Average Salary in Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island is the smallest state by area in the US, and that compactness shapes its economy — Providence's employment market effectively covers the entire state within a thirty-minute drive. The $78,017 median household income is above the national average, and the cost-of-living index of 107 is modestly above it. Healthcare (Lifespan and Care New England are the two largest hospital systems), higher education (Brown University, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson & Wales), and defence (General Dynamics Electric Boat's Quonset Point facility and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center) dominate employment. CVS Health is headquartered in Woonsocket and is one of the largest private employers in the state. The economy has historically lagged the rest of New England in post-recession recovery cycles, but the past five years have shown stronger growth. State income tax has three brackets from 3.75% to 5.99% — more moderate than Connecticut's or Massachusetts's. The $15/hour minimum wage is indexed. Property taxes are moderate by Northeast standards. Rhode Island has both an estate tax and a higher share of retiree residents than the US average. Full salary and employment breakdown follows.