Bridgeport vs Shelton: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $150,227▲ | $141,439 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.23▲ | $67.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,077▲ | $106,170 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,638▲ | $126,107 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,026▲ | $169,105 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,245▲ | $187,743 |
| Total Employed | 940▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelton.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Shelton is $8,788 (6.21%). Bridgeport's median is +7.01% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $95,168,Shelton spans $81,573. Bridgeport 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, Bridgeport ($140,578 effective) pays 7.24% more than Shelton ($131,083 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 ($150,227/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,245)
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,578)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bridgeport grew 15.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.1% growth in Shelton over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$125,910 (2019) → $145,400 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$144,217 (2024) → $136,894 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov