Pawtucket vs South Kingstown: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Pawtucket, RI and South Kingstown, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pawtucket, RI | South Kingstown, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,896▲ | $98,730 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.95▲ | $47.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,027 | $69,419▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,865▲ | $79,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,898▲ | $126,374 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,040▲ | $153,032 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Kingstown.
The salary gap between Pawtucket and South Kingstown is $5,166 (5.23%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pawtucket spans $93,013,South Kingstown spans $83,613. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($103,379 effective) pays 5.23% more than South Kingstown ($98,239 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pawtucket if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,896/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,040)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,379)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose South Kingstown if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Pawtucket grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in South Kingstown over the same period.
Pawtucket, RI
$98,383 (2024) → $101,234 (2025)
South Kingstown, RI
$93,491 (2024) → $96,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pawtucket, RI
South Kingstown, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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