verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Preschool Teacher Salary in Rhode Island

Median Annual in Rhode Island
$36,830/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$17.71/hr
▼ 3% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Rhode Island

groups Employed in RI
1,890
public U.S. Median
$38,140
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$36,009 #44 of 51

Preschool Teacher pay in Rhode Island, explained

Preschool teachers in Rhode Island earn a median of $36,830 per year ($17.71 per hour), which is 3% below the national median of $38,140. Entry-level workers earn around $31,200, while the most experienced preschool teachers reach about $46,180. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Rhode Island.

Is $36,830 good pay in Rhode Island?

Adjusted for Rhode Island's cost of living (which runs 102% of the U.S. average), that $36,830 is worth about $36,009 in national buying power — ranking Rhode Island #44 for real pay (vs #28 on the sticker number).

See the full Preschool Teacher Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Preschool Teacher pay by experience in Rhode Island

Entry level (10th pct)
$31,200
$15.00/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$36,830
$17.71/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$46,180
$22.20/hr

Preschool Teacher pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs RI
Rhode Island (here) $36,830 $36,009
Massachusetts $45,890 $43,392 −$9,060
Connecticut $45,740 $44,146 −$8,910

Preschool Teacher in Rhode Island: FAQ

How much do preschool teachers make in Rhode Island?

Preschool teachers in Rhode Island earn a median of $36,830 per year ($17.71 per hour), compared with $38,140 nationally.

Does Rhode Island pay preschool teachers well?

At $36,830, Rhode Island pays 3% below the national median for preschool teachers. An estimated 1,890 work in the state.

Preschool Teacher salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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