Pawtucket vs Providence: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Pawtucket, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pawtucket, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,050▲ | $133,234 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.25▲ | $64.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,340▲ | $88,205 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,813▲ | $125,098 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,457▲ | $139,527 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,554▲ | $162,195 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 1,880▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Providence.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and Providence is $10,816 (8.12%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pawtucket spans $86,214,Providence spans $73,990. 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 ($143,333 effective) pays 9.49% more than Providence ($130,913 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 ($144,050/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,554)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,333)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,880 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Pawtucket grew 3.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.2% growth in Providence over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$136,531 (2024) → $141,461 (2025)
Providence, RI
$125,540 (2019) → $130,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Pawtucket or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pawtucket and Providence?
Should I relocate from Pawtucket to Providence as a pharmacist?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov