Bridgeport vs Shelton: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician 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 | $58,190▲ | $56,639 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.98▲ | $27.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,418▲ | $44,623 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,471▲ | $48,518 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,905 | $63,244▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,312 | $75,461▲ |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelton.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Shelton is $1,551 (2.74%). Bridgeport's median is +23.66% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $19,894,Shelton spans $30,838. Shelton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced emergency medical technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($54,452 effective) pays 3.73% more than Shelton ($52,492 effective).
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 ($58,190/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,452)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,461)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Bridgeport grew 20.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Shelton over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$45,680 (2021) → $54,990 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$47,004 (2024) → $53,524 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Bridgeport or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Shelton?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Shelton as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Bridgeport vs Shelton?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov