Providence vs West Warwick: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Providence, RI and West Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Providence, RI | West Warwick, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,120▲ | $69,793 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.64▲ | $33.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,974▲ | $49,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,792▲ | $61,159 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,212 | $77,980▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,085 | $86,035▲ |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Warwick.
The salary gap between Providence and West Warwick is $4,327 (6.20%). Providence's median is +5.51% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Providence spans $21,111,West Warwick spans $36,275. West Warwick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Providence ($72,829 effective) pays 4.87% more than West Warwick ($69,446 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,120/year)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,829)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose West Warwick if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,035)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Providence grew 10.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.6% growth in West Warwick over the same period.
Providence, RI
$65,140 (2019) → $72,150 (2025)
West Warwick, RI
$67,560 (2024) → $67,938 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Providence, RI
West Warwick, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Providence or West Warwick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Providence and West Warwick?
Should I relocate from Providence to West Warwick as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Providence vs West Warwick?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov