Electrician in Laconia, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Laconia Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the electrical trade in Laconia is a stable, middle-class path. It's not the high-flying tech money of Boston, but it offers a solid, reliable living that goes further here than in many other parts of New England. The median salary for an Electrician in Laconia, NH is $63,211 per year, which breaks down to $30.39 per hour. This is notably above the national average of $61,550/year for the occupation, a testament to the demand for skilled trades in the Lakes Region.

The job market here is tight but promising. The metro area, which includes Laconia and surrounding towns like Gilford and Meredith, has 50 jobs for electricians at any given time. While that sounds like a small number, it's significant for a metro population of just 16,982. The 10-year job growth projection is 11%, which is robust and suggests that now is a good time to enter or advance in the field. This growth is driven by the constant need for residential wiring in new housing developments, the maintenance of aging commercial infrastructure, and the push for energy efficiency upgrades.

To give you a clearer picture of how salary progresses with experience, here’s a breakdown you can expect in this local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Laconia)
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-4	$45,000 - $55,000
Mid-Level / Journeyman	4-9	$60,000 - $72,000
Senior / Lead	10+	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert / Master / Contractor	15+, with license	$80,000+ (Owner-Operator income can vary widely)

Insider Tip: These ranges are for salaried or hourly employees. The real ceiling often comes from specialization or starting your own business. A licensed master electrician who builds a client base for residential remodels or commercial service can significantly outpace the median.

How does Laconia compare to other NH cities?
While Laconia's median of $63,211 is strong, it sits comfortably in the middle of New Hampshire's spectrum. Larger, denser metros like Manchester and Nashua often report slightly higher averages (closer to $65,000-$68,000), but the cost of living there is also higher. Conversely, rural northern cities like Berlin or Berlin may have lower salary averages but also a much lower cost of living. Laconia strikes a balance, offering competitive pay without the intense cost pressures of the southern cities or the isolation of the far north. The $63,211 figure is a realistic benchmark for a skilled journeyman here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. A $63,211 salary sounds good, but what does it mean for your daily life in Laconia? We need to account for taxes and the region's housing costs.

The Numbers:

• Gross Annual Salary: $63,211
• Estimated Monthly Gross: $5,267.58
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after federal, state, FICA): ~$4,050 (this can vary based on filing status and deductions)
• Average 1BR Rent in Laconia: $1,471/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Electrician, Journeyman Level):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,050
Rent (1BR)	$1,471	36% of take-home pay (a bit high, but manageable with a roommate or in a cheaper neighborhood)
Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet)	$250 - $350	NH winters are harsh; heating costs can spike.
Groceries	$350 - $450
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$500 - $700	A reliable vehicle is a must in NH, especially for commuting to job sites.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	If not fully covered by employer.
Savings / Retirement	$300 - $500	Crucial for long-term security.
Remaining (Discretionary)	$300 - $700	Covers dining, entertainment, occasional tools, etc.

The Verdict on Rent vs. Homeownership: With the above budget, buying a home on a single $63,211 salary is challenging but not impossible, especially with discipline. The median home price in the Laconia area is around $350,000. A 20% down payment ($70,000) is a significant hurdle. However, many electricians I know partner with a spouse or partner, or they build up equity by starting as a handyman. Insider Tip: Look for "starter homes" in the Weirs or Lakeport neighborhoods—smaller, older homes that need some work. Your electrical skills are a huge asset for renovations, which can make a fixer-upper a viable path to ownership.

Can you afford a home? It's a stretch on a single income, but possible with a sizable down payment (10-15%), a strict budget, and leveraging your trade skills for DIY renovations to build value. Many local electricians find that after 5-10 years of experience and potentially moving to a master electrician license, homeownership becomes a realistic goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Laconia's Major Employers

The Laconia job market for electricians is a mix of large contractors, specialized firms, and institutional employers. Here’s a list of key players you should know:

1. Cianbro Corporation: While based in Maine, Cianbro is a massive industrial and commercial contractor with a significant presence in the Lakes Region. They handle large-scale projects, including infrastructure, hospitals, and manufacturing plants. Hiring here is often project-based but offers exposure to complex, high-value work.
2. Merrimack County Savings Bank (Branches in Laconia): As a major regional bank, they have ongoing needs for electrical maintenance and retrofitting in their branch offices. This is a great source for steady, union-level work with excellent benefits.
3. Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGHealthcare): A major employer in the city. Hospitals require constant electrical system maintenance, backup power, and technology infrastructure. Their facilities team is always looking for licensed electricians. This is a stable, salaried position with health benefits.
4. Local Electrical Contractors: Firms like Bresson & Sons Electric or Alstead Electric are staples in the area. They handle residential new construction and remodels. Getting in with a reputable local contractor is often the best way to build experience and a network. Hiring trends: They are very busy with the housing boom in Gilford and Meredith.
5. Meredith Village Savings Bank (Headquarters in Meredith): Similar to Merrimack County, their headquarters and branches provide stable maintenance and construction electrical work.
6. Wintergreen Park (or other local camps/resorts): Seasonal work is a reality in the Lakes Region. Wintergreen Park and other summer camps/resorts need electricians for seasonal setup, maintenance, and repairs. This can be a good way to get your foot in the door or supplement income.
7. NH Dept. of Transportation (District 2 - Laconia): State jobs with benefits. They employ electricians for highway lighting, traffic signal systems, and maintenance of state-owned buildings.

Hiring Trends: The biggest driver is the residential and commercial construction boom in the towns surrounding the lake (Gilford, Meredith, Moultonborough). Contractors are often short-handed. There's also a growing need for electricians specializing in data cabling, home automation, and solar PV installation. Insider Tip: A company vehicle is a common perk for traveling electricians in this region, which can offset transportation costs.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has a clear but strict licensing path run by the NH Electricians' Licensing Board (under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification). It's a tiered system.

1. Apprentice Electrician: You must register with the state through an approved apprenticeship program (like the IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Center in Dover, NH, or a non-union program). This involves on-the-job training and classroom hours.
2. Journeyman Electrician: Requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (approximately 4 years) and passing the state journeyman exam. The exam is based on the current National Electrical Code (NEC). You must apply to the board and meet all requirements.
3. Master Electrician: This is the goal for opening your own business. Requires 12,000 hours of experience as a licensed journeyman and passing the master electrician exam. A master electrician can pull permits and supervise others.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Immediately: Enroll in a pre-apprenticeship program or apply directly to local contractors for an apprentice position. You can start working while you complete your state apprentice registration.
• Year 1-4: Complete your 8,000 hours of documented work under a master electrician. Pursue your associate degree in electrical technology if you want a formal education.
• Year 4-5: Study for and pass the state journeyman exam. Apply for your journeyman license.
• Year 5+: Gain experience, and if you have entrepreneurial drive, begin the path to a master electrician license (another 4,000 hours after journeyman licensure).

Key Resource: The NH Electricians' Licensing Board website is your primary source for applications, exam schedules, and the NEC code books you'll need to study.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Laconia is a compact city, but neighborhoods have distinct characters. Your choice depends on your lifestyle and commute preferences.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical Rent (1BR)	Why It's Good for an Electrician
Downtown Laconia	Walkable, urban feel. Many older homes and commercial buildings needing updates.	$1,200 - $1,500	Proximity to main contractors' offices and downtown job sites. Great if you want to bike or walk to work.
Weirs Beach	Classic lakeside, touristy in summer. Mix of year-round and seasonal housing.	$1,300 - $1,600	Strong demand for seasonal maintenance and renovation work. Good for building a side business.
Lakeport	Historic village feel, quieter than Weirs. Single-family homes and small apartments.	$1,100 - $1,400	Central location, easy access to both Laconia and Gilford (where many new homes are built).
North Laconia / Gilford Border	Suburban, newer developments. More space, longer commute to downtown.	$1,500 - $1,800	Direct access to the booming residential construction in Gilford. Ideal if you work for a contractor specializing in new builds.

Insider Tip: If you're renting, look for apartments in Lakeport or North Laconia. You'll save on rent and be well-positioned for commutes to the major job centers in Gilford and Meredith.

The Long-Term Career Growth

The career trajectory for an electrician in Laconia is linear and rewarding if you're proactive.

• Specialty Premiums: Beyond the standard journeyman rate, you can command higher pay by specializing:

  • Low-Voltage / Data: Installing network cabling, security systems, and home automation is in high demand in new homes.
  • Solar PV: With New Hampshire's renewable energy incentives, solar installation is a growing niche.
  • Industrial / Controls: Working on HVAC controls, motor controls, and industrial automation for local manufacturers or hospitals.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Salaried Foreman/Project Manager: At a large contractor like Cianbro, you can move into management.
  2. Master Electrician & Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Start by doing side jobs, then build a full-time business. The $63,211 median can jump to $90,000+ as you scale.
  3. In-House Electrician: A stable, salaried role with benefits at a hospital, university, or large school district (like the Laconia School District).

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook remains strong. The 11% job growth is real. The aging workforce means experienced electricians are in high demand. The push for energy efficiency and smart homes will create new service and installation opportunities. The key is to avoid stagnation. Get licensed, specialize, and consider business ownership. The Lakes Region is a wealthy area with money for home improvements, which benefits skilled tradespeople.

The Long-Term Career Growth

The career trajectory for an electrician in Laconia is linear and rewarding if you're proactive.

• Specialty Premiums: Beyond the standard journeyman rate, you can command higher pay by specializing:

  • Low-Voltage / Data: Installing network cabling, security systems, and home automation is in high demand in new homes.
  • Solar PV: With New Hampshire's renewable energy incentives, solar installation is a growing niche.
  • Industrial / Controls: Working on HVAC controls, motor controls, and industrial automation for local manufacturers or hospitals.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Salaried Foreman/Project Manager: At a large contractor like Cianbro, you can move into management.
  2. Master Electrician & Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Start by doing side jobs, then build a full-time business. The $63,211 median can jump to $90,000+ as you scale.
  3. In-House Electrician: A stable, salaried role with benefits at a hospital, university, or large school district (like the Laconia School District).

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook remains strong. The 11% job growth is real. The aging workforce means experienced electricians are in high demand. The push for energy efficiency and smart homes will create new service and installation opportunities. The key is to avoid stagnation. Get licensed, specialize, and consider business ownership. The Lakes Region is a wealthy area with money for home improvements, which benefits skilled tradespeople.

The Long-Term Career Growth

The career trajectory for an electrician in Laconia is linear and rewarding if you're proactive.

• Specialty Premiums: Beyond the standard journeyman rate, you can command higher pay by specializing:

  • Low-Voltage / Data: Installing network cabling, security systems, and home automation is in high demand in new homes.
  • Solar PV: With New Hampshire's renewable energy incentives, solar installation is a growing niche.
  • Industrial / Controls: Working on HVAC controls, motor controls, and industrial automation for local manufacturers or hospitals.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Salaried Foreman/Project Manager: At a large contractor like Cianbro, you can move into management.
  2. Master Electrician & Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Start by doing side jobs, then build a full-time business. The $63,211 median can jump to $90,000+ as you scale.
  3. In-House Electrician: A stable, salaried role with benefits at a hospital, university, or large school district (like the Laconia School District).

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook remains strong. The 11% job growth is real. The aging workforce means experienced electricians are in high demand. The push for energy efficiency and smart homes will create new service and installation opportunities. The key is to avoid stagnation. Get licensed, specialize, and consider business ownership. The Lakes Region is a wealthy area with money for home improvements, which benefits skilled tradespeople.

The Long-Term Career Growth

The career trajectory for an electrician in Laconia is linear and rewarding if you're proactive.

• Specialty Premiums: Beyond the standard journeyman rate, you can command higher pay by specializing:

  • Low-Voltage / Data: Installing network cabling, security systems, and home automation is in high demand in new homes.
  • Solar PV: With New Hampshire's renewable energy incentives, solar installation is a growing niche.
  • Industrial / Controls: Working on HVAC controls, motor controls, and industrial automation for local manufacturers or hospitals.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Salaried Foreman/Project Manager: At a large contractor like Cianbro, you can move into management.
  2. Master Electrician & Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Start by doing side jobs, then build a full-time business. The $63,211 median can jump to $90,000+ as you scale.
  3. In-House Electrician: A stable, salaried role with benefits at a hospital, university, or large school district (like the Laconia School District).

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook remains strong. The 11% job growth is real. The aging workforce means experienced electricians are in high demand. The push for energy efficiency