New Haven vs Waterbury: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between New Haven, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,939▲ | $138,573 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.49▲ | $66.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $129,512▲ | $107,484 |
| 25th Percentile | $142,241▲ | $127,259 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,679▲ | $161,159 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,093 | $194,955▲ |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 170 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between New Haven and Waterbury is $16,366 (11.81%). New Haven's median is +10.36% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $62,581,Waterbury spans $87,471. Waterbury 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, New Haven ($148,183 effective) pays 6.70% more than Waterbury ($138,881 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,939/year)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,183)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,955)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in New Haven grew 14.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.7% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$130,470 (2019) → $149,960 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$136,430 (2019) → $134,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: New Haven or Waterbury?
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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