Manchester vs Rochester: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Manchester, NH and Rochester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Rochester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,524▲ | $110,671 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.61▲ | $53.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,837 | $84,670▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,690▲ | $92,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,885 | $140,045▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,237▲ | $170,684 |
| Total Employed | 1,080▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Manchester and Rochester is $853 (0.77%). Manchester's median is +4.08% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $93,400,Rochester spans $86,014. 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 ($105,553 effective) pays 2.34% more than Rochester ($103,142 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 ($111,524/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,237)
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,553)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Manchester grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$90,760 (2019) → $108,360 (2025)
Rochester, NH
$105,352 (2024) → $107,531 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Rochester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Manchester or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Rochester as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Manchester vs Rochester?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov