Manchester vs Merrimack: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Manchester, NH and Merrimack, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Merrimack, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,427▲ | $71,186 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.67▲ | $34.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,902▲ | $54,498 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,686▲ | $64,119 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,638▲ | $81,987 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,987▲ | $87,404 |
| Total Employed | 760▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrimack.
The salary gap between Manchester and Merrimack is $9,241 (12.98%). 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,Merrimack spans $32,906. Merrimack 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 14.74% more than Merrimack ($66,343 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 Merrimack 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 Merrimack over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$56,150 (2019) → $76,090 (2025)
Merrimack, NH
$66,929 (2024) → $67,347 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Merrimack, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Manchester or Merrimack?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Merrimack?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Merrimack as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Manchester vs Merrimack?
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