New Haven vs Waterbury: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between New Haven, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Haven, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,805▲ | $49,346 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.43▲ | $23.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,138▲ | $39,826 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,811▲ | $45,525 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,331▲ | $51,246 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,176▲ | $60,284 |
| Total Employed | 2,220▲ | 870 |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between New Haven and Waterbury is $1,459 (2.96%). New Haven's median is +5.93% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Haven spans $24,038,Waterbury spans $20,458. New Haven 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, Waterbury ($49,456 effective) pays 1.78% more than New Haven ($48,590 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,805/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,176)
- ✓Larger job market (2,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,456)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in New Haven grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
New Haven, CT
$37,580 (2019) → $48,400 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$38,100 (2019) → $47,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Haven, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: New Haven or Waterbury?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov