Creative & Education Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Archivist Salary in Rhode Island

The median archivist salary in Rhode Island is $61,572 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $58,640.

Median Salary
$61,572
vs National
+$2,932
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Archivist Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for archivist compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for archivist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $61,572 per year, archivists in Rhode Island earn $2,932 more than the national median of $58,640.

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

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: archivists at the 10th percentile earn $37,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $98,700 — a $60,900 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 $63,331.

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for archivists across the country.

Archivist Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level archivist earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
+$1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,000
+$3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $48,300
Median (50th) $61,572
75th Percentile $79,800
90th Percentile $98,700

Archivist Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for archivists 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 Archivist in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Archival ScienceCatalogingDigital PreservationResearchDatabase ManagementMetadata

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Archivist Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Archivist make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median archivist salary in Rhode Island is $61,572 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $58,640. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $98,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Archivist make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,572, a archivist in Rhode Island earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for archivists? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for archivist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level archivists earn $39,900, while senior professionals earn $92,400.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for archivist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for archivists is Hawaii at $99,688. Rhode Island's median of $61,572 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($61,572) and New Hampshire ($61,572).
What is the entry-level archivist salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level archivist in Rhode Island earns approximately $39,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $63,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,400.
What city in Rhode Island pays archivists the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for archivists, with a median salary of $63,331. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.