Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Manchester, NH: $62,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Manchester, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,902 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manchester's local price level (BEA RPP 105.7 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,534 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,427) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field in Manchester, New Hampshire, can expect a starting licensed practical nurse salary of approximately $62,902 in 2026. While this entry-level pay is lower than the projected city median of $80,427, it offers a solid foundation for career growth. Over the first few years, new LPNs can anticipate their salaries rising incrementally through increased responsibilities and experience, with projections suggesting a movement toward $71,686 as they reach the 25th percentile. Given the robust demand for healthcare professionals, especially in skilled nursing facilities, Manchester presents a favorable job market for those beginning their nursing careers, positioning new grads well for both immediate employment and future advancement.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manchester
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Manchester, NH typically start between $62,902 and $71,686 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,085 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,427 — 18.15% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in New Hampshire of $18,000 represents just 28.62% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($62,902/year) in Manchester. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Manchester
- 1Research the Manchester market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $62,902 to $71,686, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manchester, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Manchester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manchester's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Manchester is $28,085 ( 44.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,902, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,987.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,690
2025 BLS Actual
$59,510
2026 Current Est.
$62,902
2019–2027 Growth
+52.2%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,140 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,487 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Manchester, NH grew 36.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,690 in 2019 to $59,510 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,487. New graduates entering the Manchester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Manchester
In Manchester, various employers are actively seeking new graduate licensed practical nurses, particularly skilled nursing facilities that provide comprehensive on-the-job orientation to help ease LPNs into their roles. Home health agencies are another attractive option, offering flexible scheduling that appeals to recent graduates. For those focused on maximizing their entry-level salaries, essential credentials include an active LPN license from the state board of nursing, a practical nursing diploma, and successful completion of the NCLEX-PN exam. New nurses may enhance their earning potential further by pursuing certifications in IV therapy or wound care. Within the first few years, it’s advisable for LPNs to consider bridge programs that transition to RN roles, especially since many hospitals are increasingly adopting all-RN staffing models. The realistic salary trajectory for new LPNs in this market suggests steady increases, driven by experience and the pursuit of additional qualifications.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Manchester in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Manchester?
Is nursing school worth it in Manchester?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Manchester?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in New Hampshire?
Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Manchester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov