Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Manchester, NH: $80,427 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Manchester, NH earns a median $80,427/year (≈ $38.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.7), that paycheck buys what $76,121 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.1% above the New Hampshire state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Earning a median annual salary of $80,427, the licensed practical nurse salary in Manchester, NH, reflects a strong upward trend compared to the national median of $68,071 for 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data. Salary ranges for LPNs in the area fall between $62,902 at the 10th percentile to $90,987 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums contribute significantly to these compensation figures, especially in long-term care settings, where many Manchester LPNs find steady employment. The area's robust healthcare market enhances job security, making it an attractive location for both experienced and new nurses.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,902 | $30.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,686 | $34.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,427 | $38.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,638 | $41.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,987 | $43.75 |
Median Salary Position
18.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NH, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,085 (2026 est.). At $80,427, the local median is 18.15% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be above the median
How Manchester Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Manchester median: $80,427/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $73,049 | +10.10% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +18.15% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Manchester, NH earn a median of $80,427 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.15% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 10.10% above the New Hampshire state average of $73,049.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 5.66% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NH has a cost-of-living index of 105.657 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,427 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,121 — a 5.35% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,150
2025 BLS Actual
$76,090
2026 Current Est.
$80,427
2019–2027 Growth
+51.4%
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 | $56,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,427 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,011 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.5% from $56,150 (2019) to $76,090 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,011 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,861 (51.40%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $62,902 – $71,686 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,686 – $80,427 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,427 – $85,638 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,638 – $90,987 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Manchester
With approximately 760 licensed practical nurses working in Manchester, the local job market demonstrates notable strength despite a cost-of-living index of 105.657, which indicates a higher living expense than the national average. This reality affects take-home pay and purchasing power for LPNs. Top employers like skilled nursing facilities usually offer the highest compensation, leveraging their need for continual skilled labor. Variations in pay can be broadly attributed to the work setting; LPNs in hospitals often earn less as more facilities adopt all-RN staffing models, while home health agencies and assisted living communities typically offer competitive wages. LPNs who opt for specialized certifications, such as IV therapy, can earn additional stipends, and those willing to work weekends or holidays may also see a boost in earnings. Understanding these dynamics can empower LPNs in Manchester, NH, to maximize their potential income.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Manchester?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,090 for licensed practical nursesin the Manchester metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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