Manchester vs Portsmouth: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Manchester, NH and Portsmouth, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Portsmouth, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,202 | $140,910▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.48 | $67.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,378 | $114,202▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,250▲ | $128,188 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,827 | $159,866▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,472 | $169,994▲ |
| Total Employed | 550▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Portsmouth, NH offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Manchester and Portsmouth is $4,708 (3.46%). Portsmouth's median is +2.96% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $51,094,Portsmouth spans $55,792. Portsmouth has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portsmouth ($131,323 effective) pays 1.87% more than Manchester ($128,910 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Larger job market (550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,910/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,994)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,323)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Manchester grew 13.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$116,170 (2019) → $131,660 (2025)
Portsmouth, NH
$108,960 (2019) → $136,211 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Portsmouth, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Manchester or Portsmouth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Portsmouth?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Portsmouth as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Manchester vs Portsmouth?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov