Manchester vs Salem: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Manchester, NH and Salem, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Salem, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,427▲ | $71,277 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.67▲ | $34.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,902▲ | $54,718 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,686▲ | $64,326 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,638▲ | $82,200 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,987▲ | $87,693 |
| Total Employed | 760▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Manchester and Salem is $9,150 (12.84%). 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 Manchester spans $28,085,Salem spans $32,975. Salem 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 14.59% more than Salem ($66,428 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Manchester grew 35.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.6% growth in Salem over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$56,150 (2019) → $76,090 (2025)
Salem, NH
$67,014 (2024) → $67,433 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Manchester or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Salem?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Salem as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Manchester vs Salem?
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