Merrimack vs Nashua: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $82,136▲ | $76,763 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.49▲ | $36.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,268▲ | $45,934 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,458▲ | $57,705 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,694▲ | $97,723 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,972▲ | $114,021 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Merrimack, NH offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashua.
The salary gap between Merrimack and Nashua is $5,373 (7.00%). Merrimack's median is +4.58% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merrimack spans $67,704,Nashua spans $68,087. Nashua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Merrimack ($76,548 effective) pays 7.00% more than Nashua ($71,541 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 ($82,136/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,972)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,548)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Nashua if…
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Merrimack grew 12.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.4% growth in Nashua over the same period.
Merrimack, NH
$71,112 (2024) → $79,697 (2025)
Nashua, NH
$72,746 (2024) → $74,484 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merrimack, NH
Nashua, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Merrimack or Nashua?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merrimack and Nashua?
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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