Registered Nurse in Laconia, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Laconia Stands

As a local who’s watched the nursing field in the Lakes Region evolve, I can tell you that Laconia offers a solid, competitive salary for RNs, especially when you weigh it against the local cost of living. The median salary for a Registered Nurse here is $88,393/year, which translates to a healthy hourly rate of $42.5/hour. This figure sits comfortably above the national average of $86,070/year, giving you a slight but meaningful financial edge right from the start.

The job market, while not a sprawling metropolis, is stable and specific. There are approximately 152 nursing jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady and reliable, indicating a consistent demand for skilled nurses that is less susceptible to the boom-and-bust cycles of larger cities. It suggests that positions open up through retirement and natural turnover, rather than massive new hospital expansions.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Laconia market:

| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary | Typical Hourly Rate | Notes for Laconia |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $75,000 - $82,000 | $36 - $39.50 | Often starts at $42.5/hour in unionized settings like LRGH. New grads may see a slight sign-on bonus for hospital roles. |
| Mid-Career (3-9 years) | $85,000 - $95,000 | $40.75 - $45.65 | This is where you'll see the median of $88,393. Specialties (ER, ICU, OR) command a premium. |
| Senior/Expert (10+ years) | $98,000 - $110,000+ | $47 - $53+ | Highly experienced nurses, especially those in leadership (Charge Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist) or niche specialties. |

Compared to other New Hampshire cities, Laconia holds its own. It doesn't chase the premium salaries of the Boston-adjacent Seacoast (Portsmouth, Dover) or the tech corridor of Manchester/Nashua, where the cost of living is significantly higher. Instead, it offers a strong balance. For example, a nurse in Manchester might earn 5-10% more, but their average 1BR rent could be 15-20% higher. In Laconia, the salary-to-rent ratio is more favorable, which is a key local insight for long-term financial health.

Insider Tip: The union contract at the largest local hospital (LRGH) is a major driver of these salaries. Knowing its step schedule and premium pay for nights/weekends is crucial for negotiation and career planning.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Making $88,393/year sounds great, but let's get real about what it means for your monthly budget in Laconia. The city's cost of living index is 109.0 (US avg = 100), meaning it's about 9% more expensive than the national average, primarily due to housing and utilities.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single RN earning the median salary (assuming a roughly 25% effective tax rate, which is an estimate for NH—no state income tax, but federal and FICA apply):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,366
• Estimated Take-Home (after ~25% taxes): $5,525
• Average 1BR Rent: -$1,471
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transportation, Savings: ~$4,054

While NH has no state income tax, remember that property taxes are among the highest in the nation. This is a critical factor if you plan to buy a home. The average monthly mortgage payment for a modest home in the area will often include a substantial tax escrow.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, but with careful planning. A median-priced home in the Laconia area (around $350,000-$400,000) with a 20% down payment would have a mortgage payment of roughly $1,500-$1,800 before property taxes. When you add in Laconia’s high property taxes (often $6,000-$8,000/year for a modest home), the total monthly housing cost can easily approach $2,200-$2,500. This is manageable on an RN salary, but it would be a larger portion of your take-home pay than renting. It's a trade-off between building equity and maintaining lower monthly expenses.

Where the Jobs Are: Laconia's Major Employers

The nursing job market in Laconia is anchored by a few key employers. Here’s a look at the major players and the hiring landscape:

1. Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGH): The cornerstone of healthcare in the city. As a member of the Dartmouth Health system, it offers a wide range of specialties (Med/Surg, ICU, ED, Women's Health, Orthopedics). It's the largest employer of RNs in the area. Hiring trends are steady, with frequent postings for Med/Surg and ER positions. Being part of a larger network can offer opportunities for internal transfers and continuing education.

2. Belmont Healthcare Center: A long-term care and rehabilitation facility located just north of Laconia in Belmont. It's a major employer for RNs interested in geriatrics, sub-acute rehab, and long-term care. Hiring is often consistent due to the nature of the industry. It’s a common stepping stone for new grads or those transitioning from hospital settings.

3. Geneva Pharmaceuticals (Clinical Research): While not a traditional hospital, this clinical research organization in nearby Gilford conducts trials and often hires RNs for research coordinator roles. These positions typically require a BSN and offer a different pace than bedside nursing. The trend is toward growth in clinical research in the region due to proximity to Boston’s biotech corridor.

4. Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of the Lakes Region: Provides home health and hospice care across the Lakes Region. This is a fantastic option for nurses who prefer autonomy and community-based care. Hiring trends show steady demand, especially for RNs with strong assessment skills and experience in chronic disease management.

5. Various Assisted Living/Memory Care Facilities: Laconia and its surrounding towns (Gilford, Meredith, Meredith) have numerous high-end assisted living communities (e.g., The Taylor Community, The Ledges). These facilities often employ RNs for clinical oversight and medication management. The trend is toward "aging in place" care, increasing demand for RNs in these settings.

6. Laconia Clinic & Private Practices: Various private practices (cardiology, orthopedics, family medicine) within the city and in Gilford often employ RNs for clinical roles. Hiring is less frequent but can be more stable and often offers regular business hours.

Insider Tip: Many positions at LRGH and in home health are filled through internal postings and referrals. Networking with nurses who already work there is invaluable. The "clinical ladder" at LRGH, which rewards professional development and certification, is a key path to higher earnings.

Getting Licensed in NH

If you’re moving from out of state, your first step is to secure your New Hampshire nursing license. The process is managed by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.

• Requirements: You must have an active, unrestricted RN license in another state. To get licensed by endorsement in NH, you'll need to:

  1. Submit an application through the NURSYS® system (if your home state participates) or directly to the NH Board.
  2. Provide official verification of your license from your home state.
  3. Complete a criminal background check (includes fingerprinting).
  4. If you graduated from a non-ACEN or CCNE accredited program, you may need to submit your nursing school transcript.
  5. There is no requirement for a separate NCLEX-RN exam if you are already licensed in another state.

• Costs: The application fee for licensure by endorsement is $120. There is an additional fee for the background check, typically around $60-$80. Total initial cost is approximately $180-$200.

• Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks. It's advisable to start the application as soon as you have a job offer or are seriously considering a move. The Board's website is straightforward, but processing times can vary.

• Compact State Note: New Hampshire is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This is a huge advantage. If you hold a multistate license from another compact state (like Maine, Vermont, or Massachusetts), you can practice in New Hampshire without obtaining a separate NH license. This dramatically simplifies the move for many nurses.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Living in Laconia offers distinct neighborhoods with different vibes. Proximity to the hospital and key amenities is a major consideration.

1. Downtown Laconia: The heart of the city. Walkable to local shops, restaurants, and the lakefront. Commute to LRGH is very short (5-10 minutes). Offers a mix of historic apartments and single-family homes. Average 1BR rent: $1,300 - $1,500. Ideal for those who want an urban, connected lifestyle.

2. The Weirs Beach Area: This is the classic Lakes Region neighborhood, home to the famous boardwalk, arcades, and Weirs Beach. It's more seasonal and touristy but offers unique charm and direct lake access. Commute to LRGH is about 10-15 minutes. Housing can be a mix of seasonal cottages and year-round rentals. Average 1BR rent: $1,200 - $1,600 (highly seasonal). Good for nurses who love the water and a vibrant summer scene.

3. South End/Gilford Avenue Area: A quieter, residential area south of downtown. Features many older, well-maintained homes and some apartment complexes. Commute is easy (10 minutes). Offers more space and a family-friendly feel. Average 1BR rent: $1,350 - $1,550. A solid choice for those seeking a balance between city access and suburban peace.

4. The "Garden Street" Corridor: East of downtown, this area has a mix of residential streets and is close to local schools and parks. The commute to LRGH is still very manageable (10-15 minutes). It offers a quieter, more established neighborhood feel. Average 1BR rent: $1,250 - $1,450. Great for nurses who prefer a low-key, community-oriented setting.

5. The "Lakeport" Area (Laconia's West Side): This is a more densely populated, working-class neighborhood with a strong sense of community. It's a short drive or walk from downtown and the hospital. It offers more affordable rental options. Average 1BR rent: $1,100 - $1,300. A practical choice for those prioritizing affordability and a short commute.

Insider Tip: If you're commuting to LRGH, traffic is rarely an issue. The real consideration is winter parking. Ensure your rental has dedicated parking, as street parking during heavy snowfall can be a challenge in the older downtown areas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Laconia is a great place to build a cornerstone career, but for rapid advancement into high-acuity specialties or management, you may need to look within the region.

• Specialty Premiums: At LRGH, earning a certification in a specialty like Critical Care (CCRN), Emergency Nursing (CEN), or Orthopedics can net you a pay differential of $1.50 - $3.00/hour. This is a clear, direct path to increasing your income without leaving your employer.

• Advancement Paths: The most common path to higher earnings is moving into a leadership role, such as Charge Nurse or Clinical Nurse Manager. This requires experience and often a BSN (which is becoming the standard for many hospitals). LRGH's clinical ladder program rewards nurses for education, certification, and precepting.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth will be primarily in home health, hospice, and geriatric care due to an aging population. While new hospital-based jobs will be slower, the integration with Dartmouth Health may bring more specialized services to LRGH over the next decade (e.g., advanced cardiology, neurology). For nurses seeking to specialize in a niche field (e.g., infusion therapy, wound care), the local market is limited, but the proximity to larger medical centers in Concord or Manchester (both under an hour's drive) allows for potential PRN or part-time work to gain that experience.

Insider Tip: Consider pursuing a graduate degree (MSN) via online programs. This opens doors to Nurse Practitioner roles, which are in growing demand in the Lakes Region for primary care and specialty practices, both in Laconia and in the surrounding larger towns.

The Verdict: Is Laconia Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable salary ($88,393) with a favorable cost-of-living ratio compared to larger NH cities.	Housing costs are high relative to national averages, and property taxes are a significant long-term expense.
Low stress, manageable commute. You can live in a quiet neighborhood and be at work in 10 minutes.	Limited specialty options. If you want to be a highly specialized nurse (e.g., pediatric oncology, ECMO), you'll likely need to commute to Concord or Manchester.
Unbeatable lifestyle for outdoor enthusiasts. You're minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee, the White Mountains, and endless hiking/biking trails.	Social scene is quieter. It's not a bustling city. If you crave nightlife, large concerts, or a huge dating pool, you may find it limiting.
Tight-knit, supportive nursing community. Being a smaller city, you'll quickly know colleagues from other facilities, fostering a strong network.	Job growth is modest. Career advancement may require relocating or commuting. The 6% growth is steady but not dynamic.
No state income tax and access to the NH NLC for easy licensure.	Winters are long and can be isolating. The "off-season" (late fall/early spring) can feel very quiet.

Final Recommendation: Laconia is an excellent choice for a Registered Nurse who values quality of life, financial stability, and a close connection to nature. It's ideal for those who are past the "big city" hustle and want a career that supports a lifestyle centered around the outdoors and community. It works best for mid-career nurses or new grads who don't require ultra-specialized hospital training immediately. If your primary goal is to climb the ladder in a high-acuity specialty within a major academic medical center, you might start your career here for experience but plan a move to a larger metro in 5-7 years. For the majority, Laconia offers a sustainable, rewarding, and beautiful place to live and work.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to get a job as a new grad RN in Laconia?
A: It's competitive but not impossible. LRGH does hire new grads, especially into their Med/Surg and ER residencies. Having a BSN and any prior local clinical experience (from nursing school) is a huge advantage. Applying in the spring (ahead of summer graduation) is key. Also, consider starting at a long-term care facility like Belmont Healthcare to get your foot in the door.

Q: What’s the real winter commute like?
A: Very manageable. Laconia is a small city, so your commute is rarely more than 15-20 minutes. The main roads (Route 3, Route 106) are well-prioritized for plowing. The real challenge is your own driveway/plowed street. Invest in good winter tires and a reliable vehicle. Many nurses in the area drive all-wheel-drive vehicles for this reason.

Q: How does the cost of living really feel day-to-day?
A: Groceries and utilities are slightly above the national average. The biggest adjustment is housing. While your $1,471/month rent might be comparable to a mid-sized city, the lack of state income tax helps offset this. Your take-home pay will feel higher than in a state with a 5-6% income tax. Budgeting for high property taxes if you buy is the most critical financial step.

Q: Are there opportunities for PRN or part-time work?
A: Absolutely. Many nurses in Laconia work a full-time hospital schedule and pick up PRN shifts at a local nursing home, the VNA, or a clinic. This is a common way to boost income and gain varied experience. The small-world nature of the healthcare community means PRN shifts are often filled by word-of-mouth.

Q: What’s the best part about working as an RN here?
A: The work-life balance. You can finish a 12-hour shift and be on a hiking trail or at the beach within 20 minutes. The patient population is generally stable, and the pace, while busy, is less chaotic than in a major urban ER. You get to know your patients and colleagues in a genuine way. It’s a place where you can do good work and still have time to live a full life outside the hospital.