Bristol vs Hartford: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Bristol, CT and Hartford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, CT | Hartford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,987▲ | $139,833 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.74▲ | $67.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,795 | $113,723▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,481▲ | $129,664 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,850▲ | $161,496 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,546▲ | $175,586 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 1,370▲ |
Verdict
Bristol, CT offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Bristol and Hartford is $3,154 (2.26%). Bristol's median is +4.47% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $87,751,Hartford spans $61,863. Bristol 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, Hartford ($136,096 effective) pays 2.70% more than Bristol ($132,518 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,987/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($192,546)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,096)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Bristol grew -5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Hartford over the same period.
Bristol, CT
$146,643 (2024) → $138,218 (2025)
Hartford, CT
$113,310 (2019) → $135,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, CT
Hartford, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Bristol or Hartford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Hartford?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Hartford as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Bristol vs Hartford?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov