Looking for great Rhode Island jobs? Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but in 2025 it offers some of the most practical opportunities for college degree holders looking for solid careers without extreme housing costs or endless commutes. Providence has become a legitimate hub for health technology, finance, and creative industries, Newport continues to attract high-end tourism and yacht-related business, and areas like Warwick and Cranston host corporate offices that pay competitively. Unemployment stands around 4.1 %, and employers remain eager for qualified talent because the local labor pool is limited. Below are six strong Rhode Island jobs that are actively hiring for people with bachelor’s degrees or higher.
1. Software Engineer / Developer
Average salary: $105,000–$145,000
Providence’s Knowledge District continues to expand. Brown University spin-outs, CVS Health’s technology teams, FM Global, and smaller fintech and health-tech companies regularly seek engineers capable of building backend systems, mobile applications, or data pipelines. Degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or related fields are the standard entry point.
Many roles offer hybrid or fully remote arrangements, allowing professionals to live in Cranston, Warwick, or South County while earning near-Boston compensation without the Boston commute or cost of living. Key employers include CVS Health (tech division), FM Global, Hasbro (digital teams), and Pare Corporation.
2. Registered Nurse (BSN)
Average salary: $85,000–$115,000 + $15,000–$30,000 sign-on bonuses
Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, and the Lifespan system face ongoing nursing shortages. Smaller community hospitals in Newport, Westerly, and Woonsocket often provide even larger incentives.
Rhode Island offers some of the highest RN wages in New England due to persistent shortages and regional cost of living. Many facilities provide relocation assistance and housing stipends to attract qualified candidates to these great Rhode Island jobs.
3. Financial Analyst / Accountant
Average salary: $75,000–$105,000
Providence remains a finance and insurance stronghold. FM Global, Citizens Bank, and smaller investment firms consistently need professionals to handle risk modeling, budgeting, and compliance tasks. Degrees in finance, accounting, or economics are the typical requirement.
Starting salaries are competitive for the region, and credentials such as CPA or CFA noticeably accelerate advancement and compensation increases.
4. Biomedical / Life Sciences Engineer
Average salary: $85,000–$120,000
Providence and the I-95 corridor benefit from Brown University’s biomedical engineering programs, Lifespan research initiatives, and smaller biotech firms. Degrees in mechanical, biomedical, or chemical engineering with a life-sciences focus are highly sought after.
Rhode Island continues to invest in med-tech and biotech, with federal grants and private capital maintaining a steady flow of projects. Research more about these great Rhode Island jobs.
5. Civil / Environmental Engineer
Average salary: $80,000–$115,000
Ongoing infrastructure improvements—roads, bridges, coastal resilience, and offshore wind projects—create consistent demand. Firms such as DiPrete Engineering, BETA Group, and the state Department of Transportation require engineers capable of designing and managing complex projects in a state with sensitive coastlines and aging infrastructure.
Federal infrastructure funding and Rhode Island’s offshore wind commitments ensure reliable project pipelines.
6. High School Teacher – Math, Science, Special Education
Average salary: $60,000–$85,000 + loan forgiveness & housing assistance
Providence Public Schools, Cranston, Warwick, and districts in Newport and South County frequently offer $10,000–$20,000 signing bonuses and housing support for teachers in high-need subjects.
Smaller class sizes compared to many states, attractive campuses, and early dismissal times (often by 3:00) combined with full summers make these positions appealing long-term.
How to Land One of These Great Rhode Island Jobs
- Include “open to relocation to Providence / Newport / Rhode Island” in LinkedIn headlines—recruiters actively search for these phrases.
- Utilize RI.gov and the Rhode Island Department of Education teacher job board.
- Customize resumes to demonstrate awareness of regional cost of living—employers appreciate candidates who understand Rhode Island’s realities.
- Attend Rhode Island Chamber events or Providence Tech Meetups—the small professional scene delivers outsized networking results.
Rhode Island may be compact, but the opportunities are substantial. These great Rhode Island jobs provide competitive compensation, reasonable quality of life, and room to build a career without constant financial pressure. The openings are real, the growth continues, and there is still space for talented people to step in.
If any of these great Rhode Island jobs are of interest, learn more about how SmarterDegree can get you the credentials you need to launch your career.