Newport vs Pawtucket: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Newport, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newport, RI | Pawtucket, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,835 | $68,407▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.65 | $32.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,242▲ | $47,107 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,056 | $56,230▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,616 | $83,914▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,322 | $105,632▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Newport.
The salary gap between Newport and Pawtucket is $2,572 (3.91%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport spans $48,080,Pawtucket spans $58,525. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($68,067 effective) pays 3.91% more than Newport ($65,507 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newport if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Pawtucket if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,407/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,632)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,067)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Newport grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.
Newport, RI
$56,037 (2024) → $62,462 (2025)
Pawtucket, RI
$58,226 (2024) → $64,902 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newport, RI
Pawtucket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Newport or Pawtucket?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newport and Pawtucket?
Should I relocate from Newport to Pawtucket as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Newport vs Pawtucket?
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