Manchester vs Salem: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Manchester, NH and Salem, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Salem, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,074 | $175,048▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.02 | $84.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,159 | $101,528▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,365 | $126,035▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $194,281 | $224,061▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $301,033▲ | $271,325 |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Manchester and Salem are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Manchester and Salem is $43,974 (33.55%). Salem's median is +4.71% 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,Salem spans $169,797. 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, Salem ($163,139 effective) pays 31.50% 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 Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($175,048/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,139)
- ✓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 15.7% growth in Salem over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$101,840 (2019) → $125,190 (2025)
Salem, NH
$144,499 (2024) → $167,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Manchester or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Salem?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Salem as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Manchester vs Salem?
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