Bridgeport vs New Haven: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bridgeport, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,465▲ | $78,028 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.21▲ | $37.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,447▲ | $65,830 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,726▲ | $71,252 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,410 | $82,002▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,783▲ | $84,793 |
| Total Employed | 1,860▲ | 1,560 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to New Haven.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and New Haven is $1,437 (1.84%). 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,New Haven spans $18,963. Bridgeport 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, New Haven ($74,626 effective) pays 0.36% more than Bridgeport ($74,361 effective).
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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,783)
- ✓Larger job market (1,860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,626)
- ✓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 29.7% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$59,010 (2019) → $75,180 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$56,910 (2019) → $73,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bridgeport or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to New Haven as a licensed practical nurse?
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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.
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