Providence vs Woonsocket: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Providence, RI and Woonsocket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Providence, RI | Woonsocket, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,722 | $100,007▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.06 | $48.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,247▲ | $82,622 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,181 | $88,642▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,568 | $106,766▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,431 | $126,562▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,250▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Woonsocket, RI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Providence.
The salary gap between Providence and Woonsocket is $6,285 (6.71%). Woonsocket's median is -2.85% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Providence spans $22,184,Woonsocket spans $43,940. Woonsocket has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Woonsocket ($99,509 effective) pays 8.06% more than Providence ($92,089 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Woonsocket if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,007/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,562)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,509)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Providence grew 17.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Woonsocket over the same period.
Providence, RI
$76,240 (2020) → $89,310 (2025)
Woonsocket, RI
$73,695 (2020) → $95,299 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Providence, RI
Woonsocket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Providence or Woonsocket?
What is the hourly rate difference between Providence and Woonsocket?
Should I relocate from Providence to Woonsocket as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Providence vs Woonsocket?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov