Salaries in Westerly CDP, RI
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s the thing about Westerly: you can make a solid living here without the brutal competition of a major metro. The median household income sits at $82,333, which feels surprisingly robust for a coastal town of just 18,500 people. It’s a quiet powerhouse.
But let’s talk real purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 100.9—basically dead-on the national average—your paycheck doesn't get a coastal discount. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,362 a month. That means the COL-adjusted average salary here, $56,650, doesn't stretch as far as you might hope. It’s not a bargain, but it’s not a rip-off either; it’s just… average.
So who actually thrives? The data points to a classic mix: healthcare, skilled trades, and education. Registered nurses and elementary school teachers pull in the mid-$80s and low-$60s, respectively, reflecting the town's stable, family-oriented base. The real outlier, though, is software development, with salaries cracking $127,000. That’s a telling sign of the remote work revolution hitting even a picturesque New England CDP.
Here’s my honest take: wages are keeping pace with costs, but just barely. The unemployment rate is a healthy 3.8%, and with nearly 40% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, the local economy is educated and resilient. This city works well for dual-income households or anyone in a high-demand field like tech or healthcare.
The numbers below will show you exactly where you’d land on that spectrum.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Westerly CDP
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Westerly CDP
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (101/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $127,603 |
| 2 | Accountant | $86,312 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $86,302 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $63,841 |
| 5 | Electrician | $61,716 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $61,645 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $53,233 |
| 8 | Paralegal | $50,134 |
| 9 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,134 |
| 10 | Welder | $50,134 |
| 11 | HVAC Technician | $50,134 |
| 12 | Project Manager | $50,134 |
| 13 | Graphic Designer | $50,134 |
| 14 | Data Analyst | $50,134 |
| 15 | Plumber | $50,134 |
| 16 | Carpenter | $50,134 |
| 17 | Physical Therapist | $50,134 |
| 18 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,134 |
| 19 | Financial Analyst | $50,134 |
| 20 | Pharmacist | $50,134 |
| 21 | Police Officer | $50,134 |
| 22 | Construction Manager | $50,134 |
| 23 | Firefighter | $50,134 |
| 24 | Dental Hygienist | $50,134 |
| 25 | Web Developer | $50,134 |
| 26 | Marketing Manager | $50,134 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $50,134 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Westerly CDP
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Westerly CDP?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Westerly CDP. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Westerly CDP Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Westerly CDP Worth It?
Here's my honest take: Westerly CDP isn't going to make you rich fast. The average salary of $57,160 is modest, and with a cost-of-living index of 100.9 and average rent at $1,362/month, you'll need to budget carefully. Financially, it's a stable choice, but wealth building will be a slow burn.
If you're in tech, especially software development, this is your golden ticket. With an average salary of $127,603 and a COL-adjusted value of $126,465, your paycheck stretches beautifully here. Healthcare and trades offer solid, reliable work, but tech is where the real financial upside lives.
My one piece of advice? Before you pack your bags, get a remote or hybrid tech job. Westerly's charm is undeniable, but leveraging a big-city salary while living here is the real power move.