Physical Therapist Pay

Cumberland vs Pawtucket: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Cumberland, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cumberland, RI
$100,706
$48.41/hr
Pawtucket, RI
$105,699
$50.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCumberland, RIPawtucket, RI
Median Salary$100,706$105,699
Hourly Rate$48.41$50.82
Entry Level (P10)$79,338$77,025
25th Percentile$86,004$86,092
75th Percentile$119,052$123,900
Top Earner (P90)$127,145$143,732
Total Employed816
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cumberland ($100,706) and Pawtucket ($105,699) physical therapist salaries.CumberlandPawtucketMedian Salary$100,706$105,699Entry Level (P10)$79,338$77,025Top Earner (P90)$127,145$143,732US Median $105,288

Verdict

Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cumberland.

The salary gap between Cumberland and Pawtucket is $4,993 (4.96%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cumberland spans $47,807,Pawtucket spans $66,707. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Cumberland
P10 (Entry)$79,338
P25$86,004
Median$100,706
P75$119,052
P90 (Top)$127,145
Pawtucket
P10 (Entry)$77,025
P25$86,092
Median$105,699
P75$123,900
P90 (Top)$143,732

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($105,173 effective) pays 4.96% more than Cumberland ($100,205 effective).

Cumberland
Nominal: $100,706
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $100,205
Pawtucket
Nominal: $105,699
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $105,173

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cumberland if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Pawtucket if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,699/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($143,732)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,173)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Cumberland grew 2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.8% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.

Cumberland, RI

+2.8%

$95,648 (2024) → $98,288 (2025)

Pawtucket, RI

+2.8%

$100,390 (2024) → $103,161 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Cumberland or Pawtucket?

Pawtucket has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,699/year, compared to Cumberland at $100,706/year — a difference of $4,993 (4.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cumberland and Pawtucket?

Cumberland physical therapists earn $48.41/hr while Pawtucket hygienists earn $50.82/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cumberland to Pawtucket as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cumberland and Pawtucket. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cumberland = $100,205, Pawtucket = $105,173), job availability (8 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Cumberland vs Pawtucket?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $79,338 in Cumberland and $77,025 in Pawtucket. The Cumberland area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT

Career Analyst

Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov