The Complete Career Guide for Project Managers in Laconia, NH

As a career analyst who's spent years tracking the professional landscape of the Lakes Region, I can tell you that Laconia isn't the first place most Project Managers think of—but that's exactly why it can be a strategic move. This guide is built on hard data and local insights to help you decide if Laconia's blend of small-town living and regional economic health is the right fit for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Laconia Stands

Project Managers in Laconia earn a median salary of $104,014, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.01. When you stack this against the national average of $101,280, Laconia holds a slight edge. However, the context is key: with a metro population of just 16,982 and only 33 Project Manager jobs in the metro area, this is a niche market. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is stable but not explosive. In simple terms, you can make a good living here, but the job market is tightly knit.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this region. Note that these are approximate ranges based on local market data and BLS trends.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Laconia Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Often starts in project coordinator or assistant PM roles.
Mid-Level	4-8 years	$95,000 - $115,000	This is where the median salary of $104,014 falls.
Senior-Level	9-15 years	$115,000 - $140,000	Usually requires leading large-scale projects or teams.
Expert/Director	15+ years	$140,000+	Typically within larger organizations or specialized fields.

How does this compare to other NH cities? Laconia's median of $104,014 sits comfortably between the lower end of rural hubs like Berlin and the higher end of the southern tech corridor. For example, Project Managers in Manchester or Nashua often see medians closer to $115,000, but the cost of living and commute are significantly higher. In Laconia, you're trading a marginally lower top-end salary for a drastically lower cost of living and a less stressful environment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's run the numbers for a Project Manager earning the median salary of $104,014. We'll assume you're single, filing as an individual, and using standard deductions for 2024.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $104,014 / 12 = $8,667.83
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): 22-25% of gross = **$1,900 - $2,167**
• Estimated Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$6,500 - $6,767

Now, factor in the local rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Laconia rents for $1,471/month. This is roughly 22% of your net monthly income, which is below the recommended 30% threshold—a very healthy ratio.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The Laconia housing market is notably more accessible than in southern New Hampshire. While a median sale price for a single-family home in the Belknap County area hovers around $350,000 - $400,000 (as of 2023 data), the lower property taxes compared to major metros make monthly payments more manageable. With a down payment of 20% ($70,000 on a $350k home), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would result in a principal and interest payment of around $1,770 per month, plus taxes and insurance. Combined with the lower cost of living, homeownership is a realistic goal for mid-to-senior level PMs here.

Where the Jobs Are: Laconia's Major Employers

The job market for Project Managers in Laconia is dominated by stable, large employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and public works. The "33 jobs in metro" figure is telling—you'll find opportunities clustered in these sectors. Hiring is steady, not frenetic, and priority often goes to local candidates with established networks.

1. Lakes Region General Hospital: As the largest healthcare provider in the area, and part of the larger Dartmouth Health system, LRGH is a major source of PM roles. They need managers for facility upgrades, IT system implementations (like EMR), and community health initiatives. Hiring is consistent due to ongoing expansions and tech integration.

2. BAE Systems (Nashua & Merrimack facilities): While not in Laconia proper, BAE's large defense and technology campuses are within a 45-minute drive. This is a critical source of higher-paying PM roles for those willing to commute. They hire for complex engineering and manufacturing projects, often requiring security clearance.

3. General Electric (GE) Aviation (Bromont, QC - ~1 hour drive): Another major regional employer for specialized PMs in aerospace manufacturing. The drive is manageable for some, and the pay is at the higher end of the spectrum.

4. City of Laconia / Public Works: The municipal government itself employs Project Managers for infrastructure projects—road repairs, water system upgrades, and public building renovations. These roles offer stability and excellent benefits but require navigating public procurement processes.

5. Lakes Region Community College (LRCC): The college hires PMs for construction projects, grant-funded programs, and IT upgrades. It's a great environment for PMs who value education and community impact.

6. Local Manufacturing Firms: Companies like Pem-Tech (a local manufacturer) and other small-to-mid-sized industrial firms often need PMs to oversee production lines, supply chain logistics, and facility management. These opportunities are less advertised but can be found through local networking.

Insider Tip: The "33 jobs" metric undersells the reality. Many PM positions are filled through internal promotions or word-of-mouth before they ever hit a public job board. Your best bet is to connect with the HR departments at the employers listed above directly.

Getting Licensed in NH

For Project Managers, licensure isn't always mandatory, but it can set you apart. The most relevant credential is the Professional Engineer (PE) license, which is crucial for PMs in construction, civil engineering, and related fields.

• Requirements: You'll need a 4-year ABET-accredited engineering degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gain 4 years of progressive experience under a PE, and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The state board is the NH Board of Engineers.
• Costs: Expect to spend $500 - $1,500 total on exam fees, application fees, and study materials. The annual renewal fee is around $200.
• Timeline: From start to finish, the process typically takes 4-5 years, assuming you meet the experience requirement. If you're moving from another state, you can apply for comity licensure if your state has similar standards.

For non-engineering PMs, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from PMI is the gold standard. It's universally recognized and doesn't require a state-specific license. The cost is approximately $555 for non-members to take the exam.

Insider Tip: If you're in a specialized field like IT, check for certifications like CompTIA Project+ or Scrum Master certifications, which are valued by local employers like GE and BAE.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Commuting in Laconia is a breeze compared to major cities. Traffic is minimal, but your choice of neighborhood can impact your lifestyle and budget.

