Bristol vs Hartford: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bristol, CT and Hartford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, CT | Hartford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,405▲ | $76,950 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.22▲ | $36.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,224 | $65,397▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,059▲ | $70,777 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,275▲ | $81,019 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,476▲ | $84,613 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 3,010▲ |
Verdict
Bristol, CT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Bristol and Hartford is $455 (0.59%). Bristol's median is +13.71% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $45,252,Hartford spans $19,216. Bristol 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, Hartford ($74,893 effective) pays 4.40% more than Bristol ($71,738 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,405/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,476)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,893)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bristol grew 3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Hartford over the same period.
Bristol, CT
$70,646 (2024) → $73,231 (2025)
Hartford, CT
$56,990 (2019) → $72,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, CT
Hartford, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bristol or Hartford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Hartford?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Hartford as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bristol vs Hartford?
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