Vet Tech salary

Pawtucket vs Westerly: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Pawtucket, RI
$50,181
$24.13/hr
Westerly, RI
$46,914
$22.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPawtucket, RIWesterly, RI
Median Salary$50,181$46,914
Hourly Rate$24.13$22.56
Entry Level (P10)$36,719$39,222
25th Percentile$40,009$40,581
75th Percentile$60,714$54,202
Top Earner (P90)$69,159$59,267
Total Employed165
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pawtucket ($50,181) and Westerly ($46,914) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.PawtucketWesterlyMedian Salary$50,181$46,914Entry Level (P10)$36,719$39,222Top Earner (P90)$69,159$59,267US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Pawtucket and Westerly is $3,267 (6.96%). 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 Pawtucket spans $32,440,Westerly spans $20,045. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Pawtucket
P10 (Entry)$36,719
P25$40,009
Median$50,181
P75$60,714
P90 (Top)$69,159
Westerly
P10 (Entry)$39,222
P25$40,581
Median$46,914
P75$54,202
P90 (Top)$59,267

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($49,931 effective) pays 6.96% more than Westerly ($46,681 effective).

Pawtucket
Nominal: $50,181
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $49,931
Westerly
Nominal: $46,914
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $46,681

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 ($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

Choose Westerly if…

  • 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 Pawtucket grew 12.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Westerly over the same period.

Pawtucket, RI

+12.8%

$42,164 (2024) → $47,565 (2025)

Westerly, RI

+12.8%

$39,419 (2024) → $44,468 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Pawtucket has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $50,181/year, compared to Westerly at $46,914/year — a difference of $3,267 (6.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pawtucket and Westerly?

Pawtucket veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.13/hr while Westerly hygienists earn $22.56/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pawtucket and Westerly. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pawtucket = $49,931, Westerly = $46,681), job availability (16 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,719 in Pawtucket and $39,222 in Westerly. The Westerly 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