Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2025 reference period
63 Highest Paying Jobs in Providence, RI (2026)
The highest-paying job in Providence, RI, Rhode Island is Family Medicine Physician with a median salary of $438,290 as of 2026, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. Across all 63 tracked occupations the average median is $113,545, with 35 occupations paying a six-figure ($100K+) median. Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 119.4 (national average = 100), so a $113,545 nominal salary equals $95,096 in average-cost-metro buying power.
The 63 occupations below are ranked by median wage in Providence, RI, RI, from BLS OEWS data. Providence, RI's cost-of-living index runs 119.4 (national baseline = 100), which shapes the headline-wage interpretation. Top-paying occupations in any U.S. metro typically cluster around physicians, dentists, executives, tech specialists, and licensed professionals. The specific top of the list varies with local industry concentration: tech-heavy metros boost software-engineering ranks, finance-heavy metros boost banking ranks.
Each role on the ranking links to the per-role-and-city page with full percentile distribution (p10 to p90), employment count, and cost-adjusted wage. For workers comparing offers within Providence, RI, the percentile data is the most decision-relevant.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Providence, RI
Ranked by median (50th percentile) salary. The COL-Adjusted column rebases each nominal salary to Providence, RI's cost-of-living index of 119.4 so you can compare buying power against an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $438,290 · 10th–90th $203,870–$467,160 · 310 jobs in metro
Family Medicine Physicians in Providence, RI earn $438,290 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $467,160. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $367,077 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $227,120 · 10th–90th $76,930–$615,380 · 160 jobs in metro
Obstetrician/Gynecologists in Providence, RI earn $227,120 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $615,380. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $190,218 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $218,080 · 10th–90th $124,580–$302,640 · 280 jobs in metro
Pediatricians in Providence, RI earn $218,080 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $302,640. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $182,647 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $172,310 · 10th–90th $95,460–$326,350 · 580 jobs in metro
Dentists in Providence, RI earn $172,310 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $326,350. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $144,313 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $171,220 · 10th–90th $104,700–$264,980 · 1,600 jobs in metro
Computer and Information Systems Managers in Providence, RI earn $171,220 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $264,980. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $143,400 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $167,570 · 10th–90th $97,560–$300,520 · 3,280 jobs in metro
Financial Managers in Providence, RI earn $167,570 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $300,520. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $140,343 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $163,290 · 10th–90th $103,380–$265,010 · 730 jobs in metro
Human Resources Managers in Providence, RI earn $163,290 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $265,010. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $136,759 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $148,880 · 10th–90th $80,860–$258,950 · 1,770 jobs in metro
Sales Managers in Providence, RI earn $148,880 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $258,950. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $124,690 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $139,930 · 10th–90th $96,870–$187,080 · 950 jobs in metro
Physician Assistants in Providence, RI earn $139,930 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $187,080. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $117,194 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $139,910 · 10th–90th $77,210–$215,640 · 310 jobs in metro
Optometrists in Providence, RI earn $139,910 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $215,640. Adjusted for the local cost of living, that median equals $117,178 of buying power in an average-cost U.S. metro.
Full Ranking (63 Occupations)
| Rank | Role | Category | Median | 10th–90th | COL-Adjusted | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Family Medicine Physician | Healthcare | $438,290 | $203,870–$467,160 | $367,077 | 310 |
| 2 | Obstetrician/Gynecologist | Healthcare | $227,120 | $76,930–$615,380 | $190,218 | 160 |
| 3 | Pediatrician | Healthcare | $218,080 | $124,580–$302,640 | $182,647 | 280 |
| 4 | Dentist | Healthcare | $172,310 | $95,460–$326,350 | $144,313 | 580 |
| 5 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | Technology | $171,220 | $104,700–$264,980 | $143,400 | 1,600 |
| 6 | Financial Manager | Finance | $167,570 | $97,560–$300,520 | $140,343 | 3,280 |
| 7 | Human Resources Manager | Management | $163,290 | $103,380–$265,010 | $136,759 | 730 |
| 8 | Sales Manager | Management | $148,880 | $80,860–$258,950 | $124,690 | 1,770 |
| 9 | Physician Assistant | Healthcare | $139,930 | $96,870–$187,080 | $117,194 | 950 |
| 10 | Optometrist | Healthcare | $139,910 | $77,210–$215,640 | $117,178 | 310 |
| 11 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | $135,520 | $106,020–$174,650 | $113,501 | 1,540 |
| 12 | Lawyer | Legal | $133,000 | $80,200–$268,330 | $111,390 | 2,380 |
| 13 | Computer Network Architect | Technology | $131,320 | $79,800–$184,090 | $109,983 | 520 |
| 14 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | $130,840 | $86,620–$159,280 | $109,581 | 1,880 |
| 15 | Software Developer | Technology | $130,690 | $84,130–$172,090 | $109,456 | 5,020 |
| 16 | Veterinarian | Healthcare | $129,390 | $102,960–$199,240 | $108,367 | 520 |
| 17 | Computer Systems Analyst | Technology | $128,580 | $75,650–$173,900 | $107,688 | 2,050 |
| 18 | Software Quality Assurance Analyst | Technology | $123,390 | $91,230–$174,630 | $103,342 | 510 |
| 19 | Medical and Health Services Manager | Healthcare | $119,260 | $77,630–$199,430 | $99,883 | 4,150 |
| 20 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering | $114,710 | $78,000–$197,950 | $96,072 | 830 |
| 21 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | $111,360 | $77,600–$180,710 | $93,266 | 1,750 |
| 22 | Engineers (Other) | Engineering | $110,520 | $57,180–$195,190 | $92,563 | 430 |
| 23 | General and Operations Manager | Management | $110,360 | $60,420–$227,770 | $92,429 | 14,110 |
| 24 | Information Security Analyst | Technology | $109,940 | $74,870–$185,270 | $92,077 | 710 |
| 25 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering | $106,290 | $78,150–$156,730 | $89,020 | 1,570 |
| 26 | Architect | Engineering | $105,300 | $75,960–$163,060 | $88,191 | 690 |
| 27 | Business Professor (Postsecondary) | Education | $104,570 | $67,410–$198,010 | $87,580 | 490 |
| 28 | Software Quality Assurance Tester | Technology | $102,750 | $78,870–$153,280 | $86,055 | 440 |
| 29 | Data Scientist | Technology | $102,440 | $72,170–$160,660 | $85,796 | 1,170 |
| 30 | Database Architect | Technology | $102,310 | $58,600–$158,450 | $85,687 | 320 |
| 31 | Computer Occupations (Other) | Technology | $101,610 | $50,700–$150,390 | $85,101 | 910 |
| 32 | Network Architect | Technology | $101,450 | $69,680–$152,110 | $84,966 | 1,370 |
| 33 | Management Analyst | Management | $100,360 | $70,720–$206,910 | $84,054 | 4,060 |
| 34 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | $100,290 | $80,470–$129,220 | $83,995 | 1,440 |
| 35 | Financial Analyst | Finance | $100,290 | $63,630–$171,090 | $83,995 | 1,950 |
| 36 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare | $99,880 | $77,410–$135,240 | $83,652 | 15,180 |
| 37 | Speech-Language Pathologist | Healthcare | $99,720 | $68,600–$127,710 | $83,518 | 1,090 |
| 38 | Civil Engineer | Engineering | $99,310 | $75,990–$150,800 | $83,174 | 1,550 |
| 39 | Web Designer | Technology | $98,140 | $69,250–$132,480 | $82,194 | 410 |
| 40 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | $98,000 | $72,080–$126,440 | $82,077 | 1,130 |
| 41 | Financial Examiner | Finance | $97,720 | $60,930–$161,740 | $81,843 | 310 |
| 42 | Computer Programmer | Technology | $97,300 | $71,020–$151,020 | $81,491 | 290 |
| 43 | Accountant | Finance | $95,020 | $60,620–$149,540 | $79,581 | 8,250 |
| 44 | Statistician | Technology | $94,490 | $67,120–$134,490 | $79,137 | 60 |
| 45 | Web Developer | Technology | $93,020 | $60,830–$166,310 | $77,906 | 290 |
| 46 | Secondary School Teacher | Education | $92,110 | $52,510–$100,370 | $77,144 | 6,770 |
| 47 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $89,310 | $83,140–$104,280 | $74,799 | 1,250 |
| 48 | Elementary School Teacher | Education | $86,720 | $50,060–$99,610 | $72,630 | 6,280 |
| 49 | Market Research Analyst | Management | $83,960 | $48,820–$129,540 | $70,318 | 4,080 |
| 50 | Personal Financial Advisor | Finance | $83,720 | $49,970–$175,070 | $70,117 | 1,200 |
| 51 | Computer Network Support Specialist | Technology | $82,560 | $57,950–$128,210 | $69,146 | 670 |
| 52 | Plumber | Trades | $79,820 | $49,590–$110,770 | $66,851 | 3,000 |
| 53 | Loan Officer | Finance | $78,500 | $50,420–$137,250 | $65,745 | 1,460 |
| 54 | Operations Research Analyst | Technology | $77,900 | $61,110–$155,150 | $65,243 | 400 |
| 55 | Public Relations Specialist | Creative | $77,210 | $47,200–$128,630 | $64,665 | 1,250 |
| 56 | Clinical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare | $76,960 | $42,670–$101,870 | $64,456 | 1,410 |
| 57 | Electrician | Trades | $73,980 | $42,760–$102,840 | $61,960 | 3,560 |
| 58 | Writer/Author | Creative | $70,620 | $50,200–$120,660 | $59,146 | 120 |
| 59 | Graphic Designer | Creative | $70,450 | $47,180–$107,580 | $59,003 | 970 |
| 60 | Carpenter | Trades | $61,910 | $47,500–$100,710 | $51,851 | 4,140 |
| 61 | Paralegal | Legal | $57,100 | $43,370–$80,850 | $47,822 | 2,420 |
| 62 | Welder | Trades | $52,800 | $35,580–$81,000 | $44,221 | 2,490 |
| 63 | Automotive Technician | Trades | $51,970 | $31,860–$79,710 | $43,526 | 3,700 |
Why These Roles Pay the Most in Providence, RI
Providence, RI's pay distribution reflects its mix of regional employers and industries, plus the local cost of living that affects nominal salary levels in the BLS data.
An average median salary above $90K places this metro in the top tier of U.S. cities for nominal pay. Most of that premium accrues to the upper percentiles of skilled and managerial occupations; entry-level and service-sector pay is closer to national norms.
Providence, RI's cost-of-living index of 119.4 is close to the U.S. average. Nominal salaries here translate roughly one-for-one into purchasing power; the COL-Adjusted column will be very close to the median column for every row.
How to Use This Ranking
For salary negotiation, the median is a starting anchor — not the ceiling. A Family Medicine Physician with five-plus years of experience in Providence, RI should be benchmarking against the 75th percentile ($452,725) or 90th percentile ($467,160), not the $438,290 median. Use the salary percentile calculator to place any specific salary into the BLS distribution for any role-and-city pair.
For cross-city comparisons, ignore the nominal Median column and look at COL-Adjusted. A $438K Family Medicine Physician salary in Providence, RI (COL 119.4) translates to $367K of buying power in an average-cost metro — that is the apples-to-apples figure when weighing a relocation. Read the methodology behind these adjustments in our methodology page.
For job hunting, focus on the top-10 ranking above and on the role-by-role detail pages — each links through to a Family Medicine Physician in Providence, RI page with full percentile breakdowns, year-over-year change, and prevailing-wage references for H-1B / PERM applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest paying job in Providence, RI is Family Medicine Physician with a median salary of $438,290 and a 90th-percentile reading of $467,160. The role employs roughly 310 workers in this metro according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2025 OEWS data.
35 of the 63 BLS-tracked occupations in Providence, RI have a median salary of $100,000 or higher. That is well above what most U.S. metros offer. See the full list ranked by median salary above.
Across 63 BLS-tracked occupations, the average median salary in Providence, RI is $113,545. The cost-of-living index is 119.4, so adjusted to a national-average baseline, the average is $95,096 in equivalent purchasing power.
Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 119.4, near the national average. Nominal pay translates roughly to face value, making it a strong choice for many careers — particularly the Family Medicine Physician, Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Pediatrician occupations at the top of the ranking.
Every wage figure on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program at bls.gov/oes — public domain federal survey data covering about 1.2 million U.S. employers across all industries. The OEWS publishes 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentile wages by Metropolitan Statistical Area and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The same data is used by the Department of Labor for prevailing wage determinations.
Related Pages
Rankings based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025 reference period. COL adjustments use a composite cost-of-living index calibrated to U.S. average = 100.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2026.