• Downtown Laconia: Walkable to local eateries, the Colonial Theatre, and lakeshore access. Ideal for a vibrant, social lifestyle. The commute to most employers is under 10 minutes. Rent estimate: $1,400 - $1,700 for a 1BR.
• The Weirs Beach Area: A lakeside community with a seasonal tourist buzz. Offers a resort-like feel with access to Lake Winnipesaukee. Slightly further from downtown but still a short drive. Rent estimate: $1,200 - $1,600 for a 1BR (more seasonal flexibility).
• Gilford: An affluent suburb north of Laconia, home to Gunstock Mountain. Offers excellent schools, more space, and a quieter, family-friendly environment. The commute to Laconia employers is 10-15 minutes. Rent estimate: $1,500 - $1,900 for a 1BR (slightly higher than Laconia average).
• Meredith: A charming, slightly more upscale town to the north. Has a strong downtown with boutiques and restaurants. Commute to Laconia is about 15-20 minutes. Rent estimate: $1,600 - $2,000 for a 1BR.
• Belmont: A more rural, affordable town south of Laconia. Good for those wanting more yard space and a lower rent. Commute is 10 minutes or less. Rent estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: If you work for a major employer like BAE or GE, living in the southern part of the lake (Moultonborough, Tuftonboro) or even across the border into Meredith can offer a beautiful commute with minimal traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Laconia, career growth is more about deepening expertise in a specific industry rather than rapid vertical climbs across multiple companies. The small market size limits the number of executive PM roles, but it creates a tight-knit professional community where reputation matters immensely.

• Specialty Premiums: PMs with a PE license in civil or structural engineering command a premium, especially for public works and construction projects. Specializing in IT or healthcare project management (with certifications like PMP) also pays well, given the needs of LRGH and regional tech firms.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Mid-Level PM (~$104,014) to Senior PM (~$115,000-$140,000), and then potentially to a Director of Operations or Program Management. Some PMs pivot into consulting, serving multiple local businesses on a project basis. Entrepreneurship is also feasible, with many PMs starting their own small firms to serve the local construction and renovation market.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 6% job growth rate, the demand for skilled Project Managers will remain steady. The key drivers will be public infrastructure investments (bridges, roads), healthcare expansion, and the ongoing need for manufacturing modernization. Salaries are expected to keep pace with, or slightly exceed, the national average, especially for those with specialized, in-demand skills.

Insider Tip: Join the NH Chapter of PMI. Attending meetings in Concord or Manchester can connect you with peers from across the state, opening doors to larger projects and opportunities beyond the immediate Laconia market.

The Verdict: Is Laconia Right for You?

Deciding on Laconia is a trade-off. It's not a bustling metropolis, but it offers a unique quality of life and a solid, if modest, career foundation.

Pros	Cons
High Quality of Life: Easy access to lakes, mountains, and outdoor recreation. Minimal traffic.	Limited Job Market: Only 33 jobs in the metro. You may need to commute or be prepared for a long search.
Favorable Salary-to-Cost Ratio: $104,014 median salary goes further with $1,471 average rent.	Slower Career Pace: Fewer large corporations mean fewer lateral moves. Growth is often internal.
Stable Employers: Major hospitals, public works, and regional manufacturers offer job security.	Requires Networking: Many jobs are filled through connections. Cold applications have a lower success rate.
Manageable Commute: Most neighborhoods offer a sub-20-minute drive to work.	Seasonal Economy: Tourism drives parts of the economy, which can be a pro or con depending on your field.

Final Recommendation: Laconia is an excellent choice for Project Managers who prioritize work-life balance, outdoor living, and a stable, community-focused career. It's best suited for mid-career professionals (5+ years) who can command at least the median salary, or those willing to commute to the broader Lakes Region or southern NH for higher-paying roles. If you thrive on a fast-paced, high-growth corporate ladder in a major city, Laconia will feel too slow. If you're looking to build a meaningful career without sacrificing your quality of life, it's a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. What is the job market really like for Project Managers in Laconia?
It's a tight, specialized market. With only 33 jobs in the metro, you can't rely on high-volume applications. The market is dominated by healthcare, public works, and manufacturing. Success requires targeted applications to major employers like LRGH and the City of Laconia, and a strong local network.

2. Can I live in Laconia and commute to Manchester or Nashua for a higher salary?
Yes, and many do. The commute to Manchester is about 1 hour, and to Nashua about 1 hour 15 minutes. This can be a strategic compromise: you earn a salary closer to the $115,000+ range of southern NH while enjoying Laconia's lower cost of living. However, you'll sacrifice some personal time to the road.

3. Is the cost of living truly manageable on a Project Manager's salary?
Yes, decisively. With a median salary of $104,014 and average rent of $1,471, your housing costs are well below 30% of take-home pay. The overall Cost of Living Index of 109.0 (vs. 100 national average) is higher than rural areas but significantly lower than Boston or southern NH cities, meaning your dollar stretches further.

4. What certifications are most valued by local employers?
For engineering-heavy projects (construction, infrastructure), the PE license is paramount. For IT, healthcare, and general business projects, the PMP certification is the most recognized. For manufacturing, experience with specific methodologies (like Lean Six Sigma) can give you an edge.

5. How do I start networking in a small town like Laconia?
Start with the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. Attend their events. Join the NH Chapter of PMI and attend meetings in Concord. Connect with the HR departments at LRGH, the City of Laconia, and local engineering firms. A simple coffee meeting with a local PM can often lead to a job lead before a position is ever posted.