Elementary School Teacher Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 4K+ workers in Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$90,930
$43.72/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
+33.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $100K
4K employed in Rhode Island
The median Elementary School Teacher salary in Rhode Island is $90,930 annually, significantly surpassing the national average by 33%. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for educators in the state, with approximately 3,830 individuals currently employed in this vital role, highlighting a strong demand for their expertise within Rhode Island's educational system.
Several factors can influence an Elementary School Teacher salary in Rhode Island, including years of experience, specific school district policies, and the level of education attained by the teacher, such as master's degrees or specialized certifications. The salary range for this profession in the state spans from $45,070 to $99,610, reflecting these varying qualifications and employment settings.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,070 |
| 25th percentile | $61,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $90,930 |
| 75th percentile | $96,020 |
| 90th percentile | $99,610 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in Rhode Island tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,330 |
| 2023 | $89,050 |
| 2024 | $86,900 |
| 2025 | $90,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $95,147 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Rhode Island Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,330 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $89,050 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $86,900 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $90,930 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $95,147 | $71,338 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $90,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $96,020 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $99,610 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Elementary School Teacher ($90,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle School Teacher in RI | $92,760 | +2.0% | $44.60/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in RI | $92,610 | +1.8% | $44.52/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in RI | $85,470 | -6.0% | $41.09/hr |
| Librarian in RI | $75,860 | -16.6% | $36.47/hr |
| School Counselor in RI | $75,000 | -17.5% | $36.06/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in RI | $63,110 | -30.6% | $30.34/hr |
| Tutor in RI | $41,960 | -53.9% | $20.17/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in RI | $90,210 | -0.8% | $43.37/hr |
| Budget Analyst in RI | $92,790 | +2.0% | $44.61/hr |
| Financial Examiner in RI | $94,130 | +3.5% | $45.25/hr |
| Compliance Officer in RI | $87,620 | -3.6% | $42.13/hr |
| Materials Engineer in RI | $87,180 | -4.1% | $41.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers typically make in Rhode Island?
- The median salary for an elementary school teacher in Rhode Island is $90,930 per year, which averages to about $44 per hour. This means that half of elementary school teachers in the state earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
What is the salary range for elementary school teachers in Rhode Island?
- In Rhode Island, the salary for elementary school teachers generally falls between $45,070 and $99,610 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and specific school districts.
How does the average elementary school teacher salary in Rhode Island compare to the national average?
- Elementary school teachers in Rhode Island earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 33.4% higher. This suggests a strong demand and potentially higher cost of living in Rhode Island.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in Rhode Island?
- There are approximately 3,830 elementary school teachers currently employed in Rhode Island. This figure represents the total workforce in this specific educational role within the state.