Bridgeport vs Hamden: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Hamden, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | Hamden, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,570▲ | $83,828 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.63▲ | $40.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,011▲ | $55,022 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,387▲ | $66,725 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,103 | $105,332▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,246 | $129,933▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,520▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hamden.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Hamden is $2,742 (3.27%). Bridgeport's median is +10.22% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $38,235,Hamden spans $74,911. Hamden has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($81,010 effective) pays 4.27% more than Hamden ($77,690 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 ($86,570/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,010)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Hamden if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,933)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Bridgeport grew 12.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.6% growth in Hamden over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$74,470 (2019) → $84,000 (2025)
Hamden, CT
$87,064 (2024) → $81,339 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Hamden, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Bridgeport or Hamden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Hamden?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov