Bridgeport vs New Haven: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bridgeport, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,477▲ | $64,083 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.98▲ | $30.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,057▲ | $43,941 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,538▲ | $53,712 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,388▲ | $90,749 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,906▲ | $112,156 |
| Total Employed | 250 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Haven.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and New Haven is $27,394 (42.75%). 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,New Haven spans $68,215. New Haven 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 39.67% more than New Haven ($61,289 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,906)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,601)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓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 -6.6% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$54,720 (2019) → $86,790 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$65,090 (2019) → $60,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bridgeport or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to New Haven as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bridgeport vs New Haven?
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