Salaries in East Providence, RI

Here’s the thing about East Providence: you can make a decent living without the Boston price tag, but you’ve got to pick the right lane. The city’s median household income sits at $79,660, which feels solid until you remember you’re just across the river from one of the priciest cities in the country.

Let’s talk purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 100.9—basically a hair above the national average—your dollar doesn’t stretch as far as you might hope. A one-bedroom apartment runs you $1,362 a month, which is manageable on a software developer’s salary but tight if you’re in education. The COL-adjusted average salary here is $56,650, meaning that slight premium on living costs eats into what you actually bring home. It’s not a bargain, but it’s not a rip-off either; it’s just… neutral.

So who’s thriving here? The top-paying jobs tell a clear story. Software developers pull in $127,603, making them the city’s financial elite. But it’s not all tech—accountants and registered nurses both hover around $86,000, showing that stable, professional services are the backbone of this economy. East Providence has a handful of mid-sized manufacturers and healthcare providers that anchor the job market, but it’s really the proximity to Providence and Boston’s commuter rail that gives residents access to bigger paychecks without the full urban rent. With an unemployment rate of just 3.8%, the job market is tight, but that also means employers have to compete for talent.

Here’s the honest catch: wages aren’t exactly racing ahead of costs. That 100.9 COL index has been creeping up along with everything else, and while the top earners are doing great, the average salary of $57,160 leaves little room for error. This city works well for dual-income households or folks in the top-paying fields—software, finance, healthcare. If you’re a teacher or a tradesperson, you’ll need a side hustle or a partner with a bigger paycheck to really feel comfortable.

The data below breaks down exactly who’s getting paid what, and how far that money actually goes in this little slice of Rhode Island.