Group III nitride-based laser diodes comprise an n-side cladding layer formed of n-doped (Al,In)GaN, an n-side waveguide layer formed of n-doped (Al)InGaN, an active region, a p-side waveguide layer formed of p-doped (Al)InGaN, and a p-side cladding layer formed of p-doped (Al,In)GaN. Optical mode is shifted away from high acceptor concentrations in p-type layers through manipulation of indium concentration and thickness of the n-side waveguide layer. Dopant and compositional profiles of the p-side cladding layer and the p-side waveguide layer are tailored to reduce optical loss and increased wall plug efficiency.