Central Falls vs Pawtucket: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $44,473 | $48,148▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.38 | $23.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,998▲ | $36,933 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,764 | $39,386▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,339 | $51,495▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,841 | $64,653▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Central Falls.
The salary gap between Central Falls and Pawtucket is $3,675 (8.26%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central Falls spans $15,843,Pawtucket spans $27,720. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($47,908 effective) pays 8.26% more than Central Falls ($44,252 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 ($48,148/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,653)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,908)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Central Falls grew 8.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.
Central Falls, RI
$38,946 (2024) → $42,367 (2025)
Pawtucket, RI
$42,164 (2024) → $45,868 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Central Falls, RI
Pawtucket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants 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 medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Central Falls vs Pawtucket?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov