Manchester vs Portsmouth: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Manchester, NH and Portsmouth, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Portsmouth, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,306 | $106,550▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.71 | $51.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,243 | $76,236▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,103 | $86,029▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,311 | $131,377▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,306 | $158,614▲ |
| Total Employed | 460▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Portsmouth, NH offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Manchester and Portsmouth is $5,244 (5.18%). 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 Manchester spans $82,063,Portsmouth spans $82,378. Portsmouth has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portsmouth ($99,301 effective) pays 3.57% 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 Manchester if…
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,550/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,614)
- ✓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 Manchester grew 8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.1% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$90,770 (2019) → $98,710 (2025)
Portsmouth, NH
$86,470 (2019) → $103,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Portsmouth, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Manchester or Portsmouth?
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Should I relocate from Manchester to Portsmouth as a civil engineer?
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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