Nashua vs Salem: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $106,031 | $107,794▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.98 | $51.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,281 | $81,745▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,543 | $90,248▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,441▲ | $116,374 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,569▲ | $131,499 |
| Total Employed | 21▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Nashua and Salem are closely matched on overall dental hygienist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Nashua and Salem is $1,763 (1.66%). Salem's median is +4.71% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashua spans $55,288,Salem spans $49,754. 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, Salem ($100,460 effective) pays 1.66% 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 Nashua if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,569)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,794/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,460)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Nashua grew 28.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Salem over the same period.
Nashua, NH
$78,397 (2020) → $101,040 (2025)
Salem, NH
$76,734 (2020) → $102,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashua, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Nashua or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashua and Salem?
Should I relocate from Nashua to Salem as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Nashua vs Salem?
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