Vet Tech salary

Central Falls vs Pawtucket: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Central Falls, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Central Falls, RI
$46,351
$22.28/hr
Pawtucket, RI
$50,181
$24.13/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCentral Falls, RIPawtucket, RI
Median Salary$46,351$50,181
Hourly Rate$22.28$24.13
Entry Level (P10)$37,862$36,719
25th Percentile$39,411$40,009
75th Percentile$54,605$60,714
Top Earner (P90)$57,657$69,159
Total Employed616
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Central Falls ($46,351) and Pawtucket ($50,181) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Central FallsPawtucketMedian Salary$46,351$50,181Entry Level (P10)$37,862$36,719Top Earner (P90)$57,657$69,159US Median $49,986

Verdict

Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Central Falls.

The salary gap between Central Falls and Pawtucket is $3,830 (8.26%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central Falls spans $19,795,Pawtucket spans $32,440. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Central Falls
P10 (Entry)$37,862
P25$39,411
Median$46,351
P75$54,605
P90 (Top)$57,657
Pawtucket
P10 (Entry)$36,719
P25$40,009
Median$50,181
P75$60,714
P90 (Top)$69,159

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($49,931 effective) pays 8.26% more than Central Falls ($46,120 effective).

Central Falls
Nominal: $46,351
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $46,120
Pawtucket
Nominal: $50,181
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $49,931

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Central Falls if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Pawtucket if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,181/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($69,159)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,931)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Central Falls grew 12.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.

Central Falls, RI

+12.8%

$38,946 (2024) → $43,935 (2025)

Pawtucket, RI

+12.8%

$42,164 (2024) → $47,565 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Central Falls or Pawtucket?

Pawtucket has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $50,181/year, compared to Central Falls at $46,351/year — a difference of $3,830 (8.26%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Central Falls and Pawtucket?

Central Falls veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.28/hr while Pawtucket hygienists earn $24.13/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Central Falls to Pawtucket as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Central Falls and Pawtucket. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Central Falls = $46,120, Pawtucket = $49,931), job availability (6 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Central Falls vs Pawtucket?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,862 in Central Falls and $36,719 in Pawtucket. The Central Falls area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov