As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Public Accountant in Rhode Island is $84,942 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Certified Public Accountant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Certified Public Accountant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Public Accountant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Accountan... Level Certified Public Accountant | $63,451 |
| Accountan... Level Certified Public Accountant | $73,749 |
| Certified... Level Certified Public Accountant | $85,477 |
| Accountan... Level Certified Public Accountant | $101,882 |
| Accountan... Level Certified Public Accountant | $143,615 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Certified Public Accountants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Certified Public Accountant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 37% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Certified Public Accountant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Certified Public Accountant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $101,931 | $49.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $100,232 | $48.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $97,684 | $47.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $95,135 | $46.0 | 12% |
| Chemicals | $93,436 | $45.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Certified Public Accountant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Public Accountant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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