Fairfield vs New Haven: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fairfield, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfield, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,731 | $145,740▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.14 | $70.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,072 | $124,130▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,829 | $132,778▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,325 | $169,824▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,531▲ | $182,672 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 920▲ |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfield.
The salary gap between Fairfield and New Haven is $4,009 (2.83%). New Haven's median is +6.49% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfield spans $80,459,New Haven spans $58,542. Fairfield 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 ($139,385 effective) pays 6.11% 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 Fairfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,531)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,740/year)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,385)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Fairfield grew -5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Fairfield, CT
$145,355 (2024) → $137,004 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$119,560 (2019) → $140,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfield, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fairfield or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfield and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Fairfield to New Haven as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fairfield vs New Haven?
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