see every major project come through. Finally, support local charities—many key players in construction sit on non-profit boards. It's the small city way.