Manchester vs Portsmouth: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Manchester, NH and Portsmouth, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Portsmouth, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,058▲ | $48,449 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.55▲ | $23.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,492▲ | $39,343 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,291 | $42,164▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,413▲ | $52,250 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,323▲ | $62,414 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.
The salary gap between Manchester and Portsmouth is $2,609 (5.39%). Manchester's median is +8.50% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $23,831,Portsmouth spans $23,071. Manchester 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, Manchester ($48,324 effective) pays 7.02% more than Portsmouth ($45,153 effective).
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 ($51,058/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,323)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,324)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Manchester grew 37.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$35,160 (2021) → $48,250 (2025)
Portsmouth, NH
$35,990 (2021) → $45,784 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Portsmouth, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Manchester or Portsmouth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Portsmouth?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Portsmouth as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Manchester vs Portsmouth?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov