Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Rhode Island 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Silverware and jewelry are not the only fine things in Rhode Island. The Ocean State is currently being recognized nationwide for its excellent employment conditions.

If you’re wondering if Rhode Island is a good place to work in, here are some statistics you may want to check out:

• 2^nd state with the happiest employees (Selectsoftwarereviews.com)

• 10^th best state to find a job (Wallethub)

• 14^th best state to work in (Oxfam America)

• 23^rd best state for employment (U.S. News & World Report)

It doesn’t come as a surprise that RI is getting all these recognitions because it’s one of the few states with paid Time off laws and a temporary disability insurance program.

As if that's not enough, professionals can also enjoy increased minimum wage and low quit rate– just some of the perks of employment in Rhode Island.

If you wish to enjoy amazing employee benefits and high pay in Rhode Island, you may want to check out the highest-paying jobs in Rhode Island for 2024.

Note: The anticipated compensation range is based on the salary indicated in the job post details on the Glassdoor website.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Rhode Island 2024 (Inc Salaries) 

1. Anesthesiologist (and Other Medical Specialties)

• Salary Range: $335,000 to $587,000, with an average annual income of $321,000

*salary information is for anesthesiologists, the highest-paid physician in RI

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (24,200 new jobs)

*projected growth includes the demand for all types of physicians 

Physicians and surgeons are the key players in diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions in patients of all ages. They also promote patient’s health and well-being through preventive medical services and patient education.

In RI, the best-paid doctors are anesthesiologists. They administer anesthetics and ensure that patients cannot feel pain and remain unconscious and stable during surgery.

Aspiring doctors must obtain a medical degree and pass the first part of the US Medical Licensing Examination. After that, they must complete residency training in their desired specialty (anesthesiology residency program for anesthesiologists) to qualify for the medical licensing examination.

Lastly, they must pass the last two parts of USMLE to secure their medical license and earn certifications from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to work in their chosen field. 

Next to Anesthesiologists, Radiologists, Pathologists, and Surgeons are the physicians who receive the best salaries in Rhode Island.

2. Chief Executive Officer

• Salary Range: $299,000 to $559,000, with a median annual wage of $190,300

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (311,600 job vacancies)

*projected growth includes the demand for all top executives           

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are the company leaders. They are responsible for setting the company goals and direction and establishing plans and strategies to ensure they get there.

Most CEOs act as the company's public face, fostering good relationships with their business partners and employees and maintaining a good public image for their clients. They are also responsible for updating the Board of Directors about the company's performance and status.

The basic education requirement for CEOs is an MBA degree. They must also have years of managerial experience in the industry to qualify for this role.

However, the academic and experience qualifications alone won't ensure that you can land this position. Aspiring CEOs need to build a strong personal brand and position themselves as industry experts to get this position, and they can do that by seeking mentorship, building a strong professional network, and gaining industry connections. 

On top of their basic salary, CEOs in Rhode Island may also receive an estimated additional pay of $208,800 through profit sharing and cash bonuses.

3. Chief Administrative Officer

• Salary Range: $150,000 to $280,000, with an expected yearly salary of $124,700

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (311,600 job vacancies)

*projected growth includes the demand for all top executives           

The primary goal of a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is to oversee the company’s administrative operations by monitoring key departments like accounting, human resources, and IT.

Their wide range of responsibilities may include ensuring that all the policies and operations of these departments are aligned with the company’s mission and vision and the state laws and regulations.

They are also responsible for setting and monitoring KPIs for the said departments, performing and training managers, and reporting and collaborating with other C-suite executives and the Board of Directors.

Like CEOS, the requirements to becoming a CAO are at least an MBA degree, relevant certifications, and years of administrative managerial experience. Two of the best certifications for this position are the Certified Manager Certification and the Certified Associate in Project Management.

Since it's about who you know when landing this position, finding a mentor and building the right industry connections are the most important steps, so joining networking events is highly recommended. 

East Providence offers an annual wage 10.9% higher than the RI average and is the best-paying city in RI for this position.

4. Data Scientist

• Salary Range: $120,000 to $193,000, with a projected salary of $122,400 per year

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 35% (17,700 employment opportunities) 

The responsibility of data scientists is to write applications and formulate algorithms useful in dissecting, organizing, and managing large volumes of data. Through the collected information, they can identify patterns and predict business trends that can help businesses solve complex problems and determine the next best steps.

The first step to becoming a data scientist is an undergraduate degree in data science. Aspiring data scientists can also opt for a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, and engineering, but they need to take programming language classes to build their competencies.

Afterward, they must also obtain relevant data science certification to specialize in their chosen area. While it isn’t required, getting an MBA degree is highly recommended since most employers prefer applicants with advanced degrees. 

Based on the statistics collected by Talent.com, Woonsocket offers the best salaries for data scientists in Rhode Island.

5. Nurse Practitioner

• Salary Range: $117,000 to $173,000, with an average yearly salary of $122,100

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 45% (118,600 new jobs) 

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with a graduate degree who have more experience, higher authority, and better expertise than registered nurses. Because of this, they are authorized to provide a broader range of healthcare services than most doctors offer.

Their day-to-day responsibilities include taking patient history, requesting and interpreting laboratory tests, formulating treatment plans, prescribing medications, and supervising other nurses.

Just like doctors, NPs can choose an area of specialization that aligns with their interests. Some of the most popular NP specialty areas are Adult Gerontology, Neonatal, Family, Psychiatric, Pediatric, and Women's Health.

After obtaining the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and passing the NCLEX-RN examination, registered nurses need to gain at least 2 years of clinical experience and obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to be considered Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

They need to pass the certification examination administered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board (AANPCB) to secure their Nurse Practitioner License. Lastly, they should also complete specialized education and training to work in a specific area of focus. 

The median annual salary of NPs in the Arctic is 19.9% above the RI average, making it the highest-paying city in Rhode Island for nurse practitioners.

6. Pharmacist

• Salary Range: $107,000 to $152,000, with a median annual wage of $115,500

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (13,400 employment opportunities) 

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are involved in all aspects of medicine delivery. In addition to handling, storing, and dispensing medicines, they educate patients about their proper use and potential side effects. They also work with other healthcare providers to select the right medication type and dose for patients.

Aside from working at hospitals and drugstores, they can also choose from other career paths, like providing medical advice to healthcare providers and insurance companies (consultant pharmacists) or participating in the sales and marketing or research and development of new drugs (pharmaceutical pharmacists).

The minimum education requirement to becoming a pharmacist is a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. After graduating from a PharmD program, they must undergo residency or fellowship training to be eligible for advanced clinical roles.

Next, they must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) to get their license and pursue certifications to specialize in a certain medical condition or skill. 

As per ZipRecruiter, the highest-paying pharmacy-related jobs in Providence are Chief Pharmacists and Clinical Pharmacists.

7. Physical Therapist

• Salary Range: $102,000 to $152,000, with a projected income of $110,900 per year

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 15% (13,900 job vacancies) 

Physical therapists treat patients with medical conditions or injuries that affect or limit their physical movements. Instead of medications, they use stretches, exercises, and other hands-on techniques to help patients manage their pain, improve their range of motion, and rehabilitate their mobility.

All aspiring physical therapists must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and secure their licenses by passing the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) provided by the National Physical Therapy Examination.

They can also undertake a residency or fellowship program and earn specialist certifications to gain added training in their desired specialty area. 

With 1,240 physical therapists, Rhode Island is the 3^rd state with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients for this position.

8. Financial Controller

• Salary Range: $114,000 to $200,000, with an expected salary of $108,900 per year

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 16% (69,600 job openings)

*BLS categorizes occupation under financial managers           

Even though BLS categorizes financial controllers as financial managers, these are two completely different professions.

Finance managers are in charge of managing the company's expenses and investments while finance controllers are responsible for overseeing the organization's accounting and reporting activities.

They are the company’s lead accountants responsible for preparing financial reports, publishing financial statements, and ensuring that all reporting requirements and tax filings comply with laws and regulations.

The best way to enter this field is to secure a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration. Most employers also prefer candidates with years of accounting or auditing experience and at least two years of experience working as an assistant controller. Completing an MBA degree will also increase your chances of getting hired for this position. 

Offering an average salary 24.2% higher than the RI average, Johnston is the highest-paying city in Rhode Island for financial controllers.

9. Real Estate Broker

• Salary Range: $146,000 to $199,000, with an average yearly income of $108,100

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (4,400 employment opportunities)

 Like real estate agents, brokers also assist clients in buying, selling, or renting properties. The only difference is that these professionals undergo additional training, education, and licensing, which authorizes them to build their real estate firm, hire agents, and work independently with clients.

One benefit of the additional training is that they earn a percentage of the commissions on every sale the agents working for them make, in addition to earning commissions from their sales. 

To be recognized as a real estate broker in RI, you must pass the Rhode Island Real Estate Broker Exam. The prerequisites for this are at least two years of full-time real estate agent experience and a 90-hour pre-licensing course.

The next steps are to get a background check, obtain Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance, and apply for a Rhode Island Broker License. 

According to BLS, Rhode Island is the top-paying state for real estate brokers.

10. Financial Manager

• Salary Range: $106,000 to $188,000, with a median annual salary of $107,300

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 16% (69,600 job openings) 

Finance managers are important in helping businesses maintain their financial health and maximize their profitability. They work closely with the senior managers to explore cost-cutting measures and determine expansion opportunities.

The most popular undergraduate degrees for aspiring financial managers are Financial Planning or Services, Accounting, or Business Administration.

To make them more attractive to future employers, they should also obtain relevant certifications, like the Certified Financial Planner provided by the CFP Board. Having an MBA degree is also ideal for landing this position.

Most employers also look for applicants with at least five years of experience in an entry-level finance position, such as a security sales agent, accountant, or loan officer. 

Rhode Island ranks 8^th on Zippia’s list of the best states for finance managers in 2024.

Other high pay jobs available in RI include:

• Occupational Therapist: $108,300

• Captain: $106,500

• Behavior Analyst: $99,700

• Talent Acquisition Manager: $88,600

• Private Chef /Head Cook: $66,800

• QHSE Advisor: $63,800 

On the other hand, some of the best-paying Rhode Island jobs that don’t require a college degree are Medical Delivery Driver, Customer Service Representative, Vehicle Movement Specialist, Executive Assistant, Coding Specialist, Bank Teller, Ship’s First Mate, and Technician jobs.

FAQs

What is the highest paying job within Rhode Island State in 2024?

Physicians and surgeons are the highest-paid jobs in Rhode Island State in 2024. Among all the various types of physicians, anesthesiologists received the highest salaries.

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for this position is around $321,000. The position is also eligible for an estimated additional pay of $119,400.

This occupation also ranks 2^nd in the list of the highest-paying jobs in the US.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Rhode Island jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

According to the BLS, the fastest-growing job in the US is that of a nurse practitioner, which is expected to grow by 45%. It’s closely followed by data scientists at 35% and financial managers and controllers at 16%.

What is the best career path in Rhode Island in 2024?

Based on the average yearly salaries and projected growth rate, nursing, data analytics, business, and finance are the best industries to enter in RI in 2024.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Rhode Island jobs?

Of course, you need technical expertise in your chosen field (i.e., medical knowledge and clinical skills for nursing and medical jobs, business and financial expertise for business jobs, etc.).

But most importantly, you need to develop soft skills that can greatly contribute to your professional success. Based on resume resources, here are the must-have soft skills you need to build to increase your employability:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills,

• Analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities,

• Critical thinking,

• Ability to adapt to fast-paced environments and stressful situations,

• Prioritization and time management skills,

• Resilience,

• Negotiation,

• Leadership and management skills,

• and strong networking skills. 

Download our free report now and learn more about these sought-after soft skills.

What qualifications are required for high-paying Rhode Island jobs?

Below are the minimum education requirements for each of the high-paying Rhode Island Jobs:

• High school diploma or equivalent for Real Estate Brokers (MBA degree is highly recommended)

• Master’s degree for data scientists

• Medical degree for all types of physician specialties,

• MBA degree for CEO, CAO, Financial Manager and Controllers, and other corporation jobs,

• Doctorate degrees for Physical Therapists, Nurse Practitioners, and Pharmacists 

An MBA degree is not required for most of these jobs, but it's highly recommended for career advancement in all industries.

Why is gaining a BBA/MBA degree beneficial for getting a high-paying job in Rhode Island?

A business degree is a valuable tool for all professionals in all sectors for many reasons.

For one, the curriculum of these degrees is designed to deliver specialized knowledge about strategy, finance, management, and leadership.

These programs offer courses focusing on improving the professionals' managerial, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Lastly, the programs provide access to a wide network of colleagues, teachers, and industry professionals, allowing you to build strong industry connections and seek mentorship.

All these learnings can help you land higher roles, get better pay, and access more opportunities.

Conclusion

One of the most important things to keep in mind when vying for high-paying jobs in Rhode Island is that the pay may vary depending on individualized factors, like the work location (e.g., Providence jobs have higher incomes than Johnston jobs) and your education level (professionals with higher education receive better salaries than those who don’t).

That said, it's important to consider which city you should look for a job in. But more than that, obtaining advanced degrees is also recommended to enjoy a competitive edge.

According to career resources, business degrees are the best for career advancement. With these degrees, you can develop the most important soft skills that will allow you to thrive in any industry and position.

If you’re worried about these programs interfering with your work schedule or savings, Nexford is here to help. They offer 100% online BBA and MBA programs that you can access from any location at any time.

In addition to location and time flexibility, these programs are affordable and self-paced, so you can get all the support and learning you need without breaking the bank or disrupting your schedule.