Derry vs Manchester: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Derry, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Derry, NH | Manchester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,393 | $50,218▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.74 | $24.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,542 | $41,589▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,859 | $47,971▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,808 | $57,387▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,212▲ | $63,139 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 880▲ |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Derry.
The salary gap between Derry and Manchester is $825 (1.67%). Manchester'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 Derry spans $22,670,Manchester spans $21,550. Derry has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($47,529 effective) pays 3.25% more than Derry ($46,033 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Derry if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,212)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,218/year)
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,529)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Derry grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Manchester over the same period.
Derry, NH
$45,314 (2024) → $47,054 (2025)
Manchester, NH
$37,230 (2019) → $47,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Derry or Manchester?
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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