Secondary School Teachers in Rhode Island. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
The median wage for Secondary School Teachers in Rhode Island was $89,040 in 2024, about 23% above the national median of $72,150. That is one of the larger state-level premiums we see for this occupation.
The mean wage tells an unusual story. At $81,190, it sits below the median. That happens when a smaller group of lower-paid teachers pulls the average down rather than up. The p10 to p90 range runs from $49,050 to $99,780. Most of the spread is compressed in the upper half: the gap between the 25th percentile ($61,810) and the 90th ($99,780) spans about $38,000, while the bottom tenth earn well under $50,000. Entry-level or part-time teachers are likely driving that lower tail.
Rhode Island's cost-of-living index sits at 100 in our data, essentially at the national baseline. That means the nominal premium over the US median translates directly into real purchasing power. A Rhode Island teacher at the median buys roughly the same as a national-median earner would in an average-cost state, except with $16,890 more per year to work with.
The outlook is worth noting. BLS projects employment in this occupation to decline 1.6% between 2024 and 2034, placing it in the decline category. That does not signal a collapse, but it does mean fewer openings from new positions over the coming decade. Most hiring will come from teachers leaving the field rather than from growth.
Salary distribution
Where Rhode Island secondary school teachers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $66,470 and $97,230, with a median of $92,610.
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Secondary School Teachers pay by experience level in Rhode Island
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Rhode Island over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Internship/residency
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Education and Training
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Instructing
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Learning Strategies
Cross-functional
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- 02
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
- 03
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
- 04
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- 05
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- 06
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
- 07
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- 08
Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
-1.6%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Declining
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in Rhode Island
Metro-level salary data for secondary school teachers in major Rhode Island metropolitan areas.
- Providence$92,110
Compare Secondary School Teachers pay across nearby states
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Secondary School Teachers in Rhode Island?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Secondary School Teachers in Rhode Island is $92,610.
- How does Rhode Island compare to the national median for Secondary School Teachers?
- The Rhode Island median is +24.2% versus the BLS national figure of $74,587.
- What is the salary range for Secondary School Teachers in Rhode Island?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $51,670 and the 90th-percentile at $100,370, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Secondary School Teachers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment declining by -1.6% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Secondary School Teachers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.