Nurse Practitioner Salary in Bristol, CT: $142,987 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Bristol, CT earns a median $142,987/year (≈ $68.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $132,518 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Connecticut, the 2026 median salary for nurse practitioners reaches $142,987, which is slightly above the national median of $136,864. The local salary range extends from $104,795 at the 10th percentile to a high of $192,546 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied specialties and levels of experience within the profession. Nurse practitioners specializing in psychiatric mental health (PMHNPs) typically earn more than their family nurse practitioner (FNP) or adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP) counterparts, driven by the increasing demand for mental health services in the region. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and are adjusted for regional cost variables, highlighting the specific economic conditions in Bristol’s job market.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($137,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,795 | $50.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $131,481 | $63.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,987 | $68.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,850 | $83.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,546 | $92.57 |
Median Salary Position
4.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,751 (2026 est.). At $142,987, the local median is 4.47% above the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Bristol median: $142,987/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $144,140 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $136,864 | +4.47% more |
Nurse Practitioners in Bristol, CT earn a median of $142,987 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.47% higher than the national median of $136,864 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $144,140.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $142,987 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,518 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,732
2025 BLS Actual
$138,218
2026 Current Est.
$142,987
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,732 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,676 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,078 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,908 | Actual |
| 2024 | $146,643 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,218 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,987 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,920 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $114,732 (2019) to $138,218 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,920 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,188 (28.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $104,795 – $131,481 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $131,481 – $142,987 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,987 – $172,850 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,850 – $192,546 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Bristol
The job market for nurse practitioners in Bristol encompasses around 13 professionals, creating a niche but competitive landscape. The cost-of-living index for the area stands at 107.9, indicating living expenses are slightly higher than the national average, which impacts take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital outpatient clinics and specialty practices often provide the most lucrative opportunities, while retail clinics and urgent care centers typically offer lower compensation. Factors contributing to the salary disparities include areas of focus, state-mandated practice restrictions, and potential productivity bonuses. Nurse practitioners can enhance their earning potential in Bristol by pursuing advanced certifications, exploring opportunities in telehealth, or considering employment with facilities that offer full-practice authority. Understanding these dynamics can empower practitioners to optimize their careers in this competitive CT market.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $138,218 for nurse practitionersin the Bristol metropolitan area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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