PT Assistant Salary

Bridgeport vs Milford: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Milford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$78,270
$37.63/hr
Milford, CT
$75,907
$36.49/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTMilford, CT
Median Salary$78,270$75,907
Hourly Rate$37.63$36.49
Entry Level (P10)$64,463$54,819
25th Percentile$77,006$67,196
75th Percentile$83,889$89,429
Top Earner (P90)$90,125$102,284
Total Employed2409
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($78,270) and Milford ($75,907) physical therapist assistant salaries.BridgeportMilfordMedian Salary$78,270$75,907Entry Level (P10)$64,463$54,819Top Earner (P90)$90,125$102,284US Median $70,247

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milford.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Milford is $2,363 (3.11%). Bridgeport's median is +11.42% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $25,662,Milford spans $47,465. Milford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$64,463
P25$77,006
Median$78,270
P75$83,889
P90 (Top)$90,125
Milford
P10 (Entry)$54,819
P25$67,196
Median$75,907
P75$89,429
P90 (Top)$102,284

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($73,243 effective) pays 4.11% more than Milford ($70,349 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $78,270
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $73,243
Milford
Nominal: $75,907
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $70,349

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 ($78,270/year)
  • Larger job market (240 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,243)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Milford if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($102,284)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Bridgeport grew 12.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.7% growth in Milford over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+12.1%

$67,980 (2019) → $76,190 (2025)

Milford, CT

+-2.7%

$75,960 (2024) → $73,890 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Bridgeport or Milford?

Bridgeport has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $78,270/year, compared to Milford at $75,907/year — a difference of $2,363 (3.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Milford?

Bridgeport physical therapist assistants earn $37.63/hr while Milford hygienists earn $36.49/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Milford as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Milford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $73,243, Milford = $70,349), job availability (240 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Bridgeport vs Milford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $64,463 in Bridgeport and $54,819 in Milford. The Bridgeport area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, DPT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov