Nashua vs Salem: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Nashua, NH and Salem, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashua, NH | Salem, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $166,346▲ | $130,921 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.98▲ | $62.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,398▲ | $81,910 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,643▲ | $98,665 |
| 75th Percentile | $209,645▲ | $162,245 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $249,953▲ | $190,558 |
| Total Employed | 21▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Nashua and Salem is $35,425 (27.06%). Nashua's median is +33.04% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashua spans $148,555,Salem spans $108,648. Nashua 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, Nashua ($155,029 effective) pays 27.06% more than Salem ($122,014 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($166,346/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($249,953)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,029)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Nashua grew 30.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Salem over the same period.
Nashua, NH
$123,026 (2024) → $160,488 (2025)
Salem, NH
$120,416 (2024) → $126,311 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashua, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov