Hartford vs Shelton: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber 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 | $79,135 | $80,447▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.05 | $38.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,350 | $57,121▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,036 | $63,446▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,672 | $102,973▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,755 | $124,694▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,850▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Shelton, CT offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Hartford and Shelton is $1,312 (1.66%). Shelton's median is +22.99% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $60,405,Shelton spans $67,573. Shelton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($77,020 effective) pays 3.30% more than Shelton ($74,557 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 (1,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,020)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,447/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,694)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Hartford grew 4.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.7% growth in Shelton over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$73,560 (2019) → $77,190 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$79,052 (2024) → $78,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Hartford or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Shelton?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Shelton as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Hartford vs Shelton?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov