Rhode Island salaries by occupation
The median worker in Rhode Island earned $54,040 a year in 2024, about $25.98 an hour, 9.2% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 409 occupations.
Median pay $54,040 $25.98 per hour
Vs national median +9.2% U.S. $49,500
Workers 493,800 wage and salary
Occupations reported 409 with at least 100 employed
What Rhode Island is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | 8.98× | 890 | $87,050 |
| Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | 8.24× | 620 | $47,300 |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 3.09× | 930 | $132,330 |
| Fundraisers | 2.84× | 960 | $67,390 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 2.81× | 540 | $76,260 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | 2.6× | 780 | $84,160 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other | 2.53× | 930 | $47,830 |
| Residential Advisors | 2.28× | 600 | $43,420 |
| Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | 2.26× | 710 | $103,050 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 2.02× | 1,270 | $82,310 |
Metro areas in Rhode Island
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 1 Rhode Island metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick | $51,250 | $24.64 | 706,440 | #60 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians, All Other | $229,340 | $110.26 | 1,290 | #7 of 18 |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $223,340 | $107.37 | 340 | #6 of 15 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $216,220 | $103.95 | 280 | #19 of 23 |
| Pediatricians, General | $210,230 | $101.07 | 220 | #13 of 37 |
| Marketing Managers | $171,250 | $82.33 | 1,120 | #7 of 47 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $170,410 | $81.93 | 330 | #14 of 49 |
| Human Resources Managers | $165,380 | $79.51 | 370 | #7 of 48 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $165,030 | $79.34 | 1,010 | #17 of 49 |
| Financial Managers | $160,490 | $77.16 | 2,310 | #12 of 51 |
| Managers, All Other | $147,240 | $70.79 | 730 | #13 of 49 |
| Public Relations Managers | $146,180 | $70.28 | 130 | #9 of 46 |
| Optometrists | $144,360 | $69.41 | 220 | #11 of 47 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 12,650 | $30,460 | $14.64 |
| Retail Salespersons | 11,460 | $34,860 | $16.76 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 11,010 | $42,600 | $20.48 |
| Registered Nurses | 10,760 | $99,960 | $48.06 |
| Cashiers | 9,710 | $31,040 | $14.92 |
| General and Operations Managers | 9,060 | $122,040 | $58.67 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 8,800 | $41,890 | $20.14 |
| Nursing Assistants | 8,450 | $44,160 | $21.23 |
| Office Clerks, General | 8,360 | $46,620 | $22.41 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 8,260 | $46,490 | $22.35 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Rhode Island
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 43
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $81,000
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $64,860
- Tool and Die Makers $63,150
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $61,260
- Machinists $59,490
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $57,060
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $57,000
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $51,810
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $51,140
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $51,090
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,850
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $49,050
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,710
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $48,350
- Printing Press Operators $48,310
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $47,490
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,430
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $47,300
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,210
- Medical Appliance Technicians $46,090
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders $45,910
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,870
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $45,740
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,780
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $43,800
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $42,970
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,650
- Sewing Machine Operators $41,290
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,600
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,230
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $39,300
- Food Batchmakers $38,760
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $38,520
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,280
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $37,590
- Helpers--Production Workers $36,490
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $36,400
- Bakers $35,930
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $35,920
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $35,550
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $35,220
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $31,420
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $29,120
Office and administrative support 39
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $75,920
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $69,380
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $63,160
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $62,680
- Brokerage Clerks $60,590
- Postal Service Clerks $60,030
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $59,500
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $58,560
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $58,390
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,490
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $56,170
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $55,370
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $54,540
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $53,730
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $53,230
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $52,670
- Bill and Account Collectors $52,580
- Billing and Posting Clerks $52,310
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $51,500
- Procurement Clerks $51,410
- Word Processors and Typists $51,360
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $50,740
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $50,420
- Order Clerks $48,080
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $47,540
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $47,130
- Office Clerks, General $46,620
- Customer Service Representatives $46,490
- Data Entry Keyers $46,290
- Tellers $43,190
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $42,950
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $42,390
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $42,270
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $41,900
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $40,360
- Couriers and Messengers $38,420
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $38,350
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $37,500
- Library Assistants, Clerical $35,080
Education and library 37
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $125,420
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $106,240
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $102,560
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,800
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $100,370
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $98,960
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $98,640
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $98,630
