Bridgeport vs Waterbury: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $108,497▲ | $106,692 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.17▲ | $51.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,483 | $101,131▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,647▲ | $103,177 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,568▲ | $107,448 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,076▲ | $107,616 |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 380 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Waterbury is $1,805 (1.69%). Bridgeport's median is +5.39% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $46,593,Waterbury spans $6,485. 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, Waterbury ($106,929 effective) pays 5.32% more than Bridgeport ($101,528 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 ($108,497/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,076)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,929)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bridgeport grew 9.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 9.3% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$94,350 (2020) → $103,390 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$93,020 (2020) → $101,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bridgeport or Waterbury?
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Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Waterbury as a dental hygienist?
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov