Pawtucket vs West Warwick: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder 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 | $56,113▲ | $55,533 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.98▲ | $26.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,734 | $41,411▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,503 | $48,421▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,395▲ | $63,231 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,448▲ | $75,643 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Warwick.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and West Warwick is $580 (1.04%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pawtucket spans $43,714,West Warwick spans $34,232. 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 ($55,834 effective) pays 1.04% more than West Warwick ($55,257 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 ($56,113/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,448)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,834)
- ✓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, welder salaries in Pawtucket grew -4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.0% growth in West Warwick over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$56,219 (2024) → $53,960 (2025)
West Warwick, RI
$55,638 (2024) → $53,402 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
West Warwick, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Pawtucket or West Warwick?
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov