Bridgeport vs Hamden: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Hamden, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | Hamden, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,477▲ | $81,531 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.98▲ | $39.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,057 | $60,623▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,538▲ | $70,438 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,388▲ | $98,606 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,906 | $126,211▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hamden.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Hamden is $9,946 (12.20%). Bridgeport's median is +34.25% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $61,849,Hamden spans $65,588. Hamden has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($85,601 effective) pays 13.29% more than Hamden ($75,562 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 ($91,477/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,601)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Hamden if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,211)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bridgeport grew 58.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Hamden over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$54,720 (2019) → $86,790 (2025)
Hamden, CT
$67,953 (2024) → $77,354 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Hamden, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bridgeport or Hamden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Hamden?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Hamden as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bridgeport vs Hamden?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov