Hamden vs New Haven: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hamden, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hamden, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,780 | $78,028▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.91 | $37.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,832 | $65,830▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,725▲ | $71,252 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,792▲ | $82,002 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,210▲ | $84,793 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 1,560▲ |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hamden.
The salary gap between Hamden and New Haven is $1,248 (1.63%). New Haven's median is +14.63% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hamden spans $41,378,New Haven spans $18,963. Hamden has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New Haven ($74,626 effective) pays 4.87% more than Hamden ($71,158 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hamden if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,210)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,028/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,626)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Hamden grew 3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Hamden, CT
$70,076 (2024) → $72,640 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$56,910 (2019) → $73,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hamden, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hamden or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hamden and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Hamden to New Haven as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hamden vs New Haven?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov