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Average Salary in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the median income is $58,400, but salaries across the state can differ greatly. In cities like Hartford and Bridgeport, the cost of living is notably higher, which is reflected in median salaries reaching $82,997 in Hartford, with 80% of salaries falling between $58,000 and $115,000.

However, in smaller cities or rural regions, such as New Haven and Waterbury, the median salary tends to be lower, with median salaries around $70,001 in New Haven, and $58,000 in Waterbury, which can make a significant difference in employee expectations.

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Connecticut Annual Salary Range

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What is a Good Salary in Connecticut?

What is considered a 'good' salary can vary based on factors like location, lifestyle, and industry. A salary in the range of $60,000 to $80,000 is generally considered comfortable for a single person in Connecticut. High-paying fields like finance and healthcare can offer salaries reaching up to $150,000 or more, while more common roles such as administrative assistants or customer service representatives typically earn around $45,000 to $55,000.

Average Salary by Cities in Connecticut

The cost of living can vary widely from one city to another, and that impacts both how far salaries stretch and what professionals expect in terms of pay. Cities with higher living costs – like those with hot housing markets or tech hubs – tend to have higher salary expectations.

Familiarizing yourself with the average salary ranges per location can help you plan better and make sure your compensation packages are in line with local expectations to attract and retain top talent. Here’s a quick look at salary ranges across different cities in Connecticut, to get a sense of competitive salaries based on local factors:

CityMonthly SalaryAnnual Salary
Hartford$6,916$82,997
Bridgeport$6,808$81,702
New Haven$5,833$70,001
Stamford$7,250$87,000
Waterbury$4,833$58,000

Salary Earnings Based on Experience Level in Connecticut

Salaries naturally increase with experience – this applies to both new hires and existing team members. When planning for new positions, it's important to consider how salary ranges change at different seniority levels. This will help ensure you're meeting salary expectations, retain employees and create a fair working environment.

Here’s a breakdown of how monthly and annual salary ranges grow with experience in Connecticut:

Experience LevelMonthly SalaryAnnual Salary
Entry-Level Jobs (0-2 years experience)$3,750 - $4,583$45,000 - $55,000
Mid-Level Jobs (3-5 years experience)$5,000 - $6,667$60,000 - $80,000
Senior Roles & Managers$7,500 - $10,000$90,000 - $120,000
Executive & C-Level$12,500 - $25,000+$150,000 - $300,000+

Average Salaries by Job Title in Connecticut

Building a competitive compensation package means knowing what the going rate is for specific roles. We’ve compiled the most recent salary data by job title for Connecticut, making it easier for you to compare roles, match your offers with the market, and make sure your team is paid fairly.

Job TitleMonthly SalaryAnnual Salary
Administrative Assistant$3,750$45,000
Customer Service Representative$3,500$42,000
Software Developer$7,917$95,000
Marketing Manager$7,083$85,000
Project Manager$7,500$90,000

Highest Paying Jobs in Connecticut

  • Surgeon: $400,000+
  • Psychiatrist: $250,000 - $300,000
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO): $250,000+
  • Orthodontist: $250,000+
  • Pharmacist: $130,000 - $150,000
  • Dentist: $150,000 - $200,000
  • Software Engineer: $100,000 - $140,000
  • Financial Manager: $120,000 - $160,000
  • Nurse Practitioner: $105,000 - $125,000
  • Attorney (Corporate/Medical): $120,000 - $200,000+

Monthly Cost of Living in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the cost of living is notably higher than the national average, with significant expenses in several areas. Housing costs are 39% above the national average, particularly in desirable areas like Fairfield County and around Hartford. Utility prices are about 12% higher than the national average, contributing to overall living expenses. Transportation costs, including gas prices and tolls, are also higher, with expenses running about 11% above the national average, partly due to the state's infrastructure and proximity to major cities like New York.

Median Home Price
$430,000
Median Rent
$2,071
/ month
Energy Bill
$298
/ month
Phone Bill
$144
/ month
Gas
$3.16
/ gallon

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FAQs for Hiring in Connecticut

How is the average salary in Connecticut calculated?

The average salary in Connecticut is typically calculated using data from a variety of sources, including government labor statistics, surveys from private industry, and regional salary databases. It is derived by aggregating salaries across all sectors, positions, and experience levels within the state. The average salary figure represents the midpoint of earnings across different industries, offering a broad overview of pay trends within Connecticut. To ensure accuracy, data from workers in both metropolitan areas like Hartford and rural regions are considered, providing a comprehensive snapshot of earnings.

How does Connecticut's average salary compare to the national average?

Connecticut's average salary tends to be higher than the national average due to the state's affluent economy and concentration of high-paying industries, such as finance, insurance, and technology. Many workers in Connecticut are employed in specialized sectors that offer competitive compensation packages, which elevates the overall salary averages. Additionally, the state's proximity to New York City and other economic hubs also contributes to higher salaries compared to the national baseline. However, while salaries may be higher, the cost of living in Connecticut is also significantly above the national average, which impacts the purchasing power of the average salary.

What factors influence salary variations within Connecticut?

Salary variations in Connecticut are influenced by a combination of factors, including industry, experience level, geographic location, and education. Urban areas like Hartford or Stamford, which have a dense concentration of high-paying industries like finance and insurance, generally offer higher salaries than rural areas. Occupations requiring specialized skills or advanced degrees, such as healthcare and technology, also tend to command higher salaries. Furthermore, job roles in demand, such as those in emerging industries like renewable energy, can drive salary fluctuations as companies compete to attract talent.

How does the cost of living in Connecticut affect salary value?

The cost of living in Connecticut is notably higher than the national average, which impacts the value of salaries in the state. Housing, healthcare, and transportation costs are significant factors driving the cost of living, especially in cities like Stamford and Greenwich. As a result, salaries in Connecticut are typically adjusted to account for these higher living expenses. For instance, while Connecticut workers might earn more than their counterparts in other states, they may have to allocate a larger portion of their income toward essentials like rent or mortgage payments, making the increased salary less impactful in terms of purchasing power.

What are the fastest-growing industries for jobs in Connecticut?

The fastest-growing industries in Connecticut include healthcare, technology, renewable energy, and financial services. The healthcare sector, driven by an aging population and advancements in medical technology, has seen significant growth in recent years. Technology jobs, particularly in software development, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, are in high demand as more businesses embrace digital transformation. Renewable energy industries, including solar and wind energy, are also growing rapidly, with Connecticut's commitment to sustainability creating numerous opportunities. Lastly, Connecticut’s well-established finance and insurance sectors continue to expand, driven by the state’s strong economic infrastructure and skilled workforce.

What types of employee benefits are most common in Connecticut?

Employee benefits in Connecticut align closely with national trends but may offer more robust packages due to the higher cost of living. Common benefits include health insurance, retirement plans (such as 401(k) matching), paid time off (PTO), and family leave. Many employers in Connecticut also offer more specialized benefits, such as tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and flexible working arrangements, especially in the tech and finance industries. In addition, workers in certain sectors may also receive bonuses, stock options, and performance incentives as part of their compensation packages. These benefits are designed to attract and retain talent in a competitive job market while helping employees manage the state’s higher living expenses.

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