RN Salary in Connecticut: A Guide to RN Salaries in the Constitution State

RN salaries in Connecticut are highly competitive, regardless of this state’s low projected job outlook.

In October 1969, Connecticut became an early pioneer in the field of nurse practitioner education by launching its first demonstration project for training nurse practitioners. This initiative marked a significant milestone in the nursing field, as it occurred only four years after the establishment of the first nurse practitioner program in the entire country. Connecticut’s commitment to advancing the nursing profession has been evident not only in its early adoption of nurse practitioner education but also in its ongoing efforts to support nurses. The state continues to provide excellent opportunities for nurses, and it values their contributions by offering competitive monetary compensation to professionals in the healthcare field. Read on as we delve deeper into the salaries of RNs in Connecticut and provide you with more information about what to expect from this profession.

Takeaway 

Nurses in the state of Connecticut are much like the beautiful and resilient mountain laurel designated as the state’s flower… Similarly to how the mountain laurel flourishes in diverse environments, nursing professionals in Connecticut manage to thrive in a dynamic healthcare industry that embraces innovation and excellence. Additionally, just like how the mountain laurel stands tall amidst changing seasons, nurses in Connecticut stand as pillars of strength, delivering quality healthcare regardless of the challenges they face. Like the flower’s vibrant blooms, their dedication brings warmth and comfort to the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state.

Average RN Salaries in Connecticut

Connecticut is known for its robust healthcare industry, and as a registered nurse in this state, you can expect competitive salaries. As of June 2023, data indicates that RNs in Connecticut earn an average hourly pay of $60.84, which translates to an average annual wage of $129,849. Moreover, overtime work can contribute an average additional yearly income of around $12,000, based on salary records from almost 5k professionals.

Salary range

The salary range for RNs in Connecticut can vary depending on various factors, such as experience, location, and employer. In some cases, RN salaries in the state may start as low as $92,250, while the highest earners can make up to $182,773 per year. This range can provide you with a general idea of what you can expect to earn as an RN in Connecticut, as well as the potential for enhancing your earnings.

Salary by years of experience

Experience is among the factors that most significantly impact registered nurses’ salaries. On average, as an RN in Connecticut, you can expect the following annual salaries based on the amount of experience you have:

• $117,357 for less than one year of experience
• $126,148 for 1 to 2 years of experience
• $132,407 for 3 to 5 years of experience
• $137,182 for 6 to 9 years of experience
• $153,384 for more than ten years of experience

Salary adjusted for cost of living

The high RN salaries in Connecticut can be linked to the high cost of living in the state. Reports indicate that the cost of living in Connecticut is somewhat high, with an index of 113.1. In comparison to the national average, living in Connecticut is around 13% more expensive. Other cost-of-living indexes are also relatively high:

• Grocery index: 99.8
• Housing index: 122.7
• Utility index: 122.3
• Transportation index: 102.6
• Health index: 109.7

Therefore, in order to keep up with the expected expenses of living in this state, it is beneficial that you would also have a relatively high salary working as an RN.

Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in Connecticut

Several cities in Connecticut help increase the overall average salary in CT by offering higher salaries for registered nurses. This inflection in wages could be attributed to a higher demand for nursing professionals or the cost of living in those areas.

Based on recent reports, the top-paying cities for RNs in Connecticut are the following:

• New Haven with $155,609 per year
• Norwich with $152,707 per year
• New Britain, with $137,764 per year
• Hartford, with $127,786 per year
• Waterbury with $114,956 per year
• Bridgeport with $110,138 per year
• Middletown, with $102,506 per year
• Norwalk with $96,012 per year
• New London with $93,187 per year

How Do RN Salaries in Connecticut Compare to Other States?

When comparing RN salaries in Connecticut to other states, it is evident that Connecticut surpasses the national average. The average RN salary in Connecticut is 38% higher than the national average for all 50 states, set at $59,670 per year.

Furthermore, when compared to neighboring states–such as New York, with an average salary of $109,177 per year, Massachusetts, with $110,348 per year, and Rhode Island, with $95,200 per year–Connecticut, once again can offer you higher RN salaries.

How Much Do Similar Professions Get Paid in Connecticut?

Because different nursing professions entail other responsibilities, the salaries associated with each role are different as well. When working as a registered nurse in Connecticut, you are somewhere in the middle when it comes to wages based on the nursing profession, so some nursing roles pay less, and others pay more.

For example, being a licensed practical nurse in Connecticut means that you would earn around $62,685 per year. However, specialized nursing roles tend to offer better wages. Take oncology registered nurses, for example; such professionals earn approximately $143,265 each year.

How Can You Boost Your Salary as RN in Connecticut?

If you are interested in increasing your earning potential as an RN in Connecticut, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, consider furthering your education by pursuing higher degrees like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Additionally, obtaining specialized certifications in high-demand nursing areas can help enhance your marketability as a nurse and earning potential. Continuously updating and advancing your knowledge and skills through professional development opportunities will increase your value as a nurse, thus helping you qualify for higher-paying positions.

Another way you can boost your salary is by exploring different shifts, such as evenings, nights, or weekends since they often come with higher pay rates. Furthermore, you should consider working in cities or regions within Connecticut that offer higher average RN salaries.

Job Outlook for RNs in Connecticut

Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggest that the employment prospects for RNs nationwide are expected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031, resulting in approximately 195,400 new job openings. However, long-term occupational projections from the Labor Market Information (LMI) indicate that the projected growth rate of RNs in Connecticut is estimated to be only 3.9%, with an average of 1,960 new RN job openings per year.

Conclusion

In short, despite the low projected job outlook in Connecticut, RN salaries in the state remain highly competitive. The so-called Constitution State continues to provide excellent opportunities for nurses and values their contributions by providing room for professional growth as well as competitive monetary compensation. If you pursue the role of RN in Connecticut, you can expect a rewarding and fulfilling career in the healthcare field.