Business & Finance Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

Economist Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median economist salary in Providence, RI is $125,334 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 2.8% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$125,334
vs State Avg
+$3,418
vs National
+$11,394
Cost of Living
108%

Economist Pay in Providence: What to Expect (2026)

Providence offers a median economist salary of $125,334, which is $3,418 above the Rhode Island state average of $121,916. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 economists in Providence spans from $68,200 at the 10th percentile to $217,800 at the 90th percentile — a $149,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,500, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $203,500. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level economist earns around $71,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $203,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,500
+$6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,500
+$11,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$203,500
+$18,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $68,200
25th Percentile $90,200
Median (50th) $125,334
75th Percentile $170,500
90th Percentile $217,800

Economist Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

How to Become a Economist in Providence

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Providence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Providence

Browse open economist positions in Providence, RI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Providence

How much does a Economist make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median economist salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $125,334 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $68,200 (10th percentile) to $217,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,334, a economist in Providence earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for economist pay? ▼
Providence's median economist salary of $125,334 is 2.8% above the Rhode Island state average of $121,916. 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 economist salary of $125,334 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Providence? ▼
Most economist positions in Providence require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.