Physical Therapist Pay

Bridgeport vs Cheshire: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Cheshire, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$107,747
$51.80/hr
Cheshire, CT
$100,758
$48.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTCheshire, CT
Median Salary$107,747$100,758
Hourly Rate$51.80$48.44
Entry Level (P10)$86,046$79,898
25th Percentile$101,753$86,431
75th Percentile$122,020$117,161
Top Earner (P90)$138,229$128,071
Total Employed1,0304
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($107,747) and Cheshire ($100,758) physical therapist salaries.BridgeportCheshireMedian Salary$107,747$100,758Entry Level (P10)$86,046$79,898Top Earner (P90)$138,229$128,071US Median $105,288

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cheshire.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Cheshire is $6,989 (6.94%). Bridgeport's median is +2.34% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $52,183,Cheshire spans $48,173. Bridgeport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$86,046
P25$101,753
Median$107,747
P75$122,020
P90 (Top)$138,229
Cheshire
P10 (Entry)$79,898
P25$86,431
Median$100,758
P75$117,161
P90 (Top)$128,071

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($100,826 effective) pays 7.97% more than Cheshire ($93,381 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $107,747
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $100,826
Cheshire
Nominal: $100,758
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $93,381

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 ($107,747/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($138,229)
  • Larger job market (1,030 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,826)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Cheshire if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bridgeport grew 5.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.1% growth in Cheshire over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+5.0%

$100,160 (2019) → $105,160 (2025)

Cheshire, CT

+-9.1%

$108,169 (2024) → $98,339 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Bridgeport or Cheshire?

Bridgeport has a higher median physical therapist salary at $107,747/year, compared to Cheshire at $100,758/year — a difference of $6,989 (6.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Cheshire?

Bridgeport physical therapists earn $51.80/hr while Cheshire hygienists earn $48.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Cheshire as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Cheshire. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $100,826, Cheshire = $93,381), job availability (1,030 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bridgeport vs Cheshire?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $86,046 in Bridgeport and $79,898 in Cheshire. The Bridgeport area offers higher starting salaries.
AM

Written by Alex Morgan, DPT

Career Analyst

Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov