Hartford vs Stratford: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Hartford, CT and Stratford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Stratford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,284 | $143,318▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.88 | $68.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,772▲ | $99,748 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,857▲ | $130,997 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,533 | $170,529▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,878 | $195,594▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,460▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Stratford, CT offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Hartford and Stratford is $34 (0.02%). Stratford's median is +2.08% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $76,106,Stratford spans $95,846. Stratford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($139,455 effective) pays 4.99% more than Stratford ($132,825 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,455)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Stratford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,318/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,594)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Hartford grew 3.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.9% growth in Stratford over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$134,240 (2019) → $138,680 (2025)
Stratford, CT
$144,295 (2024) → $138,713 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Stratford, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Hartford or Stratford?
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Should I relocate from Hartford to Stratford as a physician assistant?
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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