Pawtucket vs Westerly: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Pawtucket, RI and Westerly, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pawtucket, RI | Westerly, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,407▲ | $63,953 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.88▲ | $30.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,107 | $50,535▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,230 | $56,949▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,914▲ | $74,930 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,632▲ | $90,770 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Westerly.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and Westerly is $4,454 (6.96%). 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 Pawtucket spans $58,525,Westerly spans $40,235. 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 ($68,067 effective) pays 6.96% more than Westerly ($63,635 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 ($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
Choose Westerly if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Pawtucket grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in Westerly over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$58,226 (2024) → $64,902 (2025)
Westerly, RI
$54,435 (2024) → $60,676 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
Westerly, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Pawtucket or Westerly?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pawtucket and Westerly?
Should I relocate from Pawtucket to Westerly as a surgical technologist?
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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