What Is a Good Salary in Rhode Island?
A good salary in Rhode Island is generally considered $78,000/year for a single person and $116,000/year for a family of four in 2026. The cost of living in Rhode Island is above the national average — higher costs offset by strong earning opportunities. Up to 5.99% state income tax.
The median household income in Rhode Island is $74,982, meaning half of all households earn more than this and half earn less. A “good” salary typically means earning comfortably above the median and being able to save, invest, and enjoy discretionary spending without financial stress.
Good Salary Thresholds in Rhode Island (2026)
| Situation | Minimum Comfortable | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single person | $58,500 | $78,000 | $109,200 |
| Couple (dual income) | $87,000 | $116,000 | $156,600 |
| Family of 4 | $104,400 | $133,400 | $179,800 |
Monthly Breakdown: Living on $78,000/Year in Rhode Island
Here’s what your monthly finances might look like on $78,000/year in Rhode Island:
| Item | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Gross Monthly Salary | $6,500 |
| Estimated Taxes (~25%) | -$1,625 |
| Estimated Take-Home | $4,875 |
| Average 1BR Rent in Rhode Island | -$1,700 |
| Groceries (avg) | -$400 |
| Transportation | -$350 |
| Utilities & Internet | -$200 |
| Remaining (savings, fun, other) | $2,225 |
This illustrates why $78,000/year is a solid benchmark for comfortable living in Rhode Island — it leaves room for both essentials and discretionary spending. However, Rhode Island’s cost varies significantly between metro areas and rural communities.
Cost of Living in Rhode Island: What to Know
Rhode Island’s cost of living is above the national average — higher costs offset by strong earning opportunities. Here are the key factors:
- Housing: Average 1-bedroom rent is approximately $1,700/month. Home prices vary widely — from $170,000 in rural areas to $680,000 in major metros.
- Taxes: Up to 5.99% state income tax.
- Transportation: Most residents own a car. Public transit is limited outside major cities.
- Healthcare: Healthcare costs vary by employer benefits. Uninsured costs are above average nationally.
Top Employers in Rhode Island
The highest-paying jobs in Rhode Island are concentrated with major employers including: healthcare, defense, financial services. These organizations consistently offer salaries at or above the state’s “good” threshold.
How to Know if Your Salary Is Good in Rhode Island
A salary is generally “good” in Rhode Island if it allows you to:
- Cover housing costs without spending more than 30% of gross income on rent/mortgage
- Build an emergency fund of 3–6 months of expenses
- Contribute 10–15% to retirement savings
- Afford transportation, food, healthcare, and some discretionary spending
- Pay off any debt within a reasonable timeframe
At $78,000/year single or $116,000/year for a family, these benchmarks are achievable in Rhode Island.
High-Paying Jobs in Rhode Island in 2026
If you’re looking to earn a “good” or “excellent” salary in Rhode Island, these roles consistently pay well:
| Job Title | Average Salary in Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $99,840 |
| Physician | $175,500 |
| Pharmacist | $99,840 |
| Product Manager | $107,640 |
| Data Scientist | $115,440 |
| Financial Advisor | $85,800 |
| Nurse (RN) | $63,960 |
| Civil Engineer | $76,440 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good salary in Rhode Island in 2026?
A good salary in Rhode Island is approximately $78,000/year for a single professional or $116,000/year for a family. This allows comfortable living while saving for retirement and emergencies.
What is the median income in Rhode Island?
The median household income in Rhode Island is $74,982/year. Earning above this puts you in the upper half of income earners in the state.
Is $78,000 a good salary in Rhode Island?
Yes — $78,000/year is considered a good salary for a single person in Rhode Island. After taxes and typical living expenses, you would have meaningful room for savings and discretionary spending.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Rhode Island?
The minimum comfortable salary for a single person in Rhode Island is approximately $58,500/year. Below that, living expenses can become tight depending on your city and lifestyle.
How does Rhode Island’s cost of living compare to national average?
Rhode Island’s cost of living is above the national average — higher costs offset by strong earning opportunities.
Related Resources
Data Sources
Income and cost-of-living data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, and Glassdoor.