LPN Salary

Bridgeport vs Bristol: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)

Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Bristol, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$79,465
$38.21/hr
Bristol, CT
$77,405
$37.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTBristol, CT
Median Salary$79,465$77,405
Hourly Rate$38.21$37.22
Entry Level (P10)$67,447$57,224
25th Percentile$73,726$73,059
75th Percentile$81,410$93,275
Top Earner (P90)$92,783$102,476
Total Employed1,86013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($79,465) and Bristol ($77,405) licensed practical nurse salaries.BridgeportBristolMedian Salary$79,465$77,405Entry Level (P10)$67,447$57,224Top Earner (P90)$92,783$102,476US Median $68,071

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Bristol is $2,060 (2.66%). Bridgeport's median is +16.74% compared to the US national median of $68,071.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $25,336,Bristol spans $45,252. Bristol has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$67,447
P25$73,726
Median$79,465
P75$81,410
P90 (Top)$92,783
Bristol
P10 (Entry)$57,224
P25$73,059
Median$77,405
P75$93,275
P90 (Top)$102,476

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($74,361 effective) pays 3.66% more than Bristol ($71,738 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $79,465
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $74,361
Bristol
Nominal: $77,405
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $71,738

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bridgeport if…

  • Higher median salary ($79,465/year)
  • Larger job market (1,860 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,361)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Bristol if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($102,476)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bridgeport grew 27.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Bristol over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+27.4%

$59,010 (2019) → $75,180 (2025)

Bristol, CT

+3.7%

$70,646 (2024) → $73,231 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bridgeport or Bristol?

Bridgeport has a higher median licensed practical nurse salary at $79,465/year, compared to Bristol at $77,405/year — a difference of $2,060 (2.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Bristol?

Bridgeport licensed practical nurses earn $38.21/hr while Bristol hygienists earn $37.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Bristol as a licensed practical nurse?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Bristol. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $74,361, Bristol = $71,738), job availability (1,860 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bridgeport vs Bristol?

Entry-level (10th percentile) licensed practical nurses earn $67,447 in Bridgeport and $57,224 in Bristol. The Bridgeport area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN

Career Analyst

Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Thompson, LPNData verified by Maria Gonzalez, LPN

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov