Merrimack vs Salem: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Merrimack, NH and Salem, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merrimack, NH | Salem, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $260,283 | $260,614▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $125.14 | $125.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $168,094 | $168,859▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $223,248 | $223,990▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $316,066 | $316,862▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $354,760 | $355,858▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 8▲ |
Verdict
Salem, NH offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrimack.
The salary gap between Merrimack and Salem is $331 (0.13%). Salem's median is +4.71% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merrimack spans $186,666,Salem spans $186,999. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($242,884 effective) pays 0.13% more than Merrimack ($242,575 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merrimack if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($260,614/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($355,858)
- ✓Larger job market (8 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $242,884)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Merrimack grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Salem over the same period.
Merrimack, NH
$240,526 (2024) → $247,417 (2025)
Salem, NH
$240,832 (2024) → $247,732 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merrimack, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Merrimack or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merrimack and Salem?
Should I relocate from Merrimack to Salem as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Merrimack vs Salem?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov