Manchester vs Nashua: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Manchester, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Nashua, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,206 | $85,809▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.96 | $41.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,153▲ | $49,769 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,153▲ | $61,783 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,650▲ | $109,835 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,931 | $133,004▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Manchester and Nashua is $603 (0.71%). Nashua's median is +38.46% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $53,778,Nashua spans $83,235. Nashua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($80,644 effective) pays 0.84% more than Nashua ($79,971 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 (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,644)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Nashua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,809/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,004)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Manchester grew 101.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.5% growth in Nashua over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$39,920 (2019) → $80,360 (2025)
Nashua, NH
$55,629 (2024) → $80,929 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Nashua, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Manchester or Nashua?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Nashua?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Nashua as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Manchester vs Nashua?
Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% 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, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov