Lab Scientist / Researcher.
Manchester.
$71,000
median salary, 1% above the national average
$53,000 to $94,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
The median Lab Scientist / Researcher salary in Manchester is $71,000, 1% above the national average. Entry level starts near $53,000. Experienced professionals push past $94,000. Manchester is New Hampshire's largest city and a growing satellite hub for Boston's tech economy. That spread is your negotiation window.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $64,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
to $57,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$60,000
to $75,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$78,000
to $92,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$89,000
to $110,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $20,000 to the total package.
Base
$71,000
Equity
$12,000
Bonus
$7,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $91,000
How Manchester compares
Manchester, NH
$71,000
Cost of living: 6% above average
National Average
$70,000
Manchester is $1,000 above
Lab Scientist / Researcher salary by city
Salary by role in Manchester
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Lab Scientist / Researcher roles in Manchester, here is what you are walking into. Manchester is New Hampshire's largest city and a growing satellite hub for Boston's tech economy. The lack of state income tax and sales tax makes it highly attractive for professionals who commute to or work remotely for Boston area employers. Defense, healthcare, and small tech firms anchor the local economy. Degree level and industry setting are the primary drivers. PhD researchers in pharma or biotech earn 30 to 50% more than bachelor's-level lab technicians. GLP/GMP compliance experience, instrument specialization, and grant-writing ability in academic settings influence compensation. Contract versus permanent status also creates significant pay differences.
Research associates start at $52,000 to $62,000 with a bachelor's degree. Senior scientists earn $70,000 to $92,000 after four to six years. Lab directors and principal investigators reach $95,000 to $135,000, with department heads at pharma companies exceeding $150,000. In Manchester, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Pharma and biotech companies offer 5 to 12% bonuses and stock purchase plans. Academic researchers receive tuition benefits, sabbatical leave, and conference funding. Contract lab roles pay higher hourly rates but lack benefits and job security. And on the tax side: new Hampshire has no state income tax on wages and no sales tax. Manchester has no city income tax. This makes it one of the lowest taxed metros in the Northeast. When someone quotes you $71,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Use the no income tax advantage to negotiate. Many professionals live in Manchester and work remotely for Boston companies, keeping the higher salary with zero state tax. The range for Lab Scientist / Researchers in Manchester runs from $53,000 to $94,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Respiratory Therapist in Manchester earns $70,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Manchester is Chief AI Officer at $325,000
Common questions.
Lab Scientist / Researcher salary in other cities
Other salaries in Manchester
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