Bridgeport vs Waterbury: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $133,667▲ | $104,666 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.26▲ | $50.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,129▲ | $65,268 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,864▲ | $84,226 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,985▲ | $130,858 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,243▲ | $164,617 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Waterbury is $29,001 (27.71%). Bridgeport's median is +6.91% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $94,114,Waterbury spans $99,349. Waterbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($125,081 effective) pays 19.24% more than Waterbury ($104,899 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 ($133,667/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,243)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,081)
- ✓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, electrical engineer salaries in Bridgeport grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.2% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$109,810 (2019) → $128,960 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$96,020 (2021) → $100,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov