Teacher Salary

Derry vs Nashua: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Derry, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Derry, NH
$66,526
$31.98/hr
Nashua, NH
$74,624
$35.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDerry, NHNashua, NH
Median Salary$66,526$74,624
Hourly Rate$31.98$35.88
Entry Level (P10)$53,258$54,081
25th Percentile$61,790$65,362
75th Percentile$85,152$94,446
Top Earner (P90)$103,115$115,668
Total Employed721
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Derry ($66,526) and Nashua ($74,624) elementary school teacher salaries.DerryNashuaMedian Salary$66,526$74,624Entry Level (P10)$53,258$54,081Top Earner (P90)$103,115$115,668US Median $64,597

Verdict

Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Derry.

The salary gap between Derry and Nashua is $8,098 (12.17%). Nashua's median is +15.52% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Derry spans $49,857,Nashua spans $61,587. Nashua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.

Derry
P10 (Entry)$53,258
P25$61,790
Median$66,526
P75$85,152
P90 (Top)$103,115
Nashua
P10 (Entry)$54,081
P25$65,362
Median$74,624
P75$94,446
P90 (Top)$115,668

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashua ($69,547 effective) pays 12.17% more than Derry ($62,000 effective).

Derry
Nominal: $66,526
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $62,000
Nashua
Nominal: $74,624
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $69,547

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Derry if…

  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Nashua if…

  • Higher median salary ($74,624/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($115,668)
  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,547)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Derry grew -1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Nashua over the same period.

Derry, NH

+-1.6%

$66,941 (2024) → $65,880 (2025)

Nashua, NH

+6.3%

$69,536 (2024) → $73,900 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Derry or Nashua?

Nashua has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $74,624/year, compared to Derry at $66,526/year — a difference of $8,098 (12.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Derry and Nashua?

Derry elementary school teachers earn $31.98/hr while Nashua hygienists earn $35.88/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Derry to Nashua as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Derry and Nashua. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Derry = $62,000, Nashua = $69,547), job availability (7 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Derry vs Nashua?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $53,258 in Derry and $54,081 in Nashua. The Nashua area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov