Vet Tech salary

Manchester vs Portsmouth: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Manchester, NH and Portsmouth, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Manchester, NH
$51,516
$24.77/hr
Portsmouth, NH
$51,464
$24.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricManchester, NHPortsmouth, NH
Median Salary$51,516$51,464
Hourly Rate$24.77$24.74
Entry Level (P10)$37,864$41,036
25th Percentile$41,567$43,069
75th Percentile$59,840$60,000
Top Earner (P90)$61,074$62,817
Total Employed1805
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Manchester ($51,516) and Portsmouth ($51,464) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ManchesterPortsmouthMedian Salary$51,516$51,464Entry Level (P10)$37,864$41,036Top Earner (P90)$61,074$62,817US Median $49,986

Verdict

Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.

The salary gap between Manchester and Portsmouth is $52 (0.10%). Manchester's median is +3.06% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $23,210,Portsmouth spans $21,781. Manchester has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Manchester
P10 (Entry)$37,864
P25$41,567
Median$51,516
P75$59,840
P90 (Top)$61,074
Portsmouth
P10 (Entry)$41,036
P25$43,069
Median$51,464
P75$60,000
P90 (Top)$62,817

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($48,758 effective) pays 1.66% more than Portsmouth ($47,963 effective).

Manchester
Nominal: $51,516
CoL Index: 105.657
Adjusted: $48,758
Portsmouth
Nominal: $51,464
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $47,963

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Manchester if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,516/year)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,758)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Portsmouth if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($62,817)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Manchester grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.

Manchester, NH

+32.4%

$36,870 (2019) → $48,830 (2025)

Portsmouth, NH

+34.2%

$36,350 (2019) → $48,781 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Manchester or Portsmouth?

Manchester has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,516/year, compared to Portsmouth at $51,464/year — a difference of $52 (0.10%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Portsmouth?

Manchester veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.77/hr while Portsmouth hygienists earn $24.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Manchester to Portsmouth as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Manchester and Portsmouth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Manchester = $48,758, Portsmouth = $47,963), job availability (180 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Manchester vs Portsmouth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,864 in Manchester and $41,036 in Portsmouth. The Portsmouth area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov