Vet Tech salary

Bridgeport vs Meriden: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Meriden, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$59,513
$28.61/hr
Meriden, CT
$53,248
$25.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTMeriden, CT
Median Salary$59,513$53,248
Hourly Rate$28.61$25.60
Entry Level (P10)$50,113$42,222
25th Percentile$52,339$44,897
75th Percentile$68,079$63,673
Top Earner (P90)$82,396$68,751
Total Employed49012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($59,513) and Meriden ($53,248) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BridgeportMeridenMedian Salary$59,513$53,248Entry Level (P10)$50,113$42,222Top Earner (P90)$82,396$68,751US Median $49,986

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meriden.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Meriden is $6,265 (11.77%). Bridgeport's median is +19.06% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $32,283,Meriden spans $26,529. Bridgeport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$50,113
P25$52,339
Median$59,513
P75$68,079
P90 (Top)$82,396
Meriden
P10 (Entry)$42,222
P25$44,897
Median$53,248
P75$63,673
P90 (Top)$68,751

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($55,690 effective) pays 12.85% more than Meriden ($49,349 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $59,513
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $55,690
Meriden
Nominal: $53,248
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $49,349

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 ($59,513/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,396)
  • Larger job market (490 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,690)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Meriden if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Bridgeport grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Meriden over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+24.8%

$45,190 (2019) → $56,410 (2025)

Meriden, CT

+3.0%

$49,002 (2024) → $50,472 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Bridgeport or Meriden?

Bridgeport has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $59,513/year, compared to Meriden at $53,248/year — a difference of $6,265 (11.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Meriden?

Bridgeport veterinary technologist and technicians earn $28.61/hr while Meriden hygienists earn $25.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Meriden as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Meriden. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $55,690, Meriden = $49,349), job availability (490 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Bridgeport vs Meriden?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $50,113 in Bridgeport and $42,222 in Meriden. The Bridgeport area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov