Central Falls vs Pawtucket: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Central Falls, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Central Falls, RI | Pawtucket, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,463 | $63,294▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.10 | $30.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,406▲ | $42,907 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,247 | $48,929▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,924 | $81,016▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,945 | $98,107▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Central Falls.
The salary gap between Central Falls and Pawtucket is $4,831 (8.26%). Pawtucket's median is -1.62% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central Falls spans $44,539,Pawtucket spans $55,200. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($62,979 effective) pays 8.26% more than Central Falls ($58,172 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 Pawtucket if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,294/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,107)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,979)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Central Falls grew -17.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -17.6% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.
Central Falls, RI
$69,546 (2024) → $57,289 (2025)
Pawtucket, RI
$75,293 (2024) → $62,023 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Central Falls, RI
Pawtucket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Central Falls or Pawtucket?
What is the hourly rate difference between Central Falls and Pawtucket?
Should I relocate from Central Falls to Pawtucket as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Central Falls vs Pawtucket?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov