Merrimack vs Nashua: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Merrimack, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merrimack, NH | Nashua, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,657▲ | $106,031 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.76▲ | $50.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,414▲ | $78,281 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,944▲ | $87,543 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,063 | $116,441▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,064 | $133,569▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Merrimack and Nashua are closely matched on overall dental hygienist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Merrimack and Nashua is $1,626 (1.53%). Merrimack's median is +4.58% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merrimack spans $49,650,Nashua spans $55,288. Nashua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Merrimack ($100,333 effective) pays 1.53% more than Nashua ($98,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merrimack if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,657/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,333)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Nashua if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,569)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Merrimack grew 33.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.9% growth in Nashua over the same period.
Merrimack, NH
$76,636 (2020) → $102,589 (2025)
Nashua, NH
$78,397 (2020) → $101,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merrimack, NH
Nashua, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Merrimack or Nashua?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merrimack and Nashua?
Should I relocate from Merrimack to Nashua as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Merrimack vs Nashua?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov