Manchester vs Salem: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $59,124▲ | $56,149 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.43▲ | $27.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,147▲ | $34,521 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,253▲ | $41,652 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,265▲ | $71,870 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,447▲ | $87,030 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Manchester and Salem is $2,975 (5.30%). Manchester's median is +10.26% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $43,300,Salem spans $52,509. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($55,958 effective) pays 6.94% more than Salem ($52,329 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,124/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,447)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,958)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Manchester grew 38.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -22.3% growth in Salem over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$42,150 (2019) → $58,250 (2025)
Salem, NH
$71,203 (2024) → $55,319 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Manchester or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Salem?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Salem as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Manchester vs Salem?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov