New Haven vs Shelton: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse 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 | $110,038▲ | $109,304 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.91▲ | $52.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,112▲ | $79,268 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,829 | $90,288▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,903▲ | $124,755 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,678▲ | $146,029 |
| Total Employed | 10,050▲ | 10 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelton.
The salary gap between New Haven and Shelton is $734 (0.67%). New Haven's median is +7.11% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $66,566,Shelton spans $66,761. Shelton 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, New Haven ($105,240 effective) pays 3.89% more than Shelton ($101,301 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,038/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,678)
- ✓Larger job market (10,050 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,240)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in New Haven grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.2% growth in Shelton over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$80,610 (2019) → $104,490 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$103,623 (2024) → $103,793 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: New Haven or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Haven and Shelton?
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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