Providence vs Westerly: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Providence, RI and Westerly, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Providence, RI | Westerly, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,722 | $96,618▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.06 | $46.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,247▲ | $81,765 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,181▲ | $86,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,568▲ | $101,235 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,431 | $117,649▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,250▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Westerly, RI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Providence.
The salary gap between Providence and Westerly is $2,896 (3.09%). Westerly's median is -6.15% 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,Westerly spans $35,884. Westerly 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, Westerly ($96,137 effective) pays 4.40% 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 Westerly if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,618/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,649)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,137)
- ✓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 Westerly over the same period.
Providence, RI
$76,240 (2020) → $89,310 (2025)
Westerly, RI
$71,198 (2020) → $92,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Providence, RI
Westerly, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Providence or Westerly?
What is the hourly rate difference between Providence and Westerly?
Should I relocate from Providence to Westerly as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Providence vs Westerly?
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