Accountant Salary in East Providence, RI: $85,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in East Providence, RI earns a median $85,536/year (≈ $41.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in East Providence's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $85,110 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The projected median annual compensation for accountants in East Providence, Rhode Island, is $85,536 for 2026, which positions it slightly below the national median of $85,864. With a salary range spanning from $58,824 at the 10th percentile to $132,580 at the 90th percentile, the earnings potential for this profession reflects a dynamic job market influenced by local demand and industry distinctions. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data projected to 2026, indicate a landscape where opportunities and salary can significantly shift based on factors such as the type of employer—be it Big 4 firms, regional CPA firms, or corporate finance departments. As East Providence continues to nurture its accounting talent pool, professionals can expect competitive compensation relative to smaller markets in the region.
About the East Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,824 | $28.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,820 | $33.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,536 | $41.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,486 | $52.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,580 | $63.74 |
Median Salary Position
0.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Providence
In East Providence, RI, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,756 (2026 est.). At $85,536, the local median is 0.38% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Providence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Providence Accountant Pay Compares
East Providence median: $85,536/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $86,313 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -0.38% less |
Accountants in East Providence, RI earn a median of $85,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.38% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 0.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $86,313.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Providence has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,536 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $85,110 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,276
2025 BLS Actual
$83,360
2026 Current Est.
$85,536
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in East Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,276 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,279 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,955 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,702 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,687 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,768 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Providence metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $71,276 (2019) to $83,360 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,768 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,492 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $58,824 – $68,820 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,820 – $85,536 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,536 – $109,486 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,486 – $132,580 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in East Providence
There are currently 10 accountants employed in East Providence, which signals a niche yet specialized local job market. The cost of living index at 100.5 suggests that while the salaries may be slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains relatively stable. Among employers, the Big 4 firms typically offer the highest starting salaries, followed by regional firms like BDO and Grant Thornton. A significant pay gap exists driven by factors such as CPA licensure, specialization in certain accounting areas, and the level of experience. To maximize earnings in the East Providence market, aspiring accountants should consider pursuing CPA licensure, gaining experience in public accounting settings, and exploring roles within corporate finance that may offer controllers equity or bonuses. Understanding the nuances of pay dynamics will enable professionals to strategically position themselves for opportunities that support upward mobility in their careers.
More salary data for East Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $83,360 for accountantsin the East Providence metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East Providence is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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