Pawtucket vs Woonsocket: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Pawtucket, RI and Woonsocket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pawtucket, RI | Woonsocket, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,849▲ | $76,300 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.91▲ | $36.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,424 | $52,033▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,454 | $61,904▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,438▲ | $94,598 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,216▲ | $113,262 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woonsocket.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and Woonsocket is $2,549 (3.34%). 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,Woonsocket spans $61,229. 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 3.34% more than Woonsocket ($75,920 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 Woonsocket 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 Woonsocket over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$72,281 (2024) → $76,508 (2025)
Woonsocket, RI
$69,945 (2024) → $74,035 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
Woonsocket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Pawtucket or Woonsocket?
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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