Bridgeport vs Fairfield: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Fairfield, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | Fairfield, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,137▲ | $141,731 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.30▲ | $68.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $121,947▲ | $113,072 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,178▲ | $128,829 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,837▲ | $164,325 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,951 | $193,531▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfield.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Fairfield is $2,406 (1.70%). Bridgeport's median is +5.31% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $58,004,Fairfield spans $80,459. Fairfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($134,879 effective) pays 2.68% more than Fairfield ($131,354 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 ($144,137/year)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,879)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Fairfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,531)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Bridgeport grew 11.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.7% growth in Fairfield over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$125,230 (2019) → $139,330 (2025)
Fairfield, CT
$145,355 (2024) → $137,004 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Fairfield, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Bridgeport or Fairfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Fairfield?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Fairfield as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Bridgeport vs Fairfield?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov