Dental Hygienist Pay

Central Falls vs Warwick: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)

Compare dental hygienist salaries between Central Falls, RI and Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Central Falls, RI
$95,460
$45.89/hr
Warwick, RI
$95,622
$45.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCentral Falls, RIWarwick, RI
Median Salary$95,460$95,622
Hourly Rate$45.89$45.97
Entry Level (P10)$78,952$72,224
25th Percentile$84,183$80,464
75th Percentile$102,190$106,379
Top Earner (P90)$114,387$123,226
Total Employed616
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Central Falls ($95,460) and Warwick ($95,622) dental hygienist salaries.Central FallsWarwickMedian Salary$95,460$95,622Entry Level (P10)$78,952$72,224Top Earner (P90)$114,387$123,226US Median $102,946

Verdict

Warwick, RI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Central Falls.

The salary gap between Central Falls and Warwick is $162 (0.17%). Warwick's median is -7.11% compared to the US national median of $102,946.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central Falls spans $35,435,Warwick spans $51,002. Warwick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.

Central Falls
P10 (Entry)$78,952
P25$84,183
Median$95,460
P75$102,190
P90 (Top)$114,387
Warwick
P10 (Entry)$72,224
P25$80,464
Median$95,622
P75$106,379
P90 (Top)$123,226

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Warwick ($95,146 effective) pays 0.17% more than Central Falls ($94,985 effective).

Central Falls
Nominal: $95,460
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $94,985
Warwick
Nominal: $95,622
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $95,146

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 Warwick if…

  • Higher median salary ($95,622/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($123,226)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,146)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Central Falls grew 29.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Warwick over the same period.

Central Falls, RI

+29.3%

$70,344 (2020) → $90,966 (2025)

Warwick, RI

+18.3%

$77,008 (2020) → $91,121 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental hygienists more: Central Falls or Warwick?

Warwick has a higher median dental hygienist salary at $95,622/year, compared to Central Falls at $95,460/year — a difference of $162 (0.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Central Falls and Warwick?

Central Falls dental hygienists earn $45.89/hr while Warwick hygienists earn $45.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Central Falls to Warwick as a dental hygienist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Central Falls and Warwick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Central Falls = $94,985, Warwick = $95,146), job availability (6 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Central Falls vs Warwick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental hygienists earn $78,952 in Central Falls and $72,224 in Warwick. The Central Falls area offers higher starting salaries.
SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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