Hartford vs Shelton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hartford, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,950 | $77,516▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.99 | $37.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,397▲ | $61,461 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,777 | $71,324▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,019 | $90,678▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,613 | $95,021▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,010▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Shelton, CT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Hartford and Shelton is $566 (0.74%). Shelton's median is +13.88% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $19,216,Shelton spans $33,560. Shelton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($74,893 effective) pays 4.25% more than Shelton ($71,841 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,893)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,516/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,021)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Hartford grew 27.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.0% growth in Shelton over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$56,990 (2019) → $72,800 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$70,506 (2024) → $73,336 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hartford or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Shelton?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Shelton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hartford vs Shelton?
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