Creative & Education Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

College Professor Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median college professor salary in Providence, RI is $90,590 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$90,590
vs State Avg
+$2,516
vs National
+$6,710
Cost of Living
108%

College Professor Pay in Providence: What to Expect (2026)

Providence offers a median college professor salary of $90,590, which is $2,516 above the Rhode Island state average of $88,074. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for college professors in Providence spans from $48,600 at the 10th percentile to $181,440 at the 90th percentile — a $132,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,840, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,800. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level college professor earns around $51,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,840
+$3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,880
+$6,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,800
+$12,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $48,600
25th Percentile $64,800
Median (50th) $90,590
75th Percentile $129,600
90th Percentile $181,440

College Professor Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

Warwick, RI
$85,558
Pop. 82,823
Cranston, RI
$83,880
Pop. 82,934
East Providence, RI
$82,202
Pop. 47,139
Pawtucket, RI
$80,525
Pop. 75,604

How to Become a College Professor in Providence

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Providence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Providence

Browse open college professor positions in Providence, RI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Providence

How much does a College Professor make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median college professor salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $90,590 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $48,600 (10th percentile) to $181,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,590, a college professor in Providence earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for college professor pay? ▼
Providence's median college professor salary of $90,590 is 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average of $88,074. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Providence, RI? ▼
Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $90,590 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Providence? ▼
Most college professor positions in Providence require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.