East Providence vs Providence: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between East Providence, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Providence, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,881 | $81,443▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.63 | $39.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,562 | $57,485▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,719 | $68,088▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,070 | $89,010▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,978 | $101,932▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Providence.
The salary gap between East Providence and Providence is $13,562 (19.98%). Providence's median is +19.52% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Providence spans $49,416,Providence spans $44,447. East Providence 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, Providence ($80,024 effective) pays 18.48% more than East Providence ($67,543 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Providence if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,443/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,932)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,024)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in East Providence grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.3% growth in Providence over the same period.
East Providence, RI
$57,778 (2024) → $64,403 (2025)
Providence, RI
$51,760 (2019) → $77,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Providence, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: East Providence or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Providence and Providence?
Should I relocate from East Providence to Providence as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in East Providence vs Providence?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov