Accountant Salary

Bridgeport vs Shelton: Accountant Salary (2026)

Compare accountant salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$104,683
$50.33/hr
Shelton, CT
$97,411
$46.83/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTShelton, CT
Median Salary$104,683$97,411
Hourly Rate$50.33$46.83
Entry Level (P10)$71,098$66,902
25th Percentile$84,161$78,232
75th Percentile$137,282$124,686
Top Earner (P90)$171,985$150,987
Total Employed5,00010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($104,683) and Shelton ($97,411) accountant salaries.BridgeportSheltonMedian Salary$104,683$97,411Entry Level (P10)$71,098$66,902Top Earner (P90)$171,985$150,987US Median $85,864

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelton.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Shelton is $7,272 (7.47%). Bridgeport's median is +21.92% compared to the US national median of $85,864.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $100,887,Shelton spans $84,085. Bridgeport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$71,098
P25$84,161
Median$104,683
P75$137,282
P90 (Top)$171,985
Shelton
P10 (Entry)$66,902
P25$78,232
Median$97,411
P75$124,686
P90 (Top)$150,987

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($97,959 effective) pays 8.51% more than Shelton ($90,279 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $104,683
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $97,959
Shelton
Nominal: $97,411
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $90,279

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 ($104,683/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($171,985)
  • Larger job market (5,000 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,959)
  • 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, accountant salaries in Bridgeport grew 20.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Shelton over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+20.4%

$84,740 (2019) → $102,020 (2025)

Shelton, CT

+-6.5%

$101,486 (2024) → $94,933 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays accountants more: Bridgeport or Shelton?

Bridgeport has a higher median accountant salary at $104,683/year, compared to Shelton at $97,411/year — a difference of $7,272 (7.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Shelton?

Bridgeport accountants earn $50.33/hr while Shelton hygienists earn $46.83/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Shelton as a accountant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Shelton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $97,959, Shelton = $90,279), job availability (5,000 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level accountants earn in Bridgeport vs Shelton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) accountants earn $71,098 in Bridgeport and $66,902 in Shelton. The Bridgeport area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA

Career Analyst

Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Chen, CMAData verified by Amina Khan, MBA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov