Pharmacist Salary

Bridgeport vs Bristol: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Bristol, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$160,321
$77.08/hr
Bristol, CT
$142,727
$68.62/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTBristol, CT
Median Salary$160,321$142,727
Hourly Rate$77.08$68.62
Entry Level (P10)$113,673$95,847
25th Percentile$138,112$135,001
75th Percentile$167,123$167,414
Top Earner (P90)$175,728$180,507
Total Employed66013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($160,321) and Bristol ($142,727) pharmacist salaries.BridgeportBristolMedian Salary$160,321$142,727Entry Level (P10)$113,673$95,847Top Earner (P90)$175,728$180,507US Median $143,489

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Bristol is $17,594 (12.33%). Bridgeport's median is +11.73% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $62,055,Bristol spans $84,660. Bristol has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$113,673
P25$138,112
Median$160,321
P75$167,123
P90 (Top)$175,728
Bristol
P10 (Entry)$95,847
P25$135,001
Median$142,727
P75$167,414
P90 (Top)$180,507

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($150,023 effective) pays 13.42% more than Bristol ($132,277 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $160,321
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $150,023
Bristol
Nominal: $142,727
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $132,277

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 ($160,321/year)
  • Larger job market (660 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,023)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Bristol if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($180,507)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Bridgeport grew 12.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.1% growth in Bristol over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+12.6%

$139,800 (2019) → $157,440 (2025)

Bristol, CT

+-5.1%

$147,714 (2024) → $140,162 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Bridgeport or Bristol?

Bridgeport has a higher median pharmacist salary at $160,321/year, compared to Bristol at $142,727/year — a difference of $17,594 (12.33%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Bristol?

Bridgeport pharmacists earn $77.08/hr while Bristol hygienists earn $68.62/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Bristol as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Bristol. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $150,023, Bristol = $132,277), job availability (660 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Bridgeport vs Bristol?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $113,673 in Bridgeport and $95,847 in Bristol. The Bridgeport area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD

Career Analyst

Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov