Hartford vs Manchester: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hartford, CT and Manchester, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Manchester, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,950 | $78,690▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.99 | $37.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,397▲ | $59,947 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,777 | $71,121▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,019 | $93,275▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,613 | $101,999▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,010▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Manchester, CT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Hartford and Manchester is $1,740 (2.26%). Manchester's median is +15.60% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $19,216,Manchester spans $42,052. Manchester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($74,893 effective) pays 2.69% more than Manchester ($72,929 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,893)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,690/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,999)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Hartford grew 27.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Manchester over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$56,990 (2019) → $72,800 (2025)
Manchester, CT
$71,819 (2024) → $74,447 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Manchester, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hartford or Manchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Manchester?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Manchester as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hartford vs Manchester?
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