Dover vs Manchester: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Dover, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, NH | Manchester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,625 | $80,427▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.95 | $38.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,044 | $62,902▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,234 | $71,686▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,733 | $85,638▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,631 | $90,987▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 760▲ |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dover.
The salary gap between Dover and Manchester is $9,802 (13.88%). Manchester's median is +18.15% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $26,587,Manchester spans $28,085. Manchester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($76,121 effective) pays 15.65% more than Dover ($65,820 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,427/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,987)
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,121)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Dover grew 18.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Manchester over the same period.
Dover, NH
$56,640 (2019) → $66,816 (2025)
Manchester, NH
$56,150 (2019) → $76,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Dover or Manchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Manchester?
Should I relocate from Dover to Manchester as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Dover vs Manchester?
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.
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