New Haven vs Waterbury: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $145,740 | $146,413▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $70.07 | $70.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,130▲ | $113,340 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,778▲ | $122,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,824▲ | $166,089 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,672▲ | $179,806 |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 290 |
Verdict
New Haven and Waterbury are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between New Haven and Waterbury is $673 (0.46%). Waterbury's median is +6.98% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $58,542,Waterbury spans $66,466. Waterbury 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, Waterbury ($146,739 effective) pays 5.28% more than New Haven ($139,385 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,672)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,413/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,739)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in New Haven grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$119,560 (2019) → $140,880 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$116,810 (2019) → $141,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners 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 nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in New Haven vs Waterbury?
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