Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Merrimack, NH: $71,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Merrimack, NH earns a median $71,186/year (≈ $34.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Merrimack's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $66,343 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Merrimack, New Hampshire is projected to reach a median of $71,186, reflecting a competitive environment compared to the national figure of $68,071. This local earning potential, ranging from $54,498 at the 10th percentile to $87,404 at the 90th percentile, offers a solid compensation framework for those in the profession. The estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the importance of shift differentials and weekend premiums that enhance overall compensation in long-term care settings, further emphasizing the value of skilled nursing. With a relatively small workforce of five licensed practical nurses currently employed in Merrimack, the local job market remains promising, especially for candidates skilled in specialized areas such as IV therapy and long-term care workflows.
About the Merrimack Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,498 | $26.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,119 | $30.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,186 | $34.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,987 | $39.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,404 | $42.03 |
Median Salary Position
4.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Merrimack
In Merrimack, NH, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,906 (2026 est.). At $71,186, the local median is 4.58% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Merrimack: You'd be above the median
How Merrimack Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Merrimack median: $71,186/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Merrimack Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $73,011 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +4.58% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Merrimack, NH earn a median of $71,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.50% below the New Hampshire state average of $73,011.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Merrimack has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Merrimack, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,186 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,343 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,653
2025 BLS Actual
$67,347
2026 Current Est.
$71,186
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Merrimack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,653 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,054 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,119 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,463 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,929 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,243 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Merrimack metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $49,653 (2019) to $67,347 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,243 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,590 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merrimack 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) | $54,498 – $64,119 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,119 – $71,186 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,186 – $81,987 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,987 – $87,404 |
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 Merrimack
A closer look at the dynamics influencing licensed practical nurse pay in Merrimack, NH, reveals that the local cost of living, with an index of 107.3, can impact overall purchasing power. This means that while salaries may be appealing, the slightly higher expense of living must be taken into account. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest pay, with home health agencies following closely behind. Disparities in wages can be attributed to several factors, including the work setting—where skilled nursing roles typically pay more than positions in physician offices—as well as additional financial incentives like weekend bonuses and charge LPN pay. To maximize earnings, aspiring LPNs should contemplate pursuing certifications related to IV therapy and actively seeking roles in higher-paying skilled nursing environments. This strategic approach will position them well within Merrimack's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Merrimack, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $67,347 for licensed practical nursesin the Merrimack 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
Salary data for Merrimack is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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