Bridgeport vs Waterbury: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,707▲ | $102,240 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.22▲ | $49.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,171▲ | $74,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,920▲ | $79,631 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,275▲ | $130,084 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,541▲ | $153,801 |
| Total Employed | 560▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Waterbury is $8,467 (8.28%). 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,Waterbury spans $79,271. 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 ($103,596 effective) pays 1.10% more than Waterbury ($102,467 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 ($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 Waterbury 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 27.9% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$93,390 (2019) → $107,870 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$77,870 (2019) → $99,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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