Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
What does a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary really buy you in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is 4.7% pricier than the US averageData: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19
Rhode Island's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 104.7, meaning prices are 4.7% higher the national average. A Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining earning $59,590 in Rhode Island has the equivalent purchasing power of $56,914 in an average-cost US state.
Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Rhode Island's cost of living.
| Percentile | Nominal Salary | COL-Adjusted | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (P10) | $46,120 | $44,049 | $-2,070 |
| 25th Percentile (P25) | $46,120 | $44,049 | $-2,070 |
| Median (P50) | $59,590 | $56,914 | $-2,675 |
| 75th Percentile (P75) | $63,300 | $60,458 | $-2,841 |
| 90th Percentile (P90) | $73,860 | $70,544 | $-3,315 |
While $59,590 sounds high, Rhode Island's elevated cost of living erases 4% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $56,914. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.
Rhode Island's RPP of 104.7 puts it 4.7% above the national baseline cost of living. A Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining needs that premium in nominal pay just to maintain the same purchasing power as an average-cost state.
After applying Rhode Island's RPP, the $59,590 median salary translates to $56,915 in real terms — a 4.5% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining.
Rhode Island's rank of #31 of 49 states means real purchasing power for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining trails the national half-way line.
Where does Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.
Rhode Island ranks #31 out of 49 states for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining after cost-of-living adjustment.
How much do you actually take home? See Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining take-home pay in Rhode Island after taxes →
A Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Rhode Island earns a median salary of $59,590 per year. After adjusting for Rhode Island's cost of living (RPP=104.7), the real purchasing power is $56,914 — a -4.5% difference.
Rhode Island's cost of living is 4.7% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Rhode Island is 104.7 (US average = 100).
Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.
The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Rhode Island: $59,590 x (100 / 104.7) = $56,914. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.
Partially — a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining's nominal salary of $59,590 in Rhode Island has 4.5% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $56,914. However, Rhode Island may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.