Police Officer Salary in Manchester, NH: $76,223 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Manchester, NH earns a median $76,223/year (≈ $36.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.7), that paycheck buys what $72,142 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.6% below the New Hampshire state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, police officers in Manchester, New Hampshire, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $76,223. The salary range for officers in this city will vary, with the lowest 10% earning an annual income of $61,939, while the highest 90% can expect up to $95,485. This information is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, indicating a favorable financial outlook for law enforcement professionals in the region. Moreover, the impact of pension multipliers and long-term retirement benefits is significant, making Manchester an attractive option for police veterans and new recruits alike. The current figures reflect local compensation dynamics amid a competitive job market, further reinforcing the value of police officer salaries in Manchester, NH.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,939 | $29.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,288 | $31.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,223 | $36.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,859 | $41.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,485 | $45.91 |
Median Salary Position
2.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NH, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,546 (2026 est.). At $76,223, the local median is 2.95% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Police Officer Pay Compares
Manchester median: $76,223/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $84,318 | -9.60% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -2.95% less |
Police Officers in Manchester, NH earn a median of $76,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.95% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 9.60% below the New Hampshire state average of $84,318.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 5.66% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NH has a cost-of-living index of 105.657 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,223 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,142 — a 5.35% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,310
2025 BLS Actual
$73,960
2026 Current Est.
$76,223
2019–2027 Growth
+30.3%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,223 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,556 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 22.6% from $60,310 (2019) to $73,960 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,556 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,246 (30.25%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $61,939 – $66,288 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,288 – $76,223 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,223 – $86,859 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,859 – $95,485 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Manchester
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The local job market in Manchester comprises approximately 740 police officers, highlighting a substantial employment base within law enforcement. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 105.657, officers may find their take-home pay has a distinct impact on their purchasing power in comparison to national averages. Among the various employers in the area, municipal police departments tend to offer competitive pay, although federal law enforcement opportunities, such as the FBI and DEA, typically provide higher salaries due to their extensive training and benefits. Differences in pay are often driven by agency type, overtime structures, and special assignments, which can influence the financial trajectory of individual officers. For those seeking the most favorable compensation packages, it’s advisable to consider the educational incentives available and to pursue specialized roles—such as detective or K-9 cop—within the force. Understanding these dynamics can be crucial for anyone actively engaging with police officer pay in Manchester, NH.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do police officers make in Manchester, NH in 2026?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $73,960 for police officersin the Manchester metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
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