Salaries in Pawtucket, RI

Pawtucket is the quiet overachiever of the Rhode Island job market. It has a lower unemployment rate than the national average, yet its median household income lags behind. That disconnect tells you something about who gets paid well here and who doesn't.

With a cost of living index of 100.9—just a hair above the US average—your paycheck doesn't stretch as far as you'd hope. That $1,362 average rent for a one-bedroom isn't a bargain, especially when the median household income is $63,499. You're not getting a discount for living here; you're paying a slight premium on a modest income.

The city's economy leans hard into healthcare and manufacturing. You'll find major employers like Landmark Medical Center and the sprawling facilities tied to the historic Pawtucket textile and machine shops. The tech sector is a quiet but growing force, which is why software developers are the top earners. The education level here is telling: only 28.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which helps explain the wide gap between the top-paying jobs and the average.

Here's my honest take: the wages for skilled trades and nursing are decent, but they’re not keeping pace with the creeping cost of living. If you're a software developer, an accountant, or a specialized nurse, you can build a comfortable life. If you're in a role that doesn't require a degree or specialized training, you're likely feeling the squeeze. It’s a city that rewards specific skills, but doesn’t offer a lot of financial cushion for everyone else.

The numbers below will show you exactly where the salary peaks and valleys are, and what your earning power looks like in real terms.