Public Service Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Police Officer Salary in Rhode Island

The median police officer salary in Rhode Island is $69,080 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $65,790.

Median Salary
$69,080
vs National
+$3,290
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Police Officer Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for police officer compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for police officer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $69,080 per year, police officers in Rhode Island earn $3,290 more than the national median of $65,790.

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

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: police officers at the 10th percentile earn $42,420, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $111,300 — a $68,880 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 $71,053.

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for police officers across the country.

Police Officer Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level police officer earns around $44,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,900 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,300
+$3,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,900
+$4,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $42,420
25th Percentile $53,760
Median (50th) $69,080
75th Percentile $91,560
90th Percentile $111,300

Police Officer Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for police officers 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 Police Officer in Rhode Island

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Rhode Island has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Police Officer make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median police officer salary in Rhode Island is $69,080 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $42,420 (10th percentile) to $111,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,080, a police officer in Rhode Island earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for police officers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for police officer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level police officers earn $44,100, while senior professionals earn $102,900.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for police officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for police officers is Hawaii at $111,843. Rhode Island's median of $69,080 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($69,080) and New Hampshire ($69,080).
What is the entry-level police officer salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level police officer in Rhode Island earns approximately $44,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $69,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $102,900.
What city in Rhode Island pays police officers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for police officers, with a median salary of $71,053. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.