Pawtucket vs Woonsocket: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant 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 | $49,772▲ | $48,164 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.93▲ | $23.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,352 | $40,244▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,718 | $46,140▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,806▲ | $56,289 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,680▲ | $61,424 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woonsocket.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and Woonsocket is $1,608 (3.34%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pawtucket spans $29,328,Woonsocket spans $21,180. 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 ($49,524 effective) pays 3.34% more than Woonsocket ($47,924 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 ($49,772/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,680)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,524)
- ✓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, dental assistant salaries in Pawtucket grew 4.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.5% growth in Woonsocket over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$46,180 (2024) → $48,257 (2025)
Woonsocket, RI
$44,687 (2024) → $46,698 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
Woonsocket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% 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 Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov