Rhode Island Teacher Salary

Average and starting teacher pay in Rhode Island for 2024-25, ranked among all states.

Rhode Island teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in Rhode Island earned $85,772, according to NEA. That ranks 8th among the 50 states and D.C. and is $11,277 above the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $82,189, so pay changed by 4.4%. NEA marks this state's 2024-25 average as an estimate.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in Rhode Island at $48,242, which ranks 23rd of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

Rhode IslandUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$85,772$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$82,189$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$48,242$48,112
Average salary rank8 of 51
Starting salary rank23 of 51

States close to Rhode Island in the ranking

Connecticut (6th, $89,593), Maryland (7th, $87,409), New Jersey (9th, $84,974), Oregon (10th, $81,657). See all states ranked or compare Rhode Island with another state.

Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average teacher salary in Rhode Island?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $85,772 in Rhode Island for 2024-25, which ranks 8th of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.). NEA marks this state's 2024-25 average as an estimate.

What is the starting teacher salary in Rhode Island?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $48,242 in Rhode Island for 2024-25, ranking 23rd of 51.

How does Rhode Island compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. Rhode Island is $11,277 above it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and Rhode Island is $130 above.

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