Bridgeport vs Waterbury: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,165 | $139,371▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.94 | $67.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,571 | $88,026▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,595 | $113,625▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,990 | $220,166▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $249,956 | $309,217▲ |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Waterbury, CT offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bridgeport.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Waterbury is $2,206 (1.61%). Waterbury's median is +1.48% 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,Waterbury spans $221,191. Waterbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterbury ($139,681 effective) pays 8.82% more than Bridgeport ($128,355 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bridgeport if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,371/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($309,217)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,681)
- ✓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 30.5% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$114,270 (2019) → $129,940 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$101,180 (2021) → $132,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bridgeport or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Waterbury as a veterinarian?
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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.
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