Technology Rhode Island (RI) Rank #14 of 50

Data Engineer Salary in Rhode Island

The median data engineer salary in Rhode Island is $132,500 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$132,500
vs National
+$7,500
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Data Engineer Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #14 out of 50 states for data engineer compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for data engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $132,500 per year, data engineers in Rhode Island earn $7,500 more than the national median of $125,000.

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

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: data engineers at the 10th percentile earn $82,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $201,400 — a $118,720 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 $136,250.

Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Rhode Island and beyond.

Data Engineer Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level data engineer earns around $84,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $190,800 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,800
+$4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,620
+$7,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$190,800
+$10,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $82,680
25th Percentile $106,000
Median (50th) $132,500
75th Percentile $167,480
90th Percentile $201,400

Data Engineer Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for data engineers 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 Data Engineer in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

PythonSQLSparkAirflowAWS/GCPData Modeling

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Data Engineer Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Data Engineer make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median data engineer salary in Rhode Island is $132,500 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $82,680 (10th percentile) to $201,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Data Engineer make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $132,500, a data engineer in Rhode Island earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for data engineers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #14 out of 50 states for data engineer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level data engineers earn $84,800, while senior professionals earn $190,800.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for data engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for data engineers is Hawaii at $206,250. Rhode Island's median of $132,500 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($140,000) and New Hampshire ($133,750).
What is the entry-level data engineer salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level data engineer in Rhode Island earns approximately $84,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $134,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $190,800.
What city in Rhode Island pays data engineers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for data engineers, with a median salary of $136,250. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.