Retail & Sales Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Retail Manager Salary in Rhode Island

The median retail manager salary in Rhode Island is $52,920 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $50,400.

Median Salary
$52,920
vs National
+$2,520
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Retail Manager Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for retail manager compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for retail manager pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $52,920 per year, retail managers in Rhode Island earn $2,520 more than the national median of $50,400.

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

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: retail managers at the 10th percentile earn $31,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $96,600 — a $65,100 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 $54,432.

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for retail managers across the country.

Retail Manager Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level retail manager earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,250 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
+$1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,600
+$2,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,250
+$4,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $31,500
25th Percentile $39,900
Median (50th) $52,920
75th Percentile $73,500
90th Percentile $96,600

Retail Manager Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for retail managers 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 Retail Manager in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Retail ManagementSalesInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceStaff TrainingVisual Merchandising

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Retail Manager Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Retail Manager make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median retail manager salary in Rhode Island is $52,920 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $50,400. Salaries range from $31,500 (10th percentile) to $96,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Retail Manager make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,920, a retail manager in Rhode Island earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for retail managers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for retail manager pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level retail managers earn $33,600, while senior professionals earn $89,250.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for retail manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for retail managers is Hawaii at $85,680. Rhode Island's median of $52,920 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($52,920) and New Hampshire ($52,920).
What is the entry-level retail manager salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level retail manager in Rhode Island earns approximately $33,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,250.
What city in Rhode Island pays retail managers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for retail managers, with a median salary of $54,432. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.