Manchester vs Merrimack: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Manchester, NH and Merrimack, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Merrimack, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,949 | $106,433▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.84 | $51.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,325 | $67,253▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,439 | $82,690▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,843 | $121,538▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,264 | $138,440▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Merrimack, NH offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Manchester and Merrimack is $21,484 (25.29%). Merrimack's median is +4.58% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $53,939,Merrimack spans $71,187. Merrimack has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Merrimack ($99,192 effective) pays 23.37% more than Manchester ($80,401 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 (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Merrimack if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,433/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,440)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,192)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Manchester grew 5.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.2% growth in Merrimack over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$77,570 (2019) → $81,690 (2025)
Merrimack, NH
$92,027 (2024) → $102,349 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Merrimack, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Manchester or Merrimack?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Merrimack?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Merrimack as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Manchester vs Merrimack?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov