Average Accountant Salary in Rhode Island
Accountants in Rhode Island earn an average of $79,310 per year across 1 metro area. This is +0.7% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$79,310
per year
Hourly Rate
$38.13
per hour
vs National
-0.7%
$79,880 national
Salary Range
$52,006
to $113,471
About Accountant Careers in Rhode Island
Accountants are financial professionals who examine, analyze, and interpret financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. They prepare financial statements, tax returns, and help organizations make sound business decisions based on financial data. Accountants play a crucial role in maintaining the financial health of businesses, government agencies, and individuals.
In Rhode Island, accountants earn an average of $79,310 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $52,006 for entry-level roles to $113,471 for the most experienced professionals — +0.7% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by cpa certification typically increases salary by 10-15%, industry specialization (healthcare, tech, finance) affects pay, and the specific metro area within Rhode Island.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$79,310
Cost of Living Index
106
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$74,821
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Rhode Island's cost of living (above average), a Accountant's salary of $79,310 has the purchasing power of $74,821 in an average-cost area.
Accountant Salary by City in Rhode Island
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI | $79,310 | $38.13/hr | $52,006 | $113,471 | 1,194 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Rhode Island vs National Average
Accountant Salary Comparison
Employment in Rhode Island
There are approximately 1,194 Accountants employed across 1 metro area in Rhode Island.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing
State Income Tax: 3.75% - 5.99%
Accountant Salary Range in Rhode Island
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$52,006
Starting salary for new Accountants
Median (50th Percentile)
$79,310
Mid-career Accountant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$113,471
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Rhode Island
Personal Financial Advisor
$100,113
avg in RI
+$20,803 vs Accountant
Management Analyst
$99,069
avg in RI
+$19,759 vs Accountant
Financial Analyst
$97,436
avg in RI
+$18,126 vs Accountant
Market Research Analyst
$72,189
avg in RI
-$7,121 vs Accountant
Human Resources Specialist
$65,233
avg in RI
-$14,077 vs Accountant
Accountant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Accountant salaries in Rhode Island with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Rhode Island Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Accountant salary in Rhode Island?
The average Accountant salary in Rhode Island is $79,310 per year ($38.13/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 0.7% below the national average of $79,880.
What is the highest paying city for Accountants in Rhode Island?
Providence, RI is the highest paying city for Accountants in Rhode Island, with a median salary of $79,310 per year.
What is the salary range for Accountants in Rhode Island?
Accountant salaries in Rhode Island range from $52,006 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $113,471 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $79,310 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Rhode Island. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.