Merrimack vs Nashua: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Merrimack, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merrimack, NH | Nashua, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,186 | $80,997▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.23 | $38.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,498 | $60,532▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,119 | $72,079▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,987 | $95,006▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,404 | $102,902▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrimack.
The salary gap between Merrimack and Nashua is $9,811 (13.78%). Nashua's median is +18.99% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merrimack spans $32,906,Nashua spans $42,370. Nashua 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, Nashua ($75,486 effective) pays 13.78% 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 Merrimack if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Nashua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,997/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,902)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,486)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Merrimack grew 0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Nashua over the same period.
Merrimack, NH
$66,929 (2024) → $67,347 (2025)
Nashua, NH
$68,467 (2024) → $76,629 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merrimack, NH
Nashua, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Merrimack or Nashua?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merrimack and Nashua?
Should I relocate from Merrimack to Nashua as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Merrimack vs Nashua?
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