Civil Engineer Salary

Bridgeport vs Groton: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare civil engineer salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Groton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$110,707
$53.22/hr
Groton, CT
$102,896
$49.47/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTGroton, CT
Median Salary$110,707$102,896
Hourly Rate$53.22$49.47
Entry Level (P10)$83,171$67,705
25th Percentile$90,920$85,364
75th Percentile$133,275$131,707
Top Earner (P90)$163,541$159,488
Total Employed5606
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($110,707) and Groton ($102,896) civil engineer salaries.BridgeportGrotonMedian Salary$110,707$102,896Entry Level (P10)$83,171$67,705Top Earner (P90)$163,541$159,488US Median $103,492

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Groton.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Groton is $7,811 (7.59%). Bridgeport's median is +6.97% compared to the US national median of $103,492.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $80,370,Groton spans $91,783. Groton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$83,171
P25$90,920
Median$110,707
P75$133,275
P90 (Top)$163,541
Groton
P10 (Entry)$67,705
P25$85,364
Median$102,896
P75$131,707
P90 (Top)$159,488

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($103,596 effective) pays 8.63% more than Groton ($95,362 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $110,707
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $103,596
Groton
Nominal: $102,896
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $95,362

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 ($110,707/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($163,541)
  • Larger job market (560 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,596)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Groton if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bridgeport grew 15.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.2% growth in Groton over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+15.5%

$93,390 (2019) → $107,870 (2025)

Groton, CT

+-11.2%

$112,959 (2024) → $100,259 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays civil engineers more: Bridgeport or Groton?

Bridgeport has a higher median civil engineer salary at $110,707/year, compared to Groton at $102,896/year — a difference of $7,811 (7.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Groton?

Bridgeport civil engineers earn $53.22/hr while Groton hygienists earn $49.47/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Groton as a civil engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Groton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $103,596, Groton = $95,362), job availability (560 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Bridgeport vs Groton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) civil engineers earn $83,171 in Bridgeport and $67,705 in Groton. The Bridgeport area offers higher starting salaries.
JC

Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.

Career Analyst

Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, Ph.D.Data verified by Carlos Ramirez, M.S.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov