With a population of 148,640, Bridgeport is the most populated city in the state of Connecticut. Located on the banks of the Pequonnock River, it was incorporated as a city in 1836. It is named after the drawbridge built over the river that connected Bridgeport to neighboring areas.
A fun fact about the town is that circus mogul P.T. Barnum was born there and built several homes in town for his performers to live in during the winter. In the early 20th century, Bridgeport experienced a boom in manufacturing, becoming home to several significant plants, including General Electric and Remington. There were thousands of new jobs to be had up until the 1980s, when most of the companies either folded or moved elsewhere. With the lack of employment, Bridgeport, like many other large cities, suffered from increased crime and poor economic growth.
But at the start of the 21st century, Bridgeport rebounded and reinvented itself. The town invested in redevelopment projects and expansion of its existing assets to create additional new jobs. As a result, the crime rate has been diminished by 50%.
Today, Bridgeport is home to 2 major hospitals, major financial institutions, several colleges, the state’s only zoo, and over 35 parks (hence the nickname Park City). There’s also been a boom in new construction and repair of existing buildings. The city has done a great job of overcoming adversity and once again emerging as a leader in many areas.
With several diverse family oriented neighborhoods, the city is attracting many talented people from a range of backgrounds. This all helps add to the allure of Bridgeport as a place to put down roots. This has all led to many opportunities for employment in the city. If you’re looking for a new job in Bridgeport, here are nine to consider.
1. Doctor
If you are a medical doctor looking for a job in Bridgeport, there are many new jobs and opportunities for employment. The city is home to 2 significant hospitals: St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Bridgeport Hospital, affiliated with Yale Health Systems and Yale University Medical School. According to Indeed, Bridgeport Hospital employs over 1,900 physicians in general practice and 60 specialties.
Some of the specialty areas include geriatrics, vascular, oncology, trauma, and maternity. They also have the only specialized burn unit in the area. Both hospitals offer their doctors generous health benefits, pensions, paid malpractice insurance, and schedules that support a work-life balance. The average salary for a specialist physician in Bridgeport’s hospitals ranges from $190,000 to $250,000 a year.
If you prefer to work in a smaller setting within the city, there are several small practices and clinics that would welcome your expertise. There are also several rehab centers and recovery centers in town that need a doctor for detoxing patients and to monitor their physical progress. Helping people recover from substance-use disorder and regain their lives can leave a lasting impression on society.
Another area in which you can apply your medical skills could be in the area of sports medicine doctor. Bridgeport is home to several colleges and universities, not to mention public schools that all participate in athletics. If your interests are more in the area of physical recovery, a position that helps student-athletes recover from injuries can be pretty rewarding.
Whatever area you decide to focus on, you’re sure to find a position in Bridgeport. Remember that to practice medicine in Bridgeport, you must hold a Connecticut State medical license. In order to become licensed, you will need to pass the state board exams.
2. Salesperson
If you enjoy working with people and have a knack for sales, Bridgeport has a plethora of businesses and retail stores that are always in need of a good salesperson. Since its revival in the early 2000s, the city has managed to replace many of the jobs lost to manufacturing with retail and sales positions. From huge big box stores to specific businesses that offer things like water-skiing and golf cart sales, Bridgeport has plenty of new jobs waiting for you.
They even have one of the best Ford dealerships in the area. Park City Ford sells both new and used Ford vehicles and offers their sales associates a good salary along with a nice benefits package, commission bonuses, and discounts on cars. If you’ve got a way with words and know your way around a car, this could be an excellent job. If cars are not your strong point, no worries; Bridgeport is also home to significant national stores like Walmart and Marshalls that offer employees flexible schedules, benefits for full-time employees, discounts, and other perks.
Large stores, not your style? No problem. The city has several shopping centers and a downtown area chock-full of smaller stores and boutiques that offer a slower pace and a more laid-back atmosphere. The average retail salesperson starts by making the minimum wage but is usually eligible for a raise after a short time. One of the best parts of the job is that there’s a lot of room for growth. Many salespeople are often promoted to managerial and even corporate positions.
3. Roofer
Roofers are those lifesavers you call when the water starts dripping through your ceiling. Hopefully, you contact them before that happens, but either way, in the town of Bridgeport a roofing contractor can do quite well for themselves. Part of this is due to the many new construction projects around the city.
Local roofers often work with construction companies and general contractors on projects around the city. The other part that keeps roofers incredibly busy (and employed) around Bridgeport is repairing the roofs on older structures. With more people being attracted to the area, many opt to buy “fixer-uppers,” which usually include a new roof.
To become a roofer you’ll need to start working as an apprentice under a licensed roofer. Though no college is required, it is a good idea to take some classes at a local trade school. You may want to work with professionals like metal roofers, tile roofers, and slate roofers to get an idea of the different materials that can be used.
If you’re in good physical condition, good with your hands, and like working outdoors, being a roofer may be a great new job for you. When deciding, remember that being a roofer can be dangerous, and it gets pretty cold and icy in Bridgeport. The average salary for a roofer in Bridgeport is about $23 per hour. But this range can differ greatly depending on experience and reputation.
4. Plumber
To become a plumber, you must apprentice under a licensed plumber and attend classes that a local plumbers union usually sponsors. The apprenticeship is paid and benefits are typically offered. In Bridgeport, local plumbers do pretty well, much for the same reasons as other trade professionals. Whenever there’s an uptick in new construction, plumbers are some of the first to get a call to join the team. They’re the ones that will lay drain pipes, septic tanks, interior pipes, as well as all fixtures and faucets.
The plumbing companies will install water heaters and ensure everything is up to code. A local plumber in the city will often be called out for emergencies at local businesses and private homes. Their job usually entails repairing leaks, clogs, and pipes that have burst.
This happens regularly in Bridgeport, due to aging structures and freezing temperatures that can affect the integrity of the pipes. Once a plumber’s license is obtained (after passing the exam), a plumber in Bridgeport makes about $40 per hour. This doesn’t include emergency calls or overtime. So, if you can read blueprints, are good with tools, and don’t mind some dirt and grime, plumbing in Bridgeport can be a lucrative job.
5. Electrician
Electricians are those trade professionals that rewire and install new electrical panels. They can also implement new lighting fixtures, outlets, and switches in homes and businesses. Many electricians work outdoors as linemen, repairing and installing new electrical lines and transformers that bring currents into our homes and offices. Some may specialize in wiring structures for the Internet, cable, and other technological needs.
In Bridgeport, there are many new job openings for licensed electricians due to the redevelopment, coupled with the large population of structures. Like plumbers, electricians must work with an experienced electrician as an apprentice and attend classes for several years before being eligible to take the exam to become licensed. The average electrician in Bridgeport makes about $33 per hour when starting. Experienced electricians can make an average of $113,000 annually in the city and surrounding areas.
6. Carpenter
Carpenters are in high demand in Bridgeport. Like their trade counterparts, they’re often asked to join a construction team when a new building occurs. Private homeowners will also call upon carpenters when remodeling parts of their aging homes.
People may call upon them to build custom furniture, shelves, or decks. Bridgeport is also home to several businesses like Home Depot and Kitchen cabinetmakers that need the expertise and skills of carpenters. Carpenters must complete an apprenticeship and become licensed. The typical apprentice makes about $23 per hour, while a master carpenter can earn upwards of $70,000 annually. So if you’re looking for a new job in this field, Bridgeport may be the place to go.
7. Bank Teller
If you’ve got excellent math skills, are good with people, have good communication skills, and are on your feet, being a bank teller in Bridgeport may be the perfect new job for you. Financial institutions abound in the city and are overall one of the top employers. Big banks like TD, Chase, Bank of America, and Citi have branches in Bridgeport.
This does not include the many smaller banks and credit unions that need tellers to provide services for their customers. A bank teller will typically help customers with their deposits and withdrawals, assist with opening new accounts, and handle any client issues. The average bank teller in Bridgeport makes between $40,000 to $53,000 a year.
There’s also a lot of opportunity for advancement. If you show leadership skills and are a self-starter, you’ll likely be promoted to a managerial position over a period of time. Though no college degree is required, most bank employers prefer tellers to have one.
8. Adjunct College Professor
Bridgeport is home to several colleges, including The University of Bridgeport and Housatonic Community College. If you’ve got a master’s degree, you can likely find a job as an adjunct professor at one of the institutions. Being an adjunct professor means you are working part-time, are not required to dedicate extra time to research, and aren’t tied to teaching a certain number of classes.
This can allow you to work at another job or pursue research, writing, or other professional pursuits. As an adjunct professor, you’ll likely make about $25,000 per year. However, it allows you to get your foot in the door and work your way up to being a full-time tenured professor. Full-time professors make between $80,000 to $120,000 per year in Bridgeport.
9. Nanny
While everyone is off working the many jobs Bridgeport offers, many families opt for in-home childcare over daycare settings. For this reason, the nanny profession is in high demand in the area. As a nanny, your duties may include typical responsibilities like feeding, bathing, dressing, and diaper changes. Still, you’ll also be expected to play, go for walks, and help the child with learning and developmental milestones.
Depending on the family’s needs, they may ask the nanny to cook meals, tidy up, and do laundry as it relates to the child. Being a nanny offers a lot of flexibility, so you may be able to attend school or work another job simultaneously. Nannies in Bridgeport can make anywhere from $18 to $25 per hour, depending on experience and the family’s requirements. If you love children and being active, being a nanny could be the right fit.
Bridgeport is a diverse community that offers many new job opportunities for personal and professional development. With the many businesses and corporations that call Bridgeport home, there will surely be a job that suits your needs and skills.