PT Assistant Salary

Bridgeport vs New London: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Bridgeport, CT
$78,270
$37.63/hr
New London, CT
$76,930
$36.98/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTNew London, CT
Median Salary$78,270$76,930
Hourly Rate$37.63$36.98
Entry Level (P10)$64,463$57,620
25th Percentile$77,006$69,642
75th Percentile$83,889$88,086
Top Earner (P90)$90,125$98,619
Total Employed2405
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($78,270) and New London ($76,930) physical therapist assistant salaries.BridgeportNew LondonMedian Salary$78,270$76,930Entry Level (P10)$64,463$57,620Top Earner (P90)$90,125$98,619US Median $70,247

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New London.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and New London is $1,340 (1.74%). Bridgeport's median is +11.42% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $25,662,New London spans $40,999. New London has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$64,463
P25$77,006
Median$78,270
P75$83,889
P90 (Top)$90,125
New London
P10 (Entry)$57,620
P25$69,642
Median$76,930
P75$88,086
P90 (Top)$98,619

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($73,243 effective) pays 2.73% more than New London ($71,297 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $78,270
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $73,243
New London
Nominal: $76,930
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $71,297

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 ($78,270/year)
  • Larger job market (240 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,243)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose New London if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($98,619)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Bridgeport grew 12.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in New London over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+12.1%

$67,980 (2019) → $76,190 (2025)

New London, CT

+0.1%

$74,824 (2024) → $74,886 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Bridgeport or New London?

Bridgeport has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $78,270/year, compared to New London at $76,930/year — a difference of $1,340 (1.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and New London?

Bridgeport physical therapist assistants earn $37.63/hr while New London hygienists earn $36.98/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to New London as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and New London. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $73,243, New London = $71,297), job availability (240 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Bridgeport vs New London?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $64,463 in Bridgeport and $57,620 in New London. The Bridgeport area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, DPT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov