Construction & Real Estate Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Architect Salary in Rhode Island

The median architect salary in Rhode Island is $86,982 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$86,982
vs National
+$4,142
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Architect Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for architect compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for architect pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $86,982 per year, architects in Rhode Island earn $4,142 more than the national median of $82,840.

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

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $52,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $155,400 — a $102,900 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 $89,467.

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for architects across the country.

Architect Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level architect earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,000 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
+$2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,250
+$4,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,000
+$7,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $52,500
25th Percentile $67,200
Median (50th) $86,982
75th Percentile $117,600
90th Percentile $155,400

Architect Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for architects 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 Architect in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% 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: Architect Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Architect make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median architect salary in Rhode Island is $86,982 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $52,500 (10th percentile) to $155,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,982, a architect in Rhode Island earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for architects? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $54,600, while senior professionals earn $147,000.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Rhode Island's median of $86,982 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($86,982) and New Hampshire ($86,982).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level architect in Rhode Island earns approximately $54,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $89,250. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $147,000.
What city in Rhode Island pays architects the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for architects, with a median salary of $89,467. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.