Retail Salespersons Salary in Providence, RI-MA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Providence-Warwick, RI-MA

Median annual salary $34,910 +1% vs national
Median hourly $16.78
10th percentile $29,880
90th percentile $48,120
Employed locally 19,420
National median $34,580

Compare Retail Salespersons salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Providence, RI-MA stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Retail Salespersons
in
Providence, RI-MA
vs

    In Providence, RI-MA, retail salespersons earn a median annual salary of $34,910, which is slightly higher than the national median of $34,580 for this occupation. This equates to a median hourly wage of $16.78. When compared to the local area's median household income of $85,646, it becomes evident that retail salespersons' earnings constitute approximately 40.8% of the typical household income in the region. The disparity indicates that while retail sales positions contribute significantly to individual earnings, they often fall short of providing a majority share towards average household finances.

    Entry-level retail salespersons typically earn closer to the 10th percentile at $29,880 annually, reflecting modest beginnings within the field. As experience and skills develop, wages increase, with seasoned workers reaching up to or exceeding the 75th percentile, which stands at $37,220 annually. The upper tier of experienced employees can even achieve earnings as high as the 90th percentile, earning approximately $48,120 per year. This wage progression is driven by factors such as tenure in the role, acquisition of specialized sales skills, and advancement into supervisory or managerial positions within retail environments. These elements collectively contribute to the significant salary differences observed between entry-level and experienced workers in this occupation.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,880
    25th
    $31,200
    50th (median)
    $34,910
    75th
    $37,220
    90th
    $48,120

    Providence economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $85,646 2023 • Census ACS
    Retail Salespersons salary vs area income 41% Median Retail Salespersons salary is 59% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Retail Salespersons make per hour in Providence?

    The median hourly wage for Retail Salespersons in Providence, RI-MA is $16.78, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.39 or more per hour.

    Is Providence above or below average for Retail Salespersons salaries?

    The median Retail Salespersons salary in Providence, RI-MA is 1% above the national median of $34,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Retail Salespersons in Providence?

    Entry-level Retail Salespersons (10th percentile) earn around $29,880 per year in Providence, RI-MA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $31,200.