New Haven vs Waterbury: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between New Haven, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,876▲ | $140,637 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.17▲ | $67.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,612▲ | $100,852 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,678 | $133,917▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,755 | $157,786▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,679▲ | $160,331 |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 370 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between New Haven and Waterbury is $3,239 (2.30%). New Haven's median is +0.27% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $66,067,Waterbury spans $59,479. New Haven 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, Waterbury ($140,950 effective) pays 2.43% more than New Haven ($137,603 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,876/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,679)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,950)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in New Haven grew 18.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$119,480 (2019) → $141,290 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$120,380 (2019) → $138,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: New Haven or Waterbury?
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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