Keene vs Manchester: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Keene, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Keene, NH | Manchester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,831▲ | $105,286 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.89▲ | $50.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,849 | $90,668▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,715 | $103,030▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,020▲ | $109,274 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,992▲ | $122,696 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Keene, NH offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Keene and Manchester is $545 (0.52%). Keene's median is +2.80% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Keene spans $43,143,Manchester spans $32,028. Keene 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 ($99,649 effective) pays 1.03% more than Keene ($98,631 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Keene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,831/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,992)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,649)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Keene grew 33.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Manchester over the same period.
Keene, NH
$75,336 (2020) → $100,849 (2025)
Manchester, NH
$78,050 (2020) → $100,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Keene or Manchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Keene and Manchester?
Should I relocate from Keene to Manchester as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Keene vs Manchester?
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