Bridgeport vs New Haven: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bridgeport, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,570▲ | $84,684 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.63▲ | $40.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,011▲ | $63,598 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,387▲ | $77,645 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,103▲ | $96,176 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,246 | $108,244▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,520▲ | 1,300 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Haven.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and New Haven is $1,886 (2.23%). 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,New Haven spans $44,646. New Haven 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 0.02% more than New Haven ($80,992 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 New Haven if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,244)
- ✓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 10.8% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$74,470 (2019) → $84,000 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$74,190 (2019) → $82,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Bridgeport or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to New Haven as a police officer?
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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