Derry vs Manchester: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Derry, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Derry, NH | Manchester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,887▲ | $76,223 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.88▲ | $36.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,221 | $61,939▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,931 | $66,288▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,535▲ | $86,859 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,826▲ | $95,485 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 740▲ |
Verdict
Derry, NH offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Derry and Manchester is $4,664 (6.12%). Derry's median is +2.99% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Derry spans $67,605,Manchester spans $33,546. Derry 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, Derry ($75,384 effective) pays 4.49% more than Manchester ($72,142 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Derry if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,887/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,826)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,384)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Derry grew 12.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Manchester over the same period.
Derry, NH
$70,031 (2024) → $78,485 (2025)
Manchester, NH
$60,310 (2019) → $73,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Derry or Manchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Derry and Manchester?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov