Pharmacist in Manchester, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Manchester Stands

Let's get right to it: Pharmacists in Manchester, NH, earn a median salary of $138,111/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.4/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $136,030/year, placing Manchester in a competitive, if not top-tier, position for compensation. The local pharmacy job market is tight, with only about 230 jobs in the entire metro area. More concerning is the 10-year job growth projection, which is -3%. This indicates that the market is not expanding; it's stable or slightly contracting, meaning competition for existing positions can be fierce, especially for desirable roles at major employers.

To understand where you might fall in this range, consider this experience-level breakdown. These are realistic estimates based on local trends and the provided median, accounting for the slow growth and specialized demand in the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Manchester
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$115,000 - $128,000	Often starts in community retail (CVS, Walgreens) or hospital staff positions. Limited negotiation power.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$128,000 - $142,000	Moves into clinical roles, specialty pharmacy, or management. Competition intensifies here.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$142,000 - $155,000+	Leadership roles (Director of Pharmacy, Clinical Specialist). Top pay is often tied to hospital systems like Elliot Hospital.
Expert/Specialty (15+ years)	$155,000+	Niche specialties (oncology, cardiology), academia (UNH Manchester), or consulting. Limited but high-paying roles.

How does Manchester stack up against its New Hampshire neighbors? While the cost of living is a factor, the salary is competitive within the state.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Notes
Manchester, NH	$138,111	105.1	Highest population center in NH, most job density.
Portsmouth, NH	~$140,000	128.8	Higher pay, but significantly higher cost of living (seacoast).
Nashua, NH	~$136,000	110.2	Similar pay, slightly lower cost of living, but fewer major hospitals.
Concord, NH	~$135,000	108.5	State capital, government jobs, but smaller market than Manchester.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In Manchester, benefits packages at major hospitals (Elliot, Southern NH Medical Center) are robust and can add 15-20% in total value (retirement matching, health insurance, PTO). When comparing offers, calculate the total compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The $138,111 salary is a gross figure. Let's break down what that means for your monthly budget in Manchester. We'll assume a single filer with standard deductions.

• Federal Tax (approx.): ~22% of gross (varies)
• FICA (7.65%): Social Security & Medicare
• NH State Tax: 5% (flat rate on interest & dividends only; no broad income tax)
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$8,300 - $8,700 (after taxes)

Manchester's average 1BR rent is $1,348/month. Let's see how that fits into a monthly budget.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,348	Average; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes internet, electricity, heating (NH winters are costly).
Groceries	$400 - $500	Standard for one person.
Transportation	$200 - $300	Car payment/insurance is common; public transit (MATA) is limited.
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	Often employer-subsidized, but check the premium.
Student Loans	$300 - $800	Varies widely; pharmacists often have high debt.
Misc./Savings	$2,000+	Entertainment, dining, retirement savings, emergency fund.
Total Estimated Outflow	~$4,500 - $5,500	Leaves a comfortable surplus for most.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Manchester is around $350,000. With a $138,111 salary, a 20% down payment ($70,000) is a significant upfront cost, but manageable over a few years of saving. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely be $2,000 - $2,500, which is reasonable on this salary. The real barrier is the down payment and the competitive housing market. Insider Tip: Look at the "Queen City" neighborhoods south of downtown (like the North End or Rimmon Heights) for starter homes that are more affordable than the trendy Elm Street or Downtown condos.

Where the Jobs Are: Manchester's Major Employers

With only 230 jobs in the metro, targeting the right employers is critical. Here are the key players in the Manchester pharmacy scene:

1. Elliot Hospital: The largest private employer in the city. They have a full-service inpatient pharmacy, outpatient specialty pharmacy, and ambulatory care clinics. They are the primary source for clinical and hospital pharmacist roles. Hiring is steady but competitive; they often promote internally.
2. Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (SNHMC): Part of the Mass General Brigham system, this is a major acute care facility in nearby Nashua but serves the Manchester area. It offers similar opportunities to Elliot, with a focus on system-wide integration and specialty services.
3. CVS Health & Walgreens: The major retail chains have a strong presence throughout the Manchester metro. These are often the entry points into the market. While high-pressure, they offer consistent openings and are a common first job for new graduates. The market is saturated at this level.
4. St. Joseph Hospital (Dartmouth-Hitchcock): Located in Nashua, this is another key health system in the region. It has a strong reputation and offers roles in both inpatient and outpatient oncology/pharmacy. It's a 30-minute commute from Manchester but is a top-tier employer.
5. Community Health & Specialty Pharmacies: Look to providers like Granite State Pharmacy or The Medicine Shoppe for independent and specialty roles. These are smaller but can offer more flexibility and a closer-knit team environment. Hiring is sporadic and often driven by openings.
6. University of New Hampshire (UNH Manchester): A niche but important employer. They have a small pharmacy program and occasionally hire for academic, research, or advisory roles. Not a major hiring source, but a unique opportunity for those with advanced degrees.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable but slow-growing. The -3% job growth means you're often waiting for someone to retire or leave. Networking is everything. Join the New Hampshire Pharmacy Association (NHPA) and attend local events. Many jobs are filled through referrals before they are ever posted online.

Getting Licensed in NH

If you're moving from another state, you must become licensed with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

• Requirements:
  1. Graduate from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school (PharmD).
  2. Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
  3. Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for New Hampshire.
  4. Complete a pharmacy internship (hours vary by state; check with the board).
  5. Pass a background check.
• Costs:
  • NAPLEX: $485
  • MPJE: $250
  • NH License Application Fee: $120
  • Background Check: ~$50
  • Total: ~$905 (does not include exam prep courses)
• Timeline: If you already have a license in another state and are applying for reciprocity, the process can take 2-4 months. If you're a new graduate, it can take 3-6 months to complete all exams and paperwork. Start the process 6 months before your planned move.

