Teacher Salary

Warwick vs West Warwick: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Warwick, RI and West Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Warwick, RI
$89,346
$42.96/hr
West Warwick, RI
$64,179
$30.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricWarwick, RIWest Warwick, RI
Median Salary$89,346$64,179
Hourly Rate$42.96$30.86
Entry Level (P10)$66,270$49,160
25th Percentile$79,672$58,021
75th Percentile$114,356$79,458
Top Earner (P90)$138,486$99,164
Total Employed167
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Warwick ($89,346) and West Warwick ($64,179) elementary school teacher salaries.WarwickWest WarwickMedian Salary$89,346$64,179Entry Level (P10)$66,270$49,160Top Earner (P90)$138,486$99,164US Median $64,597

Verdict

Warwick, RI offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Warwick.

The salary gap between Warwick and West Warwick is $25,167 (39.21%). Warwick's median is +38.31% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Warwick spans $72,216,West Warwick spans $50,004. Warwick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Warwick
P10 (Entry)$66,270
P25$79,672
Median$89,346
P75$114,356
P90 (Top)$138,486
West Warwick
P10 (Entry)$49,160
P25$58,021
Median$64,179
P75$79,458
P90 (Top)$99,164

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Warwick ($88,901 effective) pays 39.21% more than West Warwick ($63,860 effective).

Warwick
Nominal: $89,346
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $88,901
West Warwick
Nominal: $64,179
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $63,860

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Warwick if…

  • Higher median salary ($89,346/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($138,486)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,901)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose West Warwick if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Warwick grew 11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -18.0% growth in West Warwick over the same period.

Warwick, RI

+11.7%

$79,180 (2024) → $88,479 (2025)

West Warwick, RI

+-18.0%

$77,495 (2024) → $63,556 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Warwick or West Warwick?

Warwick has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $89,346/year, compared to West Warwick at $64,179/year — a difference of $25,167 (39.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Warwick and West Warwick?

Warwick elementary school teachers earn $42.96/hr while West Warwick hygienists earn $30.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Warwick to West Warwick as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Warwick and West Warwick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Warwick = $88,901, West Warwick = $63,860), job availability (16 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Warwick vs West Warwick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $66,270 in Warwick and $49,160 in West Warwick. The Warwick area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov