Manchester vs Rochester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Manchester, NH and Rochester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Rochester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,306 | $106,892▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.71 | $51.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,243 | $78,036▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,103 | $87,772▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,311 | $136,573▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,306 | $165,683▲ |
| Total Employed | 460▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Rochester, NH offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Manchester and Rochester is $5,586 (5.51%). Rochester's median is +3.29% 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,Rochester spans $87,647. Rochester 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, Rochester ($99,620 effective) pays 3.90% 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 Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,892/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,683)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,620)
- ✓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 6.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$90,770 (2019) → $98,710 (2025)
Rochester, NH
$98,122 (2024) → $104,153 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Rochester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Manchester or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Rochester as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Manchester vs Rochester?
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