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $95,750
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $92,220
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $90,820
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $89,840
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $89,530
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $89,460
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $89,040
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $86,900
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $86,390
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $79,810
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $79,430
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $78,780
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $78,740
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $77,930
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $76,600
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $76,260
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $74,720
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $72,820
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $64,050
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $63,100
- Instructional Coordinators $60,320
- Tutors $59,340
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $47,830
- Library Technicians $46,910
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $44,680
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $44,390
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $42,700
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $36,040
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $31,920
Healthcare practitioners 36
- Physicians, All Other $229,340
- General Internal Medicine Physicians $223,340
- Family Medicine Physicians $216,220
- Pediatricians, General $210,230
- Optometrists $144,360
- Physician Assistants $141,600
- Nurse Practitioners $130,710
- Pharmacists $128,010
- Veterinarians $126,860
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $104,160
- Physical Therapists $102,900
- Speech-Language Pathologists $100,680
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $100,040
- Registered Nurses $99,960
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $99,650
- Occupational Therapists $99,150
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $87,050
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $84,630
- Respiratory Therapists $83,600
- Dental Hygienists $82,870
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $81,220
- Chiropractors $79,210
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $77,940
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $76,710
- Therapists, All Other $75,470
- Surgical Technologists $68,280
- Paramedics $63,530
- Medical Records Specialists $63,330
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $55,840
- Opticians, Dispensing $50,380
- Emergency Medical Technicians $49,500
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $48,650
- Psychiatric Technicians $48,520
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $46,090
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $42,230
- Pharmacy Technicians $37,730
Management 27
- Marketing Managers $171,250
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $170,410
- Human Resources Managers $165,380
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $165,030
- Financial Managers $160,490
- Managers, All Other $147,240
- Public Relations Managers $146,180
- Natural Sciences Managers $141,380
- Fundraising Managers $139,140
- Purchasing Managers $138,300
- Sales Managers $134,180
- Administrative Services Managers $125,460
- General and Operations Managers $122,040
- Medical and Health Services Managers $120,240
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $117,810
- Industrial Production Managers $116,260
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $107,070
- Lodging Managers $104,840
- Construction Managers $103,500
- Facilities Managers $102,090
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $101,830
- Funeral Home Managers $98,540
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $94,290
- Social and Community Service Managers $82,310
- Food Service Managers $82,300
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $79,710
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $50,130
Business and financial 27
- Project Management Specialists $102,830
- Personal Financial Advisors $100,880
- Financial Risk Specialists $98,040
- Budget Analysts $90,150
- Accountants and Auditors $90,040
- Management Analysts $89,130
- Financial Specialists, All Other $88,500
- Financial Examiners $86,940
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $86,880
- Financial and Investment Analysts $84,800
- Credit Analysts $83,520
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $83,480
- Compliance Officers $83,200
- Insurance Underwriters $80,960
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $80,460
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $78,110
- Logisticians $77,830
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $77,630
- Loan Officers $77,460
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $74,540
- Training and Development Specialists $72,600
- Labor Relations Specialists $72,360
- Human Resources Specialists $70,060
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $69,280
- Fundraisers $67,390
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $60,980
- Credit Counselors $58,220
Installation, maintenance and repair 21
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $114,480
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $107,770
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $103,050
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $80,770
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $80,100
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $72,410
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $64,690
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $63,870
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $63,580
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $63,010
- Medical Equipment Repairers $60,390
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $59,600
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $57,200
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $55,510
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $50,830
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $50,690
- Mechanical Door Repairers $49,920
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $49,920
- Tire Repairers and Changers $45,370
- Bicycle Repairers $43,460
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $35,540
Transport and material moving 17
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $67,250
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $66,380
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $59,710
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $51,450
- Bus Drivers, School $49,430
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $48,180
- Light Truck Drivers $45,240
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $44,040
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $41,600
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $39,820
- Stockers and Order Fillers $36,500
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $35,480
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $34,340
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $33,560
- Driver/Sales Workers $33,280
- Parking Attendants $31,950
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $30,790
Computing and mathematics 16
- Database Architects $136,510
- Software Developers $128,660
- Computer Network Architects $125,140
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $118,870
- Data Scientists $114,390
- Computer Systems Analysts $112,980
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,200
- Information Security Analysts $109,410
- Actuaries $108,890
- Database Administrators $103,810
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $101,900
- Computer Occupations, All Other $96,990
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $95,260
- Computer Programmers $94,560
- Operations Research Analysts $86,120
- Computer User Support Specialists $59,420
Arts, design, entertainment and media 16
- Technical Writers $100,580
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $93,340
- Producers and Directors $76,490
- Public Relations Specialists $72,770
- Art Directors $65,270
- Editors $64,740
- Graphic Designers $64,190
- Interior Designers $61,080
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $59,770
- Writers and Authors $59,550
- Audio and Video Technicians $57,250
- Broadcast Technicians $56,100
- Photographers $49,770
- Coaches and Scouts $49,130
- Floral Designers $37,100
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $36,490
Architecture and engineering 14
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $132,330
- Engineers, All Other $131,830
- Computer Hardware Engineers $119,540
- Mechanical Engineers $115,270
- Civil Engineers $112,250
- Industrial Engineers $110,470
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $106,950
- Electrical Engineers $104,530
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $98,340
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $94,910
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $66,820
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $64,750
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $64,620
- Surveyors $52,000
Personal care and service 14
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $63,580
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $55,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $48,370
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $43,980
- Residential Advisors $43,420
- Funeral Attendants $38,110
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $36,180
- Recreation Workers $36,080
- Tour and Travel Guides $35,890
- Animal Caretakers $34,930
- Childcare Workers $34,920
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $30,780
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $30,510
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $29,270
Sales 14
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $99,870
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $97,300
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $78,560
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $78,330
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $76,440
- Insurance Sales Agents $74,360
- Advertising Sales Agents $74,090
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $58,030
- Real Estate Sales Agents $55,460
- Travel Agents $45,810
- Counter and Rental Clerks $39,040
- Parts Salespersons $38,760
- Retail Salespersons $34,860
- Cashiers $31,040
Construction and extraction 14
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $96,300
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $95,800
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $76,030
- Construction and Building Inspectors $72,790
- Electricians $70,160
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $64,630
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $62,250
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $61,440
- Carpenters $60,510
- Construction Laborers $58,290
- Sheet Metal Workers $56,950
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $55,730
- Highway Maintenance Workers $54,080
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $51,420
Life, physical and social science 13
- Psychologists, All Other $111,310
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $104,330
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $101,820
- Biological Scientists, All Other $98,990
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $98,240
- Chemists $97,300
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $90,460
- School Psychologists $87,890
- Urban and Regional Planners $85,900
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $81,950
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $61,160
- Chemical Technicians $49,720
- Social Science Research Assistants $48,710
Community and social service 13
- Social Workers, All Other $106,910
- Health Education Specialists $80,390
- Healthcare Social Workers $79,460
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $71,590
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $67,150
- Clergy $62,340
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $60,490
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $60,020
- Community Health Workers $56,760
- Rehabilitation Counselors $54,080
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $49,770
- Social and Human Service Assistants $47,620
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $36,970
Healthcare support 12
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $63,590
- Physical Therapist Assistants $63,410
- Medical Equipment Preparers $51,980
- Dental Assistants $48,060
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $48,050
- Phlebotomists $47,650
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $46,240
- Medical Assistants $45,820
- Nursing Assistants $44,160
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $41,890
- Orderlies $38,660
- Physical Therapist Aides $32,610
Protective service 12
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $93,110
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $88,780
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $84,160
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $77,280
- Firefighters $69,480
- Transportation Security Screeners $67,720
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $67,350
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $60,170
- Private Detectives and Investigators $51,610
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $42,930
- Security Guards $38,900
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $36,090
Food preparation and serving 12
- Chefs and Head Cooks $79,160
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $49,000
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $45,450
- Waiters and Waitresses $42,600
- Cooks, Restaurant $38,940
- Food Preparation Workers $35,460
- Dishwashers $34,260
- Bartenders $33,700
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $33,630
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $30,990
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $30,460
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $30,020
Building and grounds maintenance 7
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $64,240
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $61,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $59,280
- Pest Control Workers $46,660
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $44,610
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $36,380
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $35,780
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Rhode Island?
The median across all occupations is $54,040 a year, or $25.98 an hour, covering 493,800 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Rhode Island?
Physicians, All Other ($229,340), General Internal Medicine Physicians ($223,340), Family Medicine Physicians ($216,220) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Rhode Island employ the most people in?
Fast Food and Counter Workers, with 12,650 employed at a median of $30,460. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Rhode Island electricity averages 29.46¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.