Pawtucket vs Westerly: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $78,849▲ | $73,715 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.91▲ | $35.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,424 | $51,413▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,454 | $60,476▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,438▲ | $89,734 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,216▲ | $105,395 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Westerly.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and Westerly is $5,134 (6.96%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pawtucket spans $74,792,Westerly spans $53,982. 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 ($78,457 effective) pays 6.96% more than Westerly ($73,348 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 ($78,849/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,216)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,457)
- ✓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, police officer salaries in Pawtucket grew 5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Westerly over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$72,281 (2024) → $76,508 (2025)
Westerly, RI
$67,575 (2024) → $71,526 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
Westerly, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Pawtucket or Westerly?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pawtucket and Westerly?
Should I relocate from Pawtucket to Westerly as a police officer?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov