Bridgeport vs East Hartford: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Bridgeport, CT and East Hartford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | East Hartford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,271▲ | $105,025 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.50▲ | $50.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,439▲ | $75,923 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,793▲ | $86,974 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,261▲ | $120,943 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,835▲ | $147,205 |
| Total Employed | 8,370▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Hartford.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and East Hartford is $6,246 (5.95%). Bridgeport's median is +8.31% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $61,396,East Hartford spans $71,282. East Hartford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($104,124 effective) pays 6.97% more than East Hartford ($97,335 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bridgeport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,271/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,835)
- ✓Larger job market (8,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,124)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose East Hartford if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Bridgeport grew 23.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.1% growth in East Hartford over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$85,710 (2019) → $105,660 (2025)
East Hartford, CT
$101,838 (2024) → $99,729 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
East Hartford, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Bridgeport or East Hartford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and East Hartford?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to East Hartford as a registered nurse?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov