Healthcare Waterbury, CT Pop. 114,403

Registered Nurse Salary in Waterbury, Connecticut

The median registered nurse salary in Waterbury, CT is $82,844 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 12.1% below the Connecticut state average.

City Median
$82,844
vs State Avg
$-11,371
vs National
+$1,624
Cost of Living
98%

Registered Nurse Pay in Waterbury: What to Expect (2026)

Waterbury offers a median registered nurse salary of $82,844, which is $11,371 below the Connecticut state average of $94,215. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Waterbury pays above average for this role.

Waterbury's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Waterbury spans from $58,548 at the 10th percentile to $123,216 at the 90th percentile — a $64,668 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,160, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,300. With a population of 114,403, Waterbury is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Waterbury by Experience

In Waterbury, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $59,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,160
+$1,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,640
+$1,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,300
+$2,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waterbury, CT

Percentile Waterbury
10th Percentile $58,548
25th Percentile $68,136
Median (50th) $82,844
75th Percentile $103,122
90th Percentile $123,216

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Connecticut Cities

Stamford, CT
$115,332
Pop. 135,470
New Haven, CT
$92,591
Pop. 134,023
Bridgeport, CT
$90,966
Pop. 148,529
Hartford, CT
$88,530
Pop. 121,054

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Waterbury

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Waterbury and the surrounding Connecticut area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Waterbury may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Waterbury

Browse open registered nurse positions in Waterbury, CT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Waterbury

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Waterbury, CT? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Waterbury, Connecticut is $82,844 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $58,548 (10th percentile) to $123,216 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Waterbury? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,844, a registered nurse in Waterbury earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waterbury compare to the Connecticut state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Waterbury's median registered nurse salary of $82,844 is 12.1% below the Connecticut state average of $94,215. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waterbury, CT? ▼
Waterbury has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $82,844 in Waterbury has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Waterbury? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Waterbury require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.