Hartford vs Stamford: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hartford, CT and Stamford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Stamford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,950 | $78,401▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.99 | $37.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,397▲ | $60,994 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,777 | $71,831▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,019 | $93,887▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,613 | $103,401▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,010▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Stamford, CT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Hartford and Stamford is $1,451 (1.89%). Stamford's median is +15.18% 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,Stamford spans $42,407. Stamford 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 3.07% more than Stamford ($72,661 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 Stamford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,401/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,401)
- ✓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 4.5% growth in Stamford over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$56,990 (2019) → $72,800 (2025)
Stamford, CT
$70,962 (2024) → $74,173 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Stamford, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hartford or Stamford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Stamford?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Stamford as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hartford vs Stamford?
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