Manchester vs Waterbury: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Manchester, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,498 | $79,772▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.22 | $38.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,811▲ | $45,221 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,848▲ | $57,312 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,758 | $104,688▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,223 | $175,830▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Waterbury, CT offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Manchester and Waterbury is $274 (0.34%). Waterbury's median is +23.64% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $76,412,Waterbury spans $130,609. Waterbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced insurance agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterbury ($79,949 effective) pays 8.51% more than Manchester ($73,677 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,772/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,830)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,949)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Manchester grew -9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Manchester, CT
$84,877 (2024) → $76,736 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$65,740 (2019) → $77,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Manchester or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Waterbury as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Manchester vs Waterbury?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov