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Library Technicians Salary in Rhode Island: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Library Technicians salary really buy you in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is 4.7% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$48,740
Median annual (2025)
-4.5%
Real Purchasing Power
$46,552
COL-adjusted (RPP=104.7)

Rhode Island Cost of Living Index

Rhode Island's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 104.7, meaning prices are 4.7% higher the national average. A Library Technicians earning $48,740 in Rhode Island has the equivalent purchasing power of $46,552 in an average-cost US state.

RI: 104.7
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

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) $31,200 $29,799 $-1,400
25th Percentile (P25) $38,930 $37,182 $-1,747
Median (P50) $48,740 $46,552 $-2,187
75th Percentile (P75) $58,430 $55,807 $-2,622
90th Percentile (P90) $64,120 $61,241 $-2,878
Key Insight

While $48,740 sounds high, Rhode Island's elevated cost of living erases 4% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $46,552. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Rhode Island Is a High-Cost State

RPP 104.7

Rhode Island's RPP of 104.7 puts it 4.7% above the national baseline cost of living. A Library Technicians needs that premium in nominal pay just to maintain the same purchasing power as an average-cost state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

-4.5%

After applying Rhode Island's RPP, the $48,740 median salary translates to $46,552 in real terms — a 4.5% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Library Technicians.

Above-Median Adjusted Pay

#14 / 51

Rhode Island sits at #14 of 51 states for Library Technicians COL-adjusted salary — comfortably above the national midpoint.

Best States for Library Technicians (After Cost of Living)

Where does Library Technicians salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$56,985
RPP 109.8
$53,627
RPP 106.4
$52,349
RPP 116.6
$52,313
RPP 97.7
5. Vermont
$49,545
RPP 101.1
$49,384
RPP 94.2
$48,551
RPP 98.0
$47,920
RPP 96.2
9. Nevada
$47,354
RPP 96.4
$47,342
RPP 112.5

Rhode Island ranks #14 out of 51 states for Library Technicians after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Library Technicians take-home pay in Rhode Island after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Library Technicians in Rhode Island after cost of living?

A Library Technicians in Rhode Island earns a median salary of $48,740 per year. After adjusting for Rhode Island's cost of living (RPP=104.7), the real purchasing power is $46,552 — a -4.5% difference.

Is Rhode Island expensive to live in?

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).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

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.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Library Technicians in Rhode Island: $48,740 x (100 / 104.7) = $46,552. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in Rhode Island offset the salary?

Partially — a Library Technicians's nominal salary of $48,740 in Rhode Island has 4.5% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $46,552. However, Rhode Island may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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