Providence vs Westerly: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $139,251 | $156,899▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.95 | $75.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,969 | $91,001▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,391 | $112,967▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $204,249▲ | $200,831 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $280,942▲ | $243,194 |
| Total Employed | 2,380▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Providence and Westerly are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Providence and Westerly is $17,648 (12.67%). Westerly's median is -6.15% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Providence spans $196,973,Westerly spans $152,193. Providence 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, Westerly ($156,118 effective) pays 14.10% more than Providence ($136,825 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($280,942)
- ✓Larger job market (2,380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Westerly if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($156,899/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,118)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Providence grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Westerly over the same period.
Providence, RI
$103,780 (2019) → $133,000 (2025)
Westerly, RI
$126,703 (2024) → $149,856 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Providence, RI
Westerly, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov