Business & Finance Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Accountant Salary in Rhode Island

The median accountant salary in Rhode Island is $85,472 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $79,880.

Median Salary
$85,472
vs National
+$5,592
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Accountant Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for accountant compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for accountant pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $85,472 per year, accountants in Rhode Island earn $5,592 more than the national median of $79,880.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning accountant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: accountants at the 10th percentile earn $53,928, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $142,096 — a $88,168 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $87,868.

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for accountants across the country.

Accountant Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level accountant earns around $55,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,400 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,640
+$3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,600
+$5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,400
+$8,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $53,928
25th Percentile $67,089
Median (50th) $85,472
75th Percentile $109,568
90th Percentile $142,096

Accountant Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for accountants in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Accountant in Rhode Island

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Rhode Island has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Accountant make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median accountant salary in Rhode Island is $85,472 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $53,928 (10th percentile) to $142,096 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,472, a accountant in Rhode Island earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for accountants? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for accountant pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level accountants earn $55,640, while senior professionals earn $128,400.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for accountant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for accountants is Hawaii at $135,796. Rhode Island's median of $85,472 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($87,069) and New Hampshire ($85,472).
What is the entry-level accountant salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level accountant in Rhode Island earns approximately $55,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $85,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $128,400.
What city in Rhode Island pays accountants the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for accountants, with a median salary of $87,868. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.