Bridgeport vs East Hartford: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Bridgeport, CT and East Hartford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | East Hartford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,434▲ | $74,411 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.78▲ | $35.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,257 | $58,548▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,669 | $65,962▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,079 | $88,813▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,706▲ | $105,076 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Hartford.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and East Hartford is $23 (0.03%). Bridgeport's median is +13.79% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $61,449,East Hartford spans $46,528. 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, Bridgeport ($69,653 effective) pays 1.00% more than East Hartford ($68,963 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 ($74,434/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,706)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,653)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose East Hartford if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Bridgeport grew 24.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in East Hartford over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$56,970 (2019) → $71,140 (2025)
East Hartford, CT
$69,292 (2024) → $71,118 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
East Hartford, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Bridgeport or East Hartford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and East Hartford?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to East Hartford as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Bridgeport vs East Hartford?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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 Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov