Legal Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

Lawyer Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median lawyer salary in Providence, RI is $146,599 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$146,599
vs State Avg
+$4,072
vs National
+$10,859
Cost of Living
108%

Lawyer Pay in Providence: What to Expect (2026)

Providence offers a median lawyer salary of $146,599, which is $4,072 above the Rhode Island state average of $142,527. Compared to the national median of $135,740, 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 lawyers in Providence spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $258,336 at the 90th percentile — a $188,136 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,600, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $237,600. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Lawyer Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level lawyer earns around $75,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $237,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,600
+$5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$149,040
+$11,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$237,600
+$17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $91,800
Median (50th) $146,599
75th Percentile $200,880
90th Percentile $258,336

Lawyer Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Providence

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer 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 Lawyer Jobs in Providence

Browse open lawyer positions in Providence, RI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Providence

How much does a Lawyer make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $146,599 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $258,336 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,599, a lawyer in Providence earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Providence's median lawyer salary of $146,599 is 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average of $142,527. 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 lawyer salary of $146,599 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Providence? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Providence require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.