Veterinarian Salary

Bridgeport vs East Hartford: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Bridgeport, CT and East Hartford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$137,165
$65.94/hr
East Hartford, CT
$130,464
$62.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTEast Hartford, CT
Median Salary$137,165$130,464
Hourly Rate$65.94$62.72
Entry Level (P10)$49,571$76,239
25th Percentile$110,595$102,351
75th Percentile$179,990$166,565
Top Earner (P90)$249,956$202,219
Total Employed27011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($137,165) and East Hartford ($130,464) veterinarian salaries.BridgeportEast HartfordMedian Salary$137,165$130,464Entry Level (P10)$49,571$76,239Top Earner (P90)$249,956$202,219US Median $137,334

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Hartford.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and East Hartford is $6,701 (5.14%). Bridgeport's median is -0.12% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $200,385,East Hartford spans $125,980. Bridgeport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$49,571
P25$110,595
Median$137,165
P75$179,990
P90 (Top)$249,956
East Hartford
P10 (Entry)$76,239
P25$102,351
Median$130,464
P75$166,565
P90 (Top)$202,219

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($128,355 effective) pays 6.16% more than East Hartford ($120,912 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $137,165
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $128,355
East Hartford
Nominal: $130,464
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $120,912

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 ($137,165/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($249,956)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,355)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose East Hartford if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Bridgeport grew 13.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.7% growth in East Hartford over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+13.7%

$114,270 (2019) → $129,940 (2025)

East Hartford, CT

+-14.7%

$144,883 (2024) → $123,592 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Bridgeport or East Hartford?

Bridgeport has a higher median veterinarian salary at $137,165/year, compared to East Hartford at $130,464/year — a difference of $6,701 (5.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and East Hartford?

Bridgeport veterinarians earn $65.94/hr while East Hartford hygienists earn $62.72/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to East Hartford as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and East Hartford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $128,355, East Hartford = $120,912), job availability (270 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Bridgeport vs East Hartford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $49,571 in Bridgeport and $76,239 in East Hartford. The East Hartford area offers higher starting salaries.
AN

Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM

Career Analyst

Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov