Hartford vs Shelton: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Hartford, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,833 | $149,441▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.23 | $71.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,723 | $117,507▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,664 | $133,815▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,496 | $175,380▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,586 | $186,480▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,370▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Shelton, CT offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Hartford and Shelton is $9,608 (6.87%). Shelton's median is +9.19% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $61,863,Shelton spans $68,973. Shelton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Shelton ($138,500 effective) pays 1.77% more than Hartford ($136,096 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 (1,370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($149,441/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,480)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,500)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Hartford grew 19.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.3% growth in Shelton over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$113,310 (2019) → $135,170 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$146,354 (2024) → $144,457 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Hartford or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Shelton?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Shelton as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Hartford vs Shelton?
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