Manchester vs Salem: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist 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 | $86,076 | $108,270▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.39 | $52.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,092 | $76,663▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,242 | $87,403▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,864 | $122,971▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,675 | $135,255▲ |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Salem, NH offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Manchester and Salem is $22,194 (25.78%). Salem's median is +4.71% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $46,583,Salem spans $58,592. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($100,904 effective) pays 23.86% more than Manchester ($81,467 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 (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,270/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,255)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,904)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Manchester grew -0.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.1% growth in Salem over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$84,000 (2019) → $83,520 (2025)
Salem, NH
$96,333 (2024) → $105,055 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Manchester or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Salem?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Salem as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Manchester vs Salem?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov