Bridgeport vs Shelton: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,434 | $77,746▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.78 | $37.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,257 | $61,506▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,669 | $68,825▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,079 | $91,951▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,706▲ | $104,658 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Bridgeport and Shelton are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Shelton is $3,312 (4.45%). Shelton's median is +18.85% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $61,449,Shelton spans $43,152. Bridgeport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Shelton ($72,054 effective) pays 3.45% more than Bridgeport ($69,653 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bridgeport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,706)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,746/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,054)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Bridgeport grew 24.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.4% growth in Shelton over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$56,970 (2019) → $71,140 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$70,506 (2024) → $74,306 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Bridgeport or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Shelton?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Shelton as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Bridgeport vs Shelton?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov