Concord vs Portsmouth: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Concord, NH and Portsmouth, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Concord, NH | Portsmouth, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,816 | $106,550▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.87 | $51.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,504 | $76,236▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,600 | $86,029▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,444▲ | $131,377 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,014▲ | $158,614 |
| Total Employed | 11▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Concord and Portsmouth are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Concord and Portsmouth is $734 (0.69%). Portsmouth's median is +2.95% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Concord spans $88,510,Portsmouth spans $82,378. Concord 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, Portsmouth ($99,301 effective) pays 0.69% more than Concord ($98,617 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Concord if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,014)
- ✓Larger job market (11 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,550/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,301)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Concord grew 6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.1% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Concord, NH
$97,133 (2024) → $103,104 (2025)
Portsmouth, NH
$86,470 (2019) → $103,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Concord, NH
Portsmouth, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov