Cranston vs Providence: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Cranston, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cranston, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,545 | $140,195▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.69 | $67.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,358 | $109,678▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $121,459 | $132,406▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,331 | $166,761▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,320▲ | $180,675 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 1,540▲ |
Verdict
Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cranston.
The salary gap between Cranston and Providence is $5,650 (4.20%). Providence's median is +2.43% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cranston spans $75,962,Providence spans $70,997. Cranston 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, Providence ($137,753 effective) pays 2.90% more than Cranston ($133,876 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cranston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,320)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,195/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,753)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Cranston grew 0.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Providence over the same period.
Cranston, RI
$129,763 (2024) → $130,058 (2025)
Providence, RI
$116,250 (2019) → $135,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cranston, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Cranston or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cranston and Providence?
Should I relocate from Cranston to Providence as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Cranston vs Providence?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov