Accountant in East Providence, RI

The Salary Picture: Where East Providence Stands

If you're considering East Providence for an accounting career, the first thing to understand is the local market. It's a small, tight-knit metro area where your professional reputation travels fast. The salary data reflects a balanced market: competitive, but not booming like major coastal hubs. The median salary for an Accountant here is $86,312/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.5/hour. This is just slightly above the national average of $86,080/year, suggesting East Providence can hold its own, though it doesn't offer the premium salaries of Boston or New York.

The job market itself is modest but steady. There are approximately 93 accounting jobs in the metro area. This isn't a volume play; it's a quality-over-quantity environment. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates stability. You're not moving here for a hyper-growth tech startup accounting role, but for steady, reliable positions in established firms, nonprofits, and local government.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience translates to pay, here’s a breakdown. Note that these are estimates based on the local median and typical progression curves.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic financial reporting, tax prep support.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$75,000 - $92,000	Full-cycle accounting, payroll management, budgeting, internal controls, client management.
Senior (8-15 years)	$90,000 - $110,000	Financial analysis, departmental management, complex tax strategy, audit preparation, mentoring.
Expert/Controller (15+ years)	$110,000+	CFO-level duties, strategic financial planning, mergers & acquisitions, board reporting, system implementation.

Insider Tip: In East Providence, salaries can be highly responsive to the specific employer. A senior accountant at a large regional hospital system will likely earn at the top of the range, while a similar role at a small, family-owned manufacturing firm might be on the lower end. Negotiation is key, and knowing the local employer landscape (which we'll cover) is your best leverage.

To understand East Providence’s standing, compare it to other Rhode Island cities. Providence, the state capital and a larger metro hub, often has slightly higher salaries (median around $88,500) but also a higher cost of living. Warwick and Cranston, similar suburbs, see salaries very close to East Providence’s median. Newport, with its tourism and yacht industry, can offer higher salaries for specialized accountants in hospitality and maritime businesses, but the cost of living is significantly higher. East Providence offers a "Goldilocks" scenario: RI salaries without Providence's downtown premium or Newport's tourist-driven inflation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's ground the $86,312/year median salary in reality. A single filer in Rhode Island would face approximately a 22% effective tax rate (federal and state combined, post-deductions), leaving a gross monthly take-home of roughly $5,605. However, the most significant variable is housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in East Providence is $1,362/month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Income	$7,193
Taxes (Est. 22%)	-$1,588
Net Income	$5,605
Rent (1-BR Average)	-$1,362
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	-$200	RI has high energy costs.
Groceries & Household	-$450
Transportation (Car/Gas/Ins.)	-$350	Car is essential in East Providence.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	-$250	Varies by employer.
Retirement (401k, 5% match)	-$360	Pre-tax, crucial for long-term growth.
Discretionary Spending	-$1,633	Dining out, entertainment, savings.
Remaining / Savings Buffer	~$300	Tight but manageable.

Can they afford to buy a home? The math is challenging but possible. East Providence's Cost of Living Index is 100.9 (US avg = 100), meaning it's slightly more expensive than the national average, driven largely by housing. The median home price in East Providence hovers around $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could easily exceed $2,000/month. On a $86,312 salary, that would be nearly 35% of your gross income—above the recommended 30% threshold. For a dual-income household, it becomes much more feasible. Single accountants at the median salary should plan to rent for several years while saving aggressively for a down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: East Providence's Major Employers

The accounting job market here is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, manufacturing, and local government. You won't find Fortune 500 headquarters, but you will find stable, well-regarded organizations.

1. Rhode Island Hospital / Lifespan Health System: A massive employer just across the Seekonk River in Providence, but it draws heavily from East Providence's residential base. They hire hundreds of accountants for patient billing, revenue cycle management, grants accounting, and corporate finance. Hiring trends are consistently active due to the complexity of healthcare finance and regulatory compliance.

2. East Providence Public Schools: The school district is a major local employer, with a business office that handles a multi-million dollar budget. Positions here are often for payroll specialists, budget analysts, and accountants focused on federal and state grant compliance. These jobs offer excellent public sector benefits and stability.

3. Hasbro, Inc.: While its headquarters is in Pawtucket, its massive global supply chain and finance operations require a significant accounting presence in the region. East Providence residents frequently work in Hasbro's finance department, handling everything from product costing to international tax. Hiring is tied to product cycles and global expansion.

4. Raytheon Technologies (Pawtucket/RISD area): A short commute from East Providence, Raytheon's advanced manufacturing facilities employ accountants for cost accounting, government contract compliance (DCAA), and financial planning. These roles often pay at the higher end of the local range due to the specialized nature of defense contracting.

5. State of Rhode Island / City of East Providence Government: The state capital (Providence) is a major employer for accountants in auditing, fiscal management, and tax. Closer to home, the City of East Providence's finance department handles municipal accounting, tax collection, and budgeting. These are competitive, civil-service jobs with strong pensions.

6. Local CPA Firms (e.g., DiPrete, BlumShapiro): While many larger firms are in Providence, regional CPA firms have offices in East Providence and nearby suburbs. They offer traditional public accounting paths in audit, tax, and consulting. Hiring here is cyclical, with a busy season from January to April, but provides excellent training and a path to partnership.

Insider Tip: The most coveted roles are in healthcare revenue cycle and government contracting. If you can get experience in these areas—even through an internship or a junior role—you become highly marketable in the entire region.

Getting Licensed in Rhode Island

To practice as a CPA in Rhode Island, you must follow the state's Board of Accountancy regulations. The path is straightforward but requires careful planning.

Requirements:

• Education: A bachelor's degree (120 credits) is the minimum, but to sit for the CPA exam, you need 150 semester credits, including 24 credits in accounting and 24 credits in general business.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam within an 18-month rolling window.
• Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of experience in accounting, verified by a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee (Initial): ~$150
• Exam Fees (4 parts): ~$1,000 (varies by state board)
• Ethics Exam: ~$200
• Licensing Fee: ~$200
• Total Estimated Cost (before study materials): $1,550 - $2,000

Timeline: If you start with a 150-credit master's degree, you can sit for the exam immediately. The typical path is 4-5 years post-undergrad: 1 year for exam completion, 1 year of experience, and 3-6 months for application processing. The Rhode Island Board of Accountancy website is the primary resource for current forms and rules.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

East Providence is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute profile.

1. Riverside: This is the quintessential East Providence neighborhood. It's walkable, with a village feel, and has access to the East Bay Bike Path. Commute to Providence is easy via the nearby Henderson Bridge or I-195. It's popular with young professionals and families. Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700 for a 1-BR.

2. Oakland (East Side): A more suburban, residential area with larger homes and quiet streets. It's close to the border with Barrington, known for its excellent school system. Commute is straightforward via Pawtucket Avenue or Route 44. Ideal for those seeking more space and a family-oriented environment. Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,500 for a 1-BR.

3. Kent Heights: Located near the Providence River, this neighborhood offers beautiful views and a mix of historic and modern homes. It's slightly more affordable than Riverside and has quick access to both downtown Providence and the East Providence waterfront. Great for those who want a scenic commute. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,450 for a 1-BR.

4. Watchemoket: The eastern part of the city, more residential and spread out. It's closer to the Seekonk border and offers a quieter lifestyle with more affordable housing options. Commute time is a bit longer but manageable. Good for those who prioritize space over walkability. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for a 1-BR.

5. Downtown East Providence (The Waterfront): A developing area with new apartment buildings and restaurants. It offers a more urban feel with direct access to the waterfront parks. Commute to downtown Providence is very fast. It's a good option for those who want a modern apartment and an easy commute. Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800+ for a 1-BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In East Providence, career growth is less about vertical leaps and more about strategic specialization and networking.

• Specialty Premiums: Accountants with CPA licenses consistently earn 10-15% more than non-credentialed peers. Expertise in IFRS (for international firms like Hasbro), DOD contract compliance (for Raytheon), or healthcare reimbursement models (for Lifespan) can command a significant premium. A CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is also valued in manufacturing and nonprofit sectors.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Junior Staff → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller (for a small to mid-sized company). In larger systems, you might move into a financial analyst or internal auditor role. The key is to build a network within the tight-knit business community. Joining the Rhode Island Society of CPAs is non-negotiable for long-term growth.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is modest, meaning competition for senior roles will be steady. The rise of remote work for some accounting functions could shift the landscape, but East Providence's strength is in roles that require a physical presence (e.g., manufacturing cost accounting, hospital revenue cycle). The most successful accountants will be those who blend technical skills with deep local industry knowledge, making themselves indispensable to their employers.

The Verdict: Is East Providence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, education, and manufacturing.	Limited Scale: Fewer high-level opportunities than major metros.
Quality of Life: Excellent public parks, waterfront access, and a strong sense of community.	Traffic & Commutes: Providence traffic can be congested; a car is essential.
Affordable Living (for RI): Slightly above national average, but more affordable than Providence core.	Seasonal Economy: Winters can be long and grey; social life slows down.
Strong Professional Network: A connected business community where relationships matter.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries may plateau compared to Boston or NYC.
Proximity to Boston & Providence: Easy access to major city amenities without the high cost.	High Taxes: RI has a high income and property tax burden.

Final Recommendation: East Providence is an excellent choice for accountants who value stability, community, and work-life balance over chasing the highest possible salary. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to settle down, or for those in specialized fields like healthcare or public sector accounting. If you're an early-career accountant seeking a fast-paced, high-growth environment, you might find it limiting. But for the right person, it offers a sustainable and rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for accountants in East Providence?
It's moderately competitive. With only 93 jobs in the metro, you can't expect multiple offers weekly. However, the 4% growth means positions do open up. Having a CPA license and any local industry experience (healthcare, manufacturing) will make you a top candidate.

2. Is a car absolutely necessary?
Yes. Public transportation (RIPTA) exists but is limited for a suburban city like East Providence. Most employers are spread out (hospitals in Providence, manufacturing in Pawtucket, government offices). A car is essential for commuting and daily errands.

3. Can I work remotely as an accountant here?
Partially. The rise of remote work has created opportunities for accounting roles with national firms. However, many of the best-paying local jobs in healthcare, government, and manufacturing require an on-site presence due to data security, team collaboration, or the nature of the work (e.g., handling cash, audits). A hybrid model (2-3 days remote) is becoming more common.

4. What's the best way to network in this area?
Join the Rhode Island Society of CPAs (RISCPA). Attend their monthly meetings in Providence or Warwick. Also, connect with the East Providence Chamber of Commerce. Many local business owners and finance directors are members. Informal networking through community events or volunteering is also highly effective in this close-knit region.

5. How does the cost of living compare to just across the border in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts, particularly cities like Fall River or New Bedford, can have a lower cost of living (especially housing) and no state income tax on wages (though MA has a high sales tax). However, East Providence offers better-performing public schools and a more suburban, stable environment. The financial difference is often a wash, making lifestyle preference the deciding factor.