Salaries in Manchester, NH

Here’s the thing about Manchester, New Hampshire: for a city of 115,000 people, it has the lowest unemployment rate I’ve seen in years—just 2.5% as of 2026. That’s not a typo. It also means if you’re looking for work, you’re probably already employed.

But let’s talk real purchasing power. The cost of living sits at 105.1, about 5% above the national average. A one-bedroom apartment will set you back $1,348 a month. The median household income is $78,825, which sounds decent until you do the math. After adjusting for costs, that median income feels more like $75,000 in national terms. It’s not a bargain, but it’s not brutal either. You’re trading a bit of premium for a tight job market.

Who’s actually thriving here? The top-paying jobs tell a clear story. Marketing managers pull in $160,031, while software developers and pharmacists aren’t far behind. This isn’t a factory town anymore. The economy’s been quietly pivoting toward healthcare, tech, and specialized construction. You’ve got Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s presence, a growing tech corridor, and plenty of project management roles feeding off regional development. It’s a city for skilled professionals, not necessarily for entry-level job seekers.

Here’s my honest take: wages are solid, but they’re not keeping pace with the cost creep. The COL-adjusted average salary is $66,756, which is respectable but not spectacular. If you’re in one of those top five roles, Manchester is a sweet spot—good pay, manageable costs. If you’re in a lower-wage field, you might feel the squeeze. It works best for dual-income households or people with in-demand skills.

The data below breaks down salaries by role, COL adjustments, and what you can actually afford. It’s a useful snapshot, but remember—numbers don’t capture the feel of a place. Manchester feels solid, not flashy. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.