Registered Nurse Salaries in Connecticut — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Registered Nurses in Connecticut earn an average of $101,590 per year ($48.84/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 39,020 registered nurses.
Registered Nurse salaries in Connecticut are above the national average by approximately $11,414. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.
Strong demand and union representation mean registered nurses in Connecticut often earn above the national median.
Connecticut Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Connecticut after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Connecticut Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Connecticut median of $101,590.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Connecticut
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Connecticut — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataregistered nurses pay in Connecticut has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the registered nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Connecticut's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Connecticut
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $112,750 | $54.21 | +11.0% | 13,657 |
| New Haven | $107,700 | $51.78 | +6.0% | 10,925 |
| Hartford | $104,650 | $50.31 | +3.0% | 7,023 |
| Stamford | $97,550 | $46.90 | -4.0% | 3,511 |
| Waterbury | $92,450 | $44.45 | -9.0% | 2,341 |
| Norwalk | $88,400 | $42.50 | -13.0% | 1,560 |
Tip: Bridgeport offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Connecticut at $112,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Connecticut vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Connecticut sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Connecticut has a state income tax rate of up to 6.99%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Connecticut
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Connecticut is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Connecticut job market. Strong demand and union representation mean registered nurses in Connecticut often earn above the national median.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Connecticut
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Connecticut typically adds $83,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Bridgeport pays registered nurses $112,750/yr — +11.0% above the Connecticut average. Simply relocating within Connecticut can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Connecticut. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays registered nurses $105,600/yr — 3.9% vs Connecticut.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Connecticut
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Connecticut:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Connecticut — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Connecticut — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Bridgeport, CT→