New Haven vs Waterbury: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between New Haven, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,028▲ | $75,945 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.51▲ | $36.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,830 | $66,602▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,252▲ | $69,149 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,002▲ | $79,529 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,793▲ | $82,985 |
| Total Employed | 1,560▲ | 1,030 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between New Haven and Waterbury is $2,083 (2.74%). 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 New Haven spans $18,963,Waterbury spans $16,383. New Haven 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, Waterbury ($76,114 effective) pays 1.99% more than New Haven ($74,626 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,028/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,793)
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,114)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in New Haven grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.7% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$56,910 (2019) → $73,820 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$55,820 (2019) → $71,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: New Haven or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Haven and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from New Haven to Waterbury as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in New Haven vs Waterbury?
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