SLP Salary

Merrimack vs Nashua: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)

Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Merrimack, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Merrimack, NH
$106,433
$51.17/hr
Nashua, NH
$85,550
$41.13/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMerrimack, NHNashua, NH
Median Salary$106,433$85,550
Hourly Rate$51.17$41.13
Entry Level (P10)$67,253$52,841
25th Percentile$82,690$65,700
75th Percentile$121,538$99,496
Top Earner (P90)$138,440$115,117
Total Employed521
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Merrimack ($106,433) and Nashua ($85,550) speech-language pathologist salaries.MerrimackNashuaMedian Salary$106,433$85,550Entry Level (P10)$67,253$52,841Top Earner (P90)$138,440$115,117US Median $101,775

Verdict

Merrimack, NH offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashua.

The salary gap between Merrimack and Nashua is $20,883 (24.41%). 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 Merrimack spans $71,187,Nashua spans $62,276. Merrimack has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Merrimack
P10 (Entry)$67,253
P25$82,690
Median$106,433
P75$121,538
P90 (Top)$138,440
Nashua
P10 (Entry)$52,841
P25$65,700
Median$85,550
P75$99,496
P90 (Top)$115,117

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Merrimack ($99,192 effective) pays 24.41% more than Nashua ($79,730 effective).

Merrimack
Nominal: $106,433
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $99,192
Nashua
Nominal: $85,550
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $79,730

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Nashua if…

  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Merrimack grew 11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.6% growth in Nashua over the same period.

Merrimack, NH

+11.2%

$92,027 (2024) → $102,349 (2025)

Nashua, NH

+-12.6%

$94,142 (2024) → $82,268 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Merrimack or Nashua?

Merrimack has a higher median speech-language pathologist salary at $106,433/year, compared to Nashua at $85,550/year — a difference of $20,883 (24.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Merrimack and Nashua?

Merrimack speech-language pathologists earn $51.17/hr while Nashua hygienists earn $41.13/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Merrimack to Nashua as a speech-language pathologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Merrimack and Nashua. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Merrimack = $99,192, Nashua = $79,730), job availability (5 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Merrimack vs Nashua?

Entry-level (10th percentile) speech-language pathologists earn $67,253 in Merrimack and $52,841 in Nashua. The Merrimack area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Fatima Ali, CCC-SLPData verified by Miguel Torres, CCC-SLP

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