Bridgeport vs Stratford: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Stratford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | Stratford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,453▲ | $114,527 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.24▲ | $55.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,897▲ | $77,340 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,572▲ | $95,522 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,522 | $143,916▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,593 | $176,706▲ |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Stratford.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Stratford is $14,926 (13.03%). Bridgeport's median is +20.81% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $82,696,Stratford spans $99,366. Stratford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($121,138 effective) pays 14.13% more than Stratford ($106,142 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 ($129,453/year)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,138)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Stratford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,706)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Bridgeport grew 29.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.6% growth in Stratford over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$97,280 (2019) → $125,780 (2025)
Stratford, CT
$115,436 (2024) → $111,278 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Stratford, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov