Bridgeport vs Waterbury: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $160,321▲ | $140,637 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.08▲ | $67.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,673▲ | $100,852 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,112▲ | $133,917 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,123▲ | $157,786 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,728▲ | $160,331 |
| Total Employed | 660▲ | 370 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Waterbury is $19,684 (14.00%). 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,Waterbury spans $59,479. Bridgeport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($150,023 effective) pays 6.44% more than Waterbury ($140,950 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 ($160,321/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,728)
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,023)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓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 14.7% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$139,800 (2019) → $157,440 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$120,380 (2019) → $138,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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