Cranston vs Pawtucket: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cranston, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cranston, RI | Pawtucket, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,917 | $68,336▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.18 | $32.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,324▲ | $51,280 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,034▲ | $60,969 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,977▲ | $80,208 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,158 | $91,595▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cranston.
The salary gap between Cranston and Pawtucket is $1,419 (2.12%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cranston spans $35,834,Pawtucket spans $40,315. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($67,996 effective) pays 2.12% more than Cranston ($66,584 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cranston if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Pawtucket if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,336/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,595)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,996)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Cranston grew -3.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.9% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.
Cranston, RI
$65,864 (2024) → $63,308 (2025)
Pawtucket, RI
$67,262 (2024) → $64,651 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cranston, RI
Pawtucket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cranston or Pawtucket?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cranston and Pawtucket?
Should I relocate from Cranston to Pawtucket as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cranston vs Pawtucket?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov