Lawyer Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 2K+ workers in Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$138,960
$66.81/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+3.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $268K
2K employed in Rhode Island
The median Lawyer salary in Rhode Island stands at a robust $138,960 per year, comfortably positioned 3% above the national average. This figure reflects the compensation for the approximately 1,840 legal professionals employed within the state, offering a glimpse into the earning potential for those practicing law in this region.
Several factors can influence an individual's Lawyer salary in Rhode Island, including years of experience, the specific area of law practiced, and the size and prestige of the employing firm. Furthermore, geographic location within the state, with higher concentrations of legal work in urban centers, can also impact compensation levels within the reported range of $80,710 to $268,270 annually.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,710 |
| 25th percentile | $108,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $138,960 |
| 75th percentile | $200,130 |
| 90th percentile | $268,270 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Rhode Island tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $151,960 |
| 2023 | $149,580 |
| 2024 | $128,920 |
| 2025 | $138,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $147,298 |
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 | $151,960 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $149,580 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $128,920 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $138,960 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $147,298 | $142,795 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $108,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $138,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $200,130 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $268,270 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Lawyer ($138,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title Examiner in RI | $63,300 | -54.4% | $30.43/hr |
| Paralegal in RI | $56,250 | -59.5% | $27.04/hr |
| Physician Assistant in RI | $139,930 | +0.7% | $67.27/hr |
| Database Administrator in RI | $140,320 | +1.0% | $67.46/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in RI | $135,970 | -2.2% | $65.37/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in RI | $135,180 | -2.7% | $64.99/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in RI | $134,630 | -3.1% | $64.73/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in RI | $134,560 | -3.2% | $64.69/hr |
| Optometrist in RI | $134,520 | -3.2% | $64.67/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in RI | $131,320 | -5.5% | $63.13/hr |
| Software Developer in RI | $130,590 | -6.0% | $62.78/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in RI | $128,980 | -7.2% | $62.01/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a lawyer in Rhode Island?
- The median salary for lawyers in Rhode Island is $138,960 per year, which equates to approximately $67 per hour. This is 3.2% higher than the national average salary for lawyers.
How much can a lawyer in Rhode Island expect to earn?
- The salary range for lawyers in Rhode Island typically falls between $80,710 and $268,270 annually. The median income sits at the higher end of this spectrum at $138,960 per year.
How many lawyers are employed in Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island is home to approximately 1,840 employed lawyers. This indicates a solid job market for legal professionals within the state.
Is the salary for lawyers in Rhode Island higher than the national average?
- Yes, lawyers in Rhode Island earn more than the national average. Their median salary of $138,960 annually is 3.2% higher than the national median.