Salary & Cost of Living in Waterbury, CT
Waterbury, CT: $48,000 median salary, cost of living index 100, $16.35/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$48,000
$23/hr
Cost of Living
100
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.35
per hour
Unemployment
5.2%
rate
Waterbury, CT Overview
Population
114,403
Median Salary
$48,000
Average Salary
$53,000
Avg Commute
26 min
Median Home Price
$185,000
Median Rent
$1,100/mo
Job Growth
+0.5%
Sales Tax
6.35%
Waterbury is located in Connecticut with a population of 114,403. The median household salary is $48,000 per year ($23/hour), which is $11,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.5%.
Waterbury Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Waterbury, CT, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$37,967
$3,163.88/month · $1,460.25/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.9%
Gross Pay
$48,000
Federal Tax
-$3,722
State Tax
-$2,640
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,672
Net Pay
$37,967
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,000.00 | $48,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$310.13 | -$3,721.50 |
| Connecticut State Tax (5.5%) | -$220.00 | -$2,640.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$248.00 | -$2,976.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$58.00 | -$696.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,163.88 | $37,966.50 |
Salary Comparison: Waterbury vs Other Cities
See how Waterbury's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterbury, CT | $48,000 | 100 | $48,000 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Decatur, AL | $48,000 | 84 | $57,143 |
| Springdale, AR | $48,000 | 86 | $55,814 |
| Pomona, CA | $48,000 | 115 | $41,739 |
| Pueblo, CO | $48,000 | 88 | $54,545 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Waterbury
Waterbury's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100). Waterbury's cost of living matches the national average.
Median Home Price
$185,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,100
Annual Rent Cost
$13,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $37,967 annual take-home pay in Waterbury has the purchasing power of approximately $37,967 in an average-cost US area. Your $48,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Waterbury
Waterbury's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $48,000.
Salary Tips for Waterbury Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.5% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Waterbury's top industries include Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $48,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Waterbury, CT?
The median salary in Waterbury, CT is $48,000 per year, or $23 per hour. The average salary is $53,000. This is $11,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Waterbury, CT?
Waterbury's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100), meaning it is equal to the cost of living compared to the national average. The median home price is $185,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,100.
What are the best industries in Waterbury?
The top industries in Waterbury, CT include Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education. The city has a job growth rate of 0.5% and an unemployment rate of 5.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $48,000.
How does Waterbury's salary compare to other cities?
Waterbury's median salary of $48,000 is 19.2% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 100), the real purchasing power is approximately $48,000.
What is the minimum wage in Waterbury, CT?
The minimum wage in Waterbury, CT is $16.35 per hour. This equals approximately $34,008 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $9.10 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.