Find a Job You Really Want In
Are you gearing up for a job search in 2026? Whether you’re seeking new opportunities or evaluating the job market in New Hampshire, understanding where the most promising job prospects lie can make all the difference. Job markets can vary significantly from city to city, and knowing the best places to look can give you a competitive edge.
At Zippia, we’re passionate about data and careers, so we analyzed the most recent statistics to identify the hottest job markets in New Hampshire for 2026.
Here are the ten most promising job markets in New Hampshire.
The 10 Hottest Job Markets In New Hampshire
These cities represent the top ten locations for job seekers in New Hampshire. If your city isn’t in the top 10, don’t worry—keep reading to find out where it ranks on the complete list.
How We Determined the Best Job Markets in New Hampshire
To provide the most accurate assessment, we utilized the latest data from the Census American Community Survey to analyze major metro areas in New Hampshire, specifically those with a civilian workforce of over 5,000.
While the unemployment rate is a valuable indicator, it is just one piece of the puzzle when assessing job markets. Our analysis involved a comprehensive evaluation of various factors influencing employment opportunities.
Each metro area was ranked from 1 to 11 based on four key categories:
- Unemployment Rate
- Change in Unemployment Rate
- Household Income Change
- Current Average Household Income
A lower score in each category indicates a stronger job market. For instance, Lebanon boasts the lowest unemployment rate at 1.93%, earning it the top spot in that category. These scores were then averaged to create our final rankings, with the best job markets receiving the lowest overall scores.
1. Dover
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
Average Income: $89,912
2. Portsmouth
Unemployment Rate: 2.51%
Average Income: $107,229
3. Nashua
Unemployment Rate: 4.81%
Average Income: $91,899
4. Lebanon
Unemployment Rate: 1.93%
Average Income: $85,137
5. Claremont
Unemployment Rate: 3.25%
Average Income: $61,610
6. Laconia
Unemployment Rate: 5.25%
Average Income: $75,877
7. Concord
Unemployment Rate: 4.31%
Average Income: $82,499
8. Keene
Unemployment Rate: 4.63%
Average Income: $76,947
9. Manchester
Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
Average Income: $72,376
10. Rochester
Unemployment Rate: 4.34%
Average Income: $73,834
Measuring the Best Job Markets in New Hampshire
If you find yourself in Lebanon and struggling to secure employment, it’s important to recognize that personal circumstances vary widely. While Lebanon has emerged as the top spot for job opportunities, factors like education, professional experience, and specific job roles play a crucial role in individual job searches. Overall, job seekers in the top-ranked areas will generally have a more favorable experience compared to those in lower-ranked cities.
Detailed List of the Hottest Job Markets in New Hampshire
| Rank | Place | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 3.9% |
| 2 | Portsmouth | 2.51% |
| 3 | Nashua | 4.81% |
| 4 | Lebanon | 1.93% |
| 5 | Claremont | 3.25% |
| 6 | Laconia | 5.25% |
| 7 | Concord | 4.31% |
| 8 | Keene | 4.63% |
| 9 | Manchester | 5.1% |
| 10 | Rochester | 4.34% |
| 11 | Somersworth | 5.95% |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