Insider Tip: New Hampshire is part of the Pharmacy Licensure Compact (NCPLC), which can streamline reciprocity for pharmacists from other compact states. Check if your current state is a member.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Where you live in Manchester impacts your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Downtown/Elm Street: Walkable, vibrant, with restaurants and nightlife. Close to Elliot Hospital and SNHMC (if you commute to Nashua). High rent ($1,600 - $2,000+ for a 1BR). Best for young professionals who want a social scene.
2. The North End: A historic, residential neighborhood with beautiful Victorian homes. Quieter than downtown, but still a short drive. Central to everything. Rent is slightly lower ($1,300 - $1,600). A great balance for those who want charm without the nightlife noise.
3. South Manchester (Pine Island, Hallsville): More suburban, with single-family homes and condos. Excellent access to I-293 and I-93 for commutes to employers in Nashua or Bedford. Longer walkability, but more space. Rent for 1BR condos is around $1,200 - $1,400.
4. Amoskeag/Queen City: A mix of industrial and residential. More affordable ($1,100 - $1,400), but less polished. Good for those prioritizing budget over aesthetics. Close to the river for recreation.
5. Bedford (just outside Manchester): A high-end, quiet suburb with top-rated schools. Commute is 15-20 minutes to Manchester hospitals. Rent is higher ($1,500 - $1,800 for a 1BR), but it's where many professionals with families choose to live.

Insider Tip: Traffic is not a major issue in Manchester, but winter weather can be. Living within 15 minutes of your primary workplace is a smart move for safety and quality of life in January and February.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% job growth, advancement means specializing or moving into leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: In Manchester, specialties like Oncology (at Elliot or St. Joseph), Infectious Diseases (critical in hospital settings), and Ambulatory Care (in diabetes or anticoagulation clinics) can command a 10-20% premium over the median salary. Certifications (BCPS, BCOP, etc.) are highly valued by employers like Elliot and Dartmouth-Hitchcock.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff Pharmacist → Clinical Specialist → Pharmacy Manager → Director of Pharmacy. The Director role at a major hospital can push your salary well over $160,000. However, these positions are rare and often filled internally.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is cautious. The pharmacy field is maturing nationally, and NH's small, aging population limits explosive growth. Pharmacists who adapt to new care models (telehealth, medication therapy management) and who are willing to shuttle between community health and hospital settings will have the most stability. The -3% growth suggests that automation and technician roles may absorb some tasks, making clinical judgment and patient interaction even more critical for pharmacists.

The Verdict: Is Manchester Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary above national average with no state income tax.	Extremely limited job market (only 230 jobs).
Moderate cost of living compared to seacoast NH or Boston.	Stagnant job growth (-3%), making mobility difficult.
Access to major health systems (Elliot, Dartmouth-Hitchcock).	Harsh winters and seasonal affective disorder can be challenging.
Central location in NH, easy to access mountains and coast.	Limited public transit; car is essential.
Smaller city feel with urban amenities.	Social scene can be slow outside of downtown; some find it "boring."

Final Recommendation: Manchester, NH, is a viable and financially sensible option for established pharmacists seeking stability and a work-life balance. The salary of $138,111 provides a comfortable living, and the lack of state income tax is a significant boost. However, it is not a market for job-hoppers or those seeking rapid career expansion. The -3% growth and small job pool (230 jobs) mean you must have a solid offer before moving and a plan for long-term growth through specialization. For a new graduate, it's a tough market to break into—consider starting in a larger metro and transferring later. For an experienced pharmacist looking for a quieter life, a lower cost of living than the seacoast, and a role at a respected hospital, Manchester is a strong contender.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living really 105.1?
Yes, according to national indices, Manchester's cost of living is about 5% higher than the U.S. average. However, the key factor is the lack of a state income tax, which can offset this. The biggest expense is housing and winter heating, not daily goods.

2. How competitive is the job market for pharmacists with 5 years of experience?
With 5 years, you're in the "Mid-Level" range. Competition is moderate but real. You'll be up against local candidates and those moving from other parts of NH. Having a specialty certification (like BCPS) and experience in a clinical setting will make you a much stronger candidate for the limited hospital roles.

3. Can I commute from Portsmouth or Nashua to Manchester for a pharmacy job?
Yes, but it's not ideal. Commuting from Nashua (30 minutes) is common and manageable. Commuting from Portsmouth (45-60 minutes) is long, especially in winter. Given the -3% growth, you're more likely to find a job in your own community. It's better to live nearer to your employer.

4. What's the best way to find a pharmacy job in Manchester?
Your best bet is a direct approach. 1) Use the New Hampshire Pharmacy Association (NHPA) job board. 2) Network with pharmacists at local events. 3) Apply directly on hospital career websites (Elliot, SNHMC, Dartmouth-Hitchcock). 4) Contact local staffing agencies that specialize in healthcare. Do not rely solely on Indeed or LinkedIn; the market is too small.

5. Is a PharmD from a NH school an advantage?
Yes, but a small one. UNH Manchester has a strong reputation, and local employers are familiar with its curriculum. However, the primary advantage is having completed internships within the local network, which is invaluable. For out-of-state candidates, highlighting any regional ties or rotations in New England can help.