Accountant Hourly Pay in Providence, RI: $46.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Providence, RI runs $46.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,500 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.8, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,497 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Providence, RI, the accountant hourly pay stands at a median of $46.87, surpassing the national median of $41.28. This higher pay reflects the strong demand for accounting professionals in the region and serves as an attractive opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers. Those who work part-time, such as professionals engaging in areas like corporate finance or remote tax season roles, can expect to earn a substantial income even while maintaining a flexible schedule, making it an appealing option. The hourly pay ranges from $29.90 for entry-level positions to $73.77 for top-tier earners, showing a diverse salary landscape for accountants in various fields.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.90 | $239.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.38 | $299.05 |
| Median (P50) | $46.87 | $374.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.80 | $470.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.77 | $590.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Providence
Based on $46.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.87/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $97,494 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,247. With a cost-of-living index of 101.77 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,874.89 | $8,125 | $97,494 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,124.93 | $4,875 | $58,497 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.96 | $3,250 | $38,998 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Providence) | $46.87 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Providence, RI earn a median of $97,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.55% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 13.00% above the Rhode Island state average of $86,283.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.87/hr = $58,497/year (purchasing power: $57,477).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,494/year (purchasing power: $95,796).
CoL index: 101.773 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Providence grew 21.4% from $37.63/hr (2019) to $45.68/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.10/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Providence metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Providence
Exploring the potential income for part-time accountants reveals significant earning opportunities. A part-time worker, clocking in 24 hours a week, can take home about $58,467 annually, providing an excellent income while allowing for other pursuits. For those in the per-diem or contract realm, rates can vary widely—from $50 to $130 per hour, particularly for specialized roles like forensic accounting or busy-season work with Big 4 firms, which can demand rates between $80 and $130. Different employer types play a pivotal role in determining the accountant hourly rate in Providence. Professionals at top public accounting firms might earn a premium, while those at corporate accounting departments or boutique firms may see lower wages but with more stable hours and benefits. Ultimately, some accountants might accept lower hourly rates for the security of health benefits, while others might prioritize higher pay without these perks. When negotiating hourly rates, accountants should emphasize their specialized skills and consider the employer's unique compensation structure, allowing for a tailored approach to salary discussions.
More salary data for Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for accountants in Providence in 2026?
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Providence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov