Johnston vs Pawtucket: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Johnston, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnston, RI | Pawtucket, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,838 | $103,131▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.00 | $49.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,725▲ | $70,620 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,441▲ | $82,456 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,046 | $118,070▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,217 | $149,947▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Johnston and Pawtucket is $3,293 (3.30%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnston spans $61,492,Pawtucket spans $79,327. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($102,618 effective) pays 3.30% more than Johnston ($99,341 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Pawtucket if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,131/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,947)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,618)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Johnston grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.8% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.
Johnston, RI
$91,354 (2024) → $94,804 (2025)
Pawtucket, RI
$94,367 (2024) → $97,931 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnston, RI
Pawtucket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Johnston or Pawtucket?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnston and Pawtucket?
Should I relocate from Johnston to Pawtucket as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Johnston vs Pawtucket?
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