Providence vs West Warwick: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Providence, RI and West Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Providence, RI | West Warwick, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,907 | $55,533▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.40 | $26.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,000 | $41,411▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,598▲ | $48,421 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,379▲ | $63,231 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,232▲ | $75,643 |
| Total Employed | 2,490▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Providence and West Warwick are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Providence and West Warwick is $626 (1.14%). West Warwick's median is -0.65% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Providence spans $47,232,West Warwick spans $34,232. 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, West Warwick ($55,257 effective) pays 2.42% more than Providence ($53,950 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,232)
- ✓Larger job market (2,490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose West Warwick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,533/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,257)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Providence grew 8.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.0% growth in West Warwick over the same period.
Providence, RI
$48,830 (2019) → $52,800 (2025)
West Warwick, RI
$55,638 (2024) → $53,402 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Providence, RI
West Warwick, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Providence or West Warwick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Providence and West Warwick?
Should I relocate from Providence to West Warwick as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Providence vs West Warwick?
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