Pawtucket vs Providence: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $125,521▲ | $118,897 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.35▲ | $57.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,898 | $80,847▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,588 | $100,084▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $158,290▲ | $149,919 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,558 | $205,175▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket and Providence are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and Providence is $6,624 (5.57%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pawtucket spans $117,660,Providence spans $124,328. Providence has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($124,897 effective) pays 6.91% more than Providence ($116,826 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 ($125,521/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,897)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,175)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Pawtucket grew 7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Providence over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$112,437 (2024) → $121,101 (2025)
Providence, RI
$99,220 (2019) → $114,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Pawtucket or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pawtucket and Providence?
Should I relocate from Pawtucket to Providence as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Pawtucket vs Providence?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov