Teacher Salary

Bridgeport vs Bristol: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Bristol, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$99,566
$47.86/hr
Bristol, CT
$79,959
$38.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTBristol, CT
Median Salary$99,566$79,959
Hourly Rate$47.86$38.44
Entry Level (P10)$61,820$57,302
25th Percentile$66,687$74,349
75th Percentile$104,585$102,347
Top Earner (P90)$125,205$123,937
Total Employed4,59013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($99,566) and Bristol ($79,959) elementary school teacher salaries.BridgeportBristolMedian Salary$99,566$79,959Entry Level (P10)$61,820$57,302Top Earner (P90)$125,205$123,937US Median $64,597

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Bristol is $19,607 (24.52%). Bridgeport's median is +54.13% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $63,385,Bristol spans $66,635. Bristol has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$61,820
P25$66,687
Median$99,566
P75$104,585
P90 (Top)$125,205
Bristol
P10 (Entry)$57,302
P25$74,349
Median$79,959
P75$102,347
P90 (Top)$123,937

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($93,171 effective) pays 25.73% more than Bristol ($74,105 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $99,566
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $93,171
Bristol
Nominal: $79,959
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $74,105

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 ($99,566/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($125,205)
  • Larger job market (4,590 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,171)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Bristol if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Bridgeport grew 17.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.8% growth in Bristol over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+17.7%

$83,750 (2019) → $98,600 (2025)

Bristol, CT

+-9.8%

$87,772 (2024) → $79,183 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Bridgeport or Bristol?

Bridgeport has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $99,566/year, compared to Bristol at $79,959/year — a difference of $19,607 (24.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Bristol?

Bridgeport elementary school teachers earn $47.86/hr while Bristol hygienists earn $38.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Bristol as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Bristol. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $93,171, Bristol = $74,105), job availability (4,590 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Bridgeport vs Bristol?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $61,820 in Bridgeport and $57,302 in Bristol. The Bridgeport area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov