Nashua vs Portsmouth: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Nashua, NH and Portsmouth, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashua, NH | Portsmouth, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,031▲ | $105,988 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.98▲ | $50.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,281 | $85,596▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,543 | $92,051▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,441▲ | $112,167 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,569▲ | $124,531 |
| Total Employed | 21▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.
The salary gap between Nashua and Portsmouth is $43 (0.04%). Nashua's median is +3.00% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashua spans $55,288,Portsmouth spans $38,935. Nashua 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, Nashua ($98,817 effective) pays 0.04% more than Portsmouth ($98,777 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,031/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,569)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,817)
- ✓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, dental hygienist salaries in Nashua grew 28.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.6% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Nashua, NH
$78,397 (2020) → $101,040 (2025)
Portsmouth, NH
$79,170 (2020) → $100,999 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashua, NH
Portsmouth, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Nashua or Portsmouth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashua and Portsmouth?
Should I relocate from Nashua to Portsmouth as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Nashua vs Portsmouth?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov