Business & Finance Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Tax Preparer Salary in Rhode Island

The median tax preparer salary in Rhode Island is $49,530 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $46,290.

Median Salary
$49,530
vs National
+$3,240
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Tax Preparer Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for tax preparer compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for tax preparer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $49,530 per year, tax preparers in Rhode Island earn $3,240 more than the national median of $46,290.

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

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: tax preparers at the 10th percentile earn $26,750, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $94,160 — a $67,410 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 $50,919.

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for tax preparers across the country.

Tax Preparer Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $29,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,740 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,960
+$1,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,360
+$3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,740
+$5,740 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $26,750
25th Percentile $34,240
Median (50th) $49,530
75th Percentile $69,550
90th Percentile $94,160

Tax Preparer Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for tax preparers 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 Tax Preparer in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% 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: Tax Preparer Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Rhode Island is $49,530 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $26,750 (10th percentile) to $94,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,530, a tax preparer in Rhode Island earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for tax preparers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for tax preparer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level tax preparers earn $29,960, while senior professionals earn $87,740.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for tax preparer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for tax preparers is Hawaii at $78,693. Rhode Island's median of $49,530 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($50,456) and New Hampshire ($49,530).
What is the entry-level tax preparer salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level tax preparer in Rhode Island earns approximately $29,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $87,740.
What city in Rhode Island pays tax preparers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for tax preparers, with a median salary of $50,919. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.