LPN Salary

Bedford vs Nashua: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)

Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bedford, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bedford, NH
$68,792
$33.07/hr
Nashua, NH
$80,997
$38.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBedford, NHNashua, NH
Median Salary$68,792$80,997
Hourly Rate$33.07$38.94
Entry Level (P10)$53,793$60,532
25th Percentile$66,962$72,079
75th Percentile$80,261$95,006
Top Earner (P90)$85,764$102,902
Total Employed621
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bedford ($68,792) and Nashua ($80,997) licensed practical nurse salaries.BedfordNashuaMedian Salary$68,792$80,997Entry Level (P10)$53,793$60,532Top Earner (P90)$85,764$102,902US Median $68,071

Verdict

Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bedford.

The salary gap between Bedford and Nashua is $12,205 (17.74%). Nashua's median is +18.99% compared to the US national median of $68,071.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bedford spans $31,971,Nashua spans $42,370. Nashua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.

Bedford
P10 (Entry)$53,793
P25$66,962
Median$68,792
P75$80,261
P90 (Top)$85,764
Nashua
P10 (Entry)$60,532
P25$72,079
Median$80,997
P75$95,006
P90 (Top)$102,902

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashua ($75,486 effective) pays 17.74% more than Bedford ($64,112 effective).

Bedford
Nominal: $68,792
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $64,112
Nashua
Nominal: $80,997
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $75,486

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bedford if…

  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Nashua if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,997/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($102,902)
  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,486)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bedford grew 0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Nashua over the same period.

Bedford, NH

+0.6%

$64,678 (2024) → $65,082 (2025)

Nashua, NH

+11.9%

$68,467 (2024) → $76,629 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bedford or Nashua?

Nashua has a higher median licensed practical nurse salary at $80,997/year, compared to Bedford at $68,792/year — a difference of $12,205 (17.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bedford and Nashua?

Bedford licensed practical nurses earn $33.07/hr while Nashua hygienists earn $38.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bedford to Nashua as a licensed practical nurse?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bedford and Nashua. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bedford = $64,112, Nashua = $75,486), job availability (6 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bedford vs Nashua?

Entry-level (10th percentile) licensed practical nurses earn $53,793 in Bedford and $60,532 in Nashua. The Nashua area offers higher starting salaries.
AM

Written by Aisha Malik, LPN

Career Analyst

Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Thompson, LPNData verified by Maria Gonzalez, LPN

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov