Fairfield vs New Haven: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Fairfield, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfield, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,659▲ | $109,092 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.78▲ | $52.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,403▲ | $83,998 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,360▲ | $100,198 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,883▲ | $134,361 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,621▲ | $161,632 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Fairfield, CT offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Haven.
The salary gap between Fairfield and New Haven is $23,567 (21.60%). Fairfield's median is +6.10% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfield spans $117,218,New Haven spans $77,634. Fairfield 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, Fairfield ($122,946 effective) pays 17.84% more than New Haven ($104,335 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,659/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,621)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,946)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Fairfield grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.6% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Fairfield, CT
$125,197 (2024) → $127,987 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$95,190 (2019) → $105,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfield, CT
New Haven, 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