Meriden vs New Haven: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Meriden, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Meriden, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,034 | $78,028▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.04 | $37.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,520 | $65,830▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,265▲ | $71,252 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,330▲ | $82,002 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,550▲ | $84,793 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 1,560▲ |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Meriden.
The salary gap between Meriden and New Haven is $994 (1.29%). New Haven's median is +14.63% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Meriden spans $34,030,New Haven spans $18,963. Meriden 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 4.53% more than Meriden ($71,394 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Meriden if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,550)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,028/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓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 Meriden grew 3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Meriden, CT
$70,307 (2024) → $72,880 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$56,910 (2019) → $73,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Meriden, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Meriden or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Meriden and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Meriden to New Haven as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Meriden vs New Haven?
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