Hartford vs Milford: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Hartford, CT and Milford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Milford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,858▲ | $104,709 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.37▲ | $50.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,711▲ | $76,498 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,820▲ | $87,316 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,107 | $123,475▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,722 | $151,587▲ |
| Total Employed | 13,850▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milford.
The salary gap between Hartford and Milford is $2,149 (2.05%). Hartford's median is +4.02% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $47,011,Milford spans $75,089. Milford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($104,002 effective) pays 7.17% more than Milford ($97,043 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,858/year)
- ✓Larger job market (13,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,002)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Milford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,587)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Hartford grew 25.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.8% growth in Milford over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$80,940 (2019) → $101,470 (2025)
Milford, CT
$102,336 (2024) → $99,429 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Milford, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Hartford or Milford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Milford?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Milford as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Hartford vs Milford?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov