Manchester vs Salem: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $50,218 | $50,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.14 | $24.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,589▲ | $39,414 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,971▲ | $41,540 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,387▲ | $52,760 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,139▲ | $61,904 |
| Total Employed | 880▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Manchester and Salem is $1 (0.00%). Salem's median is +4.71% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $21,550,Salem spans $22,490. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($47,529 effective) pays 1.55% more than Salem ($46,802 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 ($63,139)
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,529)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,219/year)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Manchester grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$37,230 (2019) → $47,840 (2025)
Salem, NH
$46,072 (2024) → $47,841 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Manchester or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Salem?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Salem as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Manchester vs Salem?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov