Pawtucket vs Providence: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist 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 | $105,699▲ | $102,757 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.82▲ | $49.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,025 | $82,450▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,092 | $89,222▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,900▲ | $118,618 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,732▲ | $132,399 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 1,440▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Providence.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and Providence is $2,942 (2.86%). 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 Pawtucket spans $66,707,Providence spans $49,949. 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 ($105,173 effective) pays 4.17% more than Providence ($100,967 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 ($105,699/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,732)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,173)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Pawtucket grew 2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.7% growth in Providence over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$100,390 (2024) → $103,161 (2025)
Providence, RI
$85,180 (2019) → $100,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Pawtucket or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pawtucket and Providence?
Should I relocate from Pawtucket to Providence as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Pawtucket vs Providence?
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.
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