New Haven vs Shelton: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between New Haven, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,602 | $82,084▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.76 | $39.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,116 | $63,167▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,426 | $74,360▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,354 | $103,512▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,797 | $127,230▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,730▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Shelton, CT offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Haven.
The salary gap between New Haven and Shelton is $1,482 (1.84%). Shelton's median is +27.07% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $53,681,Shelton spans $64,063. Shelton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New Haven ($77,088 effective) pays 1.33% more than Shelton ($76,074 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,088)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,084/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,230)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in New Haven grew 2.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.2% growth in Shelton over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$77,940 (2019) → $79,820 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$87,598 (2024) → $81,287 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: New Haven or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Haven and Shelton?
Should I relocate from New Haven to Shelton as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in New Haven vs Shelton?
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.
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