Average salary in Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be small in size, but it still offers a range of earning potentials for its residents. The Ocean State is known for its beautiful beaches and historic cities, but it is also important to consider the financial landscape when thinking about living in Rhode Island. 

The average salary in Rhode Island varies depending on the industry and location. It's always recommended to research the specific salary range for your chosen profession and location within Rhode Island to get a more accurate picture of what to expect. But which cities and counties offer the highest average salaries? 

Average salary in Rhode Island by city 

City living is often more expensive than living in more rural areas, but it’s also where the money is. Rhode Island’s own cities can vary in average salary; Cumberland commands well into six figures, while Pawtucket’s average sits just above $40,000.  

Average earnings by city—or any other geographical metric—is just one way of calculating wealth, and certainly shouldn’t be the only way you look at your own earning potential in a given place. It doesn’t take into account the type of jobs that people do to earn above or below this average bracket, and omits any consideration for the number of people living in a household. However, it’s certainly one way of establishing which place offers good earning opportunities.  

The US Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey has calculated the average earnings for the 10 largest cities in Rhode Island, which you can find ranked below.  

Average salary in Rhode Island by county 

Reviewing average salaries in Rhode Island by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in Rhode Island by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.  

The same survey from the US Census Bureau gives further insight this way, with the average household income calculated for each county.  

Highest paying jobs in Rhode Island

There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in Rhode Island: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by occupation area, which you can also find below.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Rhode Island

What is the average salary in Rhode Island by age?
Alongside location and occupation, salaries in Rhode Island are also dependent on age, since more senior workers will be paid more. Then, when they retire, their income will dip again as they will rely on pensions and other forms of set income. You can also check out the complete guide to retirement in Rhode Island here.

The Census Bureau data finds that householders under 25 have a median income of $30,906, householders aged 25 to 44 years old have a median income of $68,739, those aged 45 to 64 years old have a median income of $83,828, and those 65 and older have a median income of $54,914.

What is a ‘good’ salary in Rhode Island?
Defining a 'good' salary in Rhode Island can depend on various factors, such as location and occupation. The median income in Rhode Island is $65,628. However, what is considered a 'good' salary can differ depending on personal circumstances and financial obligations.

What is the average salary in Rhode Island by hour?
If Americans work an average of 1,801 hours per year—at 37.5 hours a week—then the average hourly salary in Rhode Island is $34.64.

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