Salaries in Laconia, NH
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Laconia’s unemployment rate is a shockingly low 2.5%, but here’s the twist: it’s not because everyone’s raking it in. The city’s real secret is that it’s a surprisingly affordable place for a specific kind of worker—and a tough one for everyone else.
Let’s talk purchasing power. The cost of living sits at 109, meaning you’re paying 9% more than the national average for groceries, utilities, and rent. A one-bedroom goes for $1,471 a month. When the median household income is $68,427, that rent eats up a bigger slice of the pie than you’d expect in a small city. It’s not a budget haven, but it’s not a wallet-buster either. It’s a wash, financially, unless you’re in the right job.
Who’s thriving? The data points to two clear winners: tech and healthcare. Software developers pull in the top salary at a raw $130,696, and registered nurses aren’t far behind at $88,393. These folks are likely working remotely for bigger firms or at the local hospital system, which is probably one of the city’s largest employers. The rest of the economy runs on a mix of education, skilled trades, and local services that keep the city humming.
Here’s my honest take: Laconia’s wages aren’t keeping pace with its cost creep. The COL-adjusted average salary is just $53,711, which feels thin for a city that’s not exactly cheap. This place works best if you’re in one of those top-tier roles or you’re a dual-income household. For everyone else, it’s a grind.
The numbers below tell the full story of who wins and who just gets by.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Laconia
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Laconia
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (109/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $130,696 |
| 2 | Accountant | $88,404 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $88,393 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $65,389 |
| 5 | Electrician | $63,211 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $63,139 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $54,523 |
| 8 | Paralegal | $51,349 |
| 9 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $51,349 |
| 10 | Welder | $51,349 |
| 11 | HVAC Technician | $51,349 |
| 12 | Police Officer | $51,349 |
| 13 | Graphic Designer | $51,349 |
| 14 | Data Analyst | $51,349 |
| 15 | Plumber | $51,349 |
| 16 | Carpenter | $51,349 |
| 17 | Human Resources Specialist | $51,349 |
| 18 | Financial Analyst | $51,349 |
| 19 | Physical Therapist | $51,349 |
| 20 | Pharmacist | $51,349 |
| 21 | Project Manager | $51,349 |
| 22 | Firefighter | $51,349 |
| 23 | Construction Manager | $51,349 |
| 24 | Web Developer | $51,349 |
| 25 | Dental Hygienist | $51,349 |
| 26 | Marketing Manager | $51,349 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $51,349 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Laconia
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Laconia?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Laconia. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Laconia Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Laconia Worth It?
As an editor, here's my honest verdict: Laconia isn't a gold rush, but it's a solid bet if you know what you're signing up for. With a COL index of 109.0, your paycheck gets pinched harder than in the average U.S. city. That $58,545 average salary feels tight against a $1,471 monthly rent. Software developers are the clear winners here, both in raw pay ($130,696) and after you adjust for costs ($119,905). Tech is where the money is. Healthcare and trades offer stability, but they won't make you rich.
If you're considering the move, my advice is simple: secure the job with the salary locked in before you start apartment hunting. Don't move here on a hope and a prayer; the math needs to work from day one.