East Providence vs Providence: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between East Providence, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Providence, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,338 | $105,184▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.20 | $50.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,311 | $81,520▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,683 | $87,313▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,988▲ | $115,241 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,264 | $142,421▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 15,180▲ |
Verdict
Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Providence.
The salary gap between East Providence and Providence is $2,846 (2.78%). Providence's median is +2.39% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Providence spans $65,953,Providence spans $60,901. East Providence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Providence ($103,352 effective) pays 1.50% more than East Providence ($101,829 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Providence if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,184/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,421)
- ✓Larger job market (15,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,352)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in East Providence grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Providence over the same period.
East Providence, RI
$93,641 (2024) → $97,178 (2025)
Providence, RI
$82,230 (2019) → $99,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Providence, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: East Providence or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Providence and Providence?
Should I relocate from East Providence to Providence as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in East Providence vs Providence?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov