Plumber Salary

Bridgeport vs Stratford: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Stratford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$81,708
$39.29/hr
Stratford, CT
$78,391
$37.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTStratford, CT
Median Salary$81,708$78,391
Hourly Rate$39.29$37.69
Entry Level (P10)$48,123$51,472
25th Percentile$62,301$63,704
75th Percentile$100,193$100,340
Top Earner (P90)$122,255$121,506
Total Employed1,00013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($81,708) and Stratford ($78,391) plumber salaries.BridgeportStratfordMedian Salary$81,708$78,391Entry Level (P10)$48,123$51,472Top Earner (P90)$122,255$121,506US Median $65,408

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Stratford.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Stratford is $3,317 (4.23%). Bridgeport's median is +24.92% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $74,132,Stratford spans $70,034. Bridgeport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$48,123
P25$62,301
Median$81,708
P75$100,193
P90 (Top)$122,255
Stratford
P10 (Entry)$51,472
P25$63,704
Median$78,391
P75$100,340
P90 (Top)$121,506

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($76,460 effective) pays 5.24% more than Stratford ($72,652 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $81,708
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $76,460
Stratford
Nominal: $78,391
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $72,652

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 ($81,708/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($122,255)
  • Larger job market (1,000 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,460)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Stratford if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Bridgeport grew 38.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.3% growth in Stratford over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+38.4%

$57,600 (2019) → $79,700 (2025)

Stratford, CT

+-3.3%

$79,095 (2024) → $76,464 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Bridgeport or Stratford?

Bridgeport has a higher median plumber salary at $81,708/year, compared to Stratford at $78,391/year — a difference of $3,317 (4.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Stratford?

Bridgeport plumbers earn $39.29/hr while Stratford hygienists earn $37.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Stratford as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Stratford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $76,460, Stratford = $72,652), job availability (1,000 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Bridgeport vs Stratford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $48,123 in Bridgeport and $51,472 in Stratford. The Stratford area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP

Career Analyst

Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov