Hanover vs Manchester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Hanover, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hanover, NH | Manchester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,334▲ | $101,306 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.12▲ | $48.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,704▲ | $67,243 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,760▲ | $80,103 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,892▲ | $125,311 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,939▲ | $149,306 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 460▲ |
Verdict
Hanover, NH offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Hanover and Manchester is $5,028 (4.96%). Hanover's median is +2.75% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hanover spans $82,235,Manchester spans $82,063. Hanover 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, Hanover ($99,100 effective) pays 3.36% more than Manchester ($95,882 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hanover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,334/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,939)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,100)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Hanover grew 6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Manchester over the same period.
Hanover, NH
$97,609 (2024) → $103,609 (2025)
Manchester, NH
$90,770 (2019) → $98,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hanover, NH
Manchester, 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