Central Falls vs Providence: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Central Falls, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Central Falls, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,966 | $101,922▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.14 | $49.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,531 | $77,989▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,765 | $81,170▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,496 | $138,356▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,095 | $154,766▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,550▲ |
Verdict
Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Central Falls.
The salary gap between Central Falls and Providence is $5,956 (6.21%). Providence's median is -1.52% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central Falls spans $74,564,Providence spans $76,777. Providence has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Providence ($100,146 effective) pays 4.88% more than Central Falls ($95,489 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Central Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,922/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,766)
- ✓Larger job market (1,550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,146)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Central Falls grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Providence over the same period.
Central Falls, RI
$90,873 (2024) → $93,507 (2025)
Providence, RI
$82,830 (2019) → $99,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Central Falls, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Central Falls or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Central Falls and Providence?
Should I relocate from Central Falls to Providence as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Central Falls vs Providence?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov