Pawtucket vs West Warwick: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Pawtucket, RI and West Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pawtucket, RI | West Warwick, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,161▲ | $139,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.86▲ | $67.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,874▲ | $81,027 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,697 | $111,959▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $169,702▲ | $164,129 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,289▲ | $195,442 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Warwick.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and West Warwick is $1,459 (1.04%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pawtucket spans $133,415,West Warwick spans $114,415. 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 ($140,459 effective) pays 1.04% more than West Warwick ($139,007 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 ($141,161/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,289)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,459)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose West Warwick if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Pawtucket grew -1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in West Warwick over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$138,539 (2024) → $137,103 (2025)
West Warwick, RI
$137,107 (2024) → $135,686 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
West Warwick, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Pawtucket or West Warwick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pawtucket and West Warwick?
Should I relocate from Pawtucket to West Warwick as a optometrist?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov