Pawtucket vs Woonsocket: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Pawtucket, RI and Woonsocket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pawtucket, RI | Woonsocket, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,131▲ | $99,798 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.58▲ | $47.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,620 | $76,628▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,456 | $85,578▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,070▲ | $111,056 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,947▲ | $138,332 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woonsocket.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and Woonsocket is $3,333 (3.34%). 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 Pawtucket spans $79,327,Woonsocket spans $61,704. Pawtucket 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, Pawtucket ($102,618 effective) pays 3.34% more than Woonsocket ($99,301 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Woonsocket if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Pawtucket grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.8% growth in Woonsocket over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$94,367 (2024) → $97,931 (2025)
Woonsocket, RI
$91,317 (2024) → $94,766 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
Woonsocket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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