Milford vs New Haven: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Milford, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milford, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,295 | $84,684▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.05 | $40.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,916 | $63,598▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,670 | $77,645▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,618▲ | $96,176 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,028▲ | $108,244 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,300▲ |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milford.
The salary gap between Milford and New Haven is $1,389 (1.67%). New Haven's median is +7.82% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milford spans $75,112,New Haven spans $44,646. Milford 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, New Haven ($80,992 effective) pays 4.92% more than Milford ($77,196 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,028)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,684/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,992)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Milford grew -6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.8% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Milford, CT
$86,511 (2024) → $80,822 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$74,190 (2019) → $82,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milford, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Milford or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milford and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Milford 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