Accountant Salary in Newport, RI: $82,957 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Newport, RI earns a median $82,957/year (≈ $39.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Newport's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $82,544 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a projected median annual salary of $82,957 for accountants in Newport, Rhode Island, local compensation remains slightly below the national average of $85,864 for 2026. The full salary range for accountants in the area extends from $57,270 at the 10th percentile to $128,584 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a varied landscape in pay driven by employer type and experience levels. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected into 2026 accounting for regional cost adjustments, illustrate the distinct divisions often seen between the Big 4 public firms and other local employers. Given Newport's relatively small accounting job market, with only six accountants currently employed, candidates often encounter competitive entry-level opportunities that can lead to higher earnings in corporate settings as professionals transition from public accounting.
About the Newport Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,270 | $27.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,842 | $32.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,957 | $39.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,185 | $51.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,584 | $61.82 |
Median Salary Position
3.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport
In Newport, RI, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,314 (2026 est.). At $82,957, the local median is 3.39% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newport Accountant Pay Compares
Newport median: $82,957/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $86,324 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -3.39% less |
Accountants in Newport, RI earn a median of $82,957 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.39% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 3.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $86,324.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newport has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newport, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,957 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $82,544 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,128
2025 BLS Actual
$80,847
2026 Current Est.
$82,957
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Newport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,128 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,635 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,359 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,176 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,225 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,847 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,957 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,122 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newport metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $69,128 (2019) to $80,847 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,122 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,994 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,270 – $66,842 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,842 – $82,957 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,957 – $106,185 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,185 – $128,584 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Newport
Employers in Newport presenting the highest pay generally include Big 4 firms, which consistently attract talent with robust career development and pay structures. However, the local job market also features opportunities within regional CPA firms, corporate accounting departments, and government positions. With a cost-of-living index of 100.5, accountants in Newport must consider how their salaries translate into purchasing power in the area. The pay disparity often results from several factors, including the level of CPA licensure and specialized skills in tax or forensic accounting. Professionals aiming to maximize their earnings in Newport should focus on obtaining certifications, acquiring experience in high-demand specialties, and pursuing positions in larger firms, which can provide access to lucrative partner tracks and bonuses tied to busy-season performance.
More salary data for Newport, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $80,847 for accountantsin the Newport metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newport is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov