Rhode Island Paycheck Calculator

Rhode Island Income Tax Rate

Rhode Island uses progressive brackets with