Nashua vs Salem: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $144,851 | $147,003▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.64 | $70.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,316 | $106,641▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,833 | $128,474▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $173,701▲ | $173,324 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,192▲ | $195,790 |
| Total Employed | 21▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Nashua and Salem are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Nashua and Salem is $2,152 (1.49%). Salem's median is +4.71% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashua spans $96,876,Salem spans $89,149. 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 ($137,002 effective) pays 1.49% more than Nashua ($134,996 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 ($199,192)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,003/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,002)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Nashua grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Salem over the same period.
Nashua, NH
$136,933 (2024) → $140,196 (2025)
Salem, NH
$134,028 (2024) → $142,279 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashua, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Nashua or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashua and Salem?
Should I relocate from Nashua to Salem as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Nashua vs Salem?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov