Bristol vs Pawtucket: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Bristol, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, RI | Pawtucket, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,942 | $103,348▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.09 | $49.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,923▲ | $76,617 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,404 | $85,565▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,202 | $113,574▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,824 | $137,415▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Pawtucket is $5,406 (5.52%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $44,901,Pawtucket spans $60,798. Pawtucket 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, Pawtucket ($102,834 effective) pays 5.52% more than Bristol ($97,455 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Pawtucket if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,348/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,415)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,834)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bristol grew 29.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.
Bristol, RI
$72,173 (2020) → $93,331 (2025)
Pawtucket, RI
$76,157 (2020) → $98,483 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, RI
Pawtucket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bristol or Pawtucket?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Pawtucket?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Pawtucket as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Bristol vs Pawtucket?
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