Physical Therapist Pay

East Hartford vs New Haven: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between East Hartford, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

East Hartford, CT
$105,968
$50.94/hr
New Haven, CT
$105,534
$50.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEast Hartford, CTNew Haven, CT
Median Salary$105,968$105,534
Hourly Rate$50.94$50.74
Entry Level (P10)$81,264$86,077
25th Percentile$89,343$96,446
75th Percentile$124,927$117,235
Top Earner (P90)$138,554$131,682
Total Employed11610
Side-by-side bar chart comparing East Hartford ($105,968) and New Haven ($105,534) physical therapist salaries.East HartfordNew HavenMedian Salary$105,968$105,534Entry Level (P10)$81,264$86,077Top Earner (P90)$138,554$131,682US Median $105,288

Verdict

East Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Haven.

The salary gap between East Hartford and New Haven is $434 (0.41%). East Hartford's median is +0.65% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Hartford spans $57,290,New Haven spans $45,605. East Hartford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

East Hartford
P10 (Entry)$81,264
P25$89,343
Median$105,968
P75$124,927
P90 (Top)$138,554
New Haven
P10 (Entry)$86,077
P25$96,446
Median$105,534
P75$117,235
P90 (Top)$131,682

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, New Haven ($100,932 effective) pays 2.77% more than East Hartford ($98,209 effective).

East Hartford
Nominal: $105,968
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $98,209
New Haven
Nominal: $105,534
CoL Index: 104.559
Adjusted: $100,932

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose East Hartford if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,968/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($138,554)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose New Haven if…

  • Larger job market (610 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,932)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in East Hartford grew -6.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in New Haven over the same period.

East Hartford, CT

+-6.2%

$110,237 (2024) → $103,424 (2025)

New Haven, CT

+11.4%

$92,440 (2019) → $103,000 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: East Hartford or New Haven?

East Hartford has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,968/year, compared to New Haven at $105,534/year — a difference of $434 (0.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between East Hartford and New Haven?

East Hartford physical therapists earn $50.94/hr while New Haven hygienists earn $50.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from East Hartford to New Haven as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing East Hartford and New Haven. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: East Hartford = $98,209, New Haven = $100,932), job availability (11 vs 610 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in East Hartford vs New Haven?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $81,264 in East Hartford and $86,077 in New Haven. The New Haven 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