Manchester vs Portsmouth: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $131,074 | $172,116▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.02 | $82.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,159 | $99,827▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,365 | $123,924▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $194,281 | $220,309▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $301,033▲ | $266,781 |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Manchester and Portsmouth are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Manchester and Portsmouth is $41,042 (31.31%). Portsmouth's median is +2.96% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $222,874,Portsmouth spans $166,954. Manchester has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portsmouth ($160,406 effective) pays 29.30% more than Manchester ($124,056 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($301,033)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,116/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,406)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Manchester grew 22.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 53.0% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$101,840 (2019) → $125,190 (2025)
Portsmouth, NH
$107,460 (2019) → $164,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Portsmouth, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Manchester or Portsmouth?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov