Lawyer Salary

Hartford vs Milford: Lawyer Salary (2026)

Compare lawyer salaries between Hartford, CT and Milford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hartford, CT
$164,588
$79.13/hr
Milford, CT
$161,112
$77.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHartford, CTMilford, CT
Median Salary$164,588$161,112
Hourly Rate$79.13$77.46
Entry Level (P10)$97,957$93,445
25th Percentile$110,218$116,001
75th Percentile$226,110$206,223
Top Earner (P90)$313,932$249,724
Total Employed3,8809
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hartford ($164,588) and Milford ($161,112) lawyer salaries.HartfordMilfordMedian Salary$164,588$161,112Entry Level (P10)$97,957$93,445Top Earner (P90)$313,932$249,724US Median $167,174

Verdict

Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Milford.

The salary gap between Hartford and Milford is $3,476 (2.16%). Hartford's median is -1.55% compared to the US national median of $167,174.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $215,975,Milford spans $156,279. Hartford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hartford
P10 (Entry)$97,957
P25$110,218
Median$164,588
P75$226,110
P90 (Top)$313,932
Milford
P10 (Entry)$93,445
P25$116,001
Median$161,112
P75$206,223
P90 (Top)$249,724

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($160,189 effective) pays 7.28% more than Milford ($149,316 effective).

Hartford
Nominal: $164,588
CoL Index: 102.746
Adjusted: $160,189
Milford
Nominal: $161,112
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $149,316

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hartford if…

  • Higher median salary ($164,588/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($313,932)
  • Larger job market (3,880 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,189)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Milford if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Hartford grew 19.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -13.2% growth in Milford over the same period.

Hartford, CT

+19.8%

$131,190 (2019) → $157,200 (2025)

Milford, CT

+-13.2%

$177,241 (2024) → $153,880 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays lawyers more: Hartford or Milford?

Hartford has a higher median lawyer salary at $164,588/year, compared to Milford at $161,112/year — a difference of $3,476 (2.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Milford?

Hartford lawyers earn $79.13/hr while Milford hygienists earn $77.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hartford to Milford as a lawyer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hartford and Milford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hartford = $160,189, Milford = $149,316), job availability (3,880 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level lawyers earn in Hartford vs Milford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) lawyers earn $97,957 in Hartford and $93,445 in Milford. The Hartford area offers higher starting salaries.
AC

Written by Alexandra Chen, JD

Career Analyst

Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Martinez, JDData verified by Priya Patel, JD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov