Providence vs Warwick: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Providence, RI and Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Providence, RI | Warwick, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,443 | $83,094▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.16 | $39.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,485 | $58,382▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,088 | $69,427▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,010 | $103,057▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,932 | $124,908▲ |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Warwick, RI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Providence.
The salary gap between Providence and Warwick is $1,651 (2.03%). Warwick's median is +21.94% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Providence spans $44,447,Warwick spans $66,526. Warwick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Warwick ($82,681 effective) pays 3.32% more than Providence ($80,024 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 (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Warwick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,094/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,908)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,681)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Providence grew 49.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Warwick over the same period.
Providence, RI
$51,760 (2019) → $77,270 (2025)
Warwick, RI
$58,877 (2024) → $78,837 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Providence, RI
Warwick, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Providence or Warwick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Providence and Warwick?
Should I relocate from Providence to Warwick as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Providence vs Warwick?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov