Bridgeport vs Meriden: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Meriden, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | Meriden, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,112▲ | $82,328 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.40▲ | $39.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,106▲ | $56,129 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,029▲ | $69,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,411▲ | $94,546 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,098 | $108,284▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Meriden.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Meriden is $3,784 (4.60%). Bridgeport's median is +8.48% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $39,992,Meriden spans $52,155. Meriden has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($80,581 effective) pays 5.61% more than Meriden ($76,300 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 ($86,112/year)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,581)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Meriden if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,284)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Bridgeport grew 14.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.1% growth in Meriden over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$72,320 (2019) → $82,880 (2025)
Meriden, CT
$80,960 (2024) → $79,238 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Meriden, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Bridgeport or Meriden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Meriden?
Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Meriden as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Bridgeport vs Meriden?
Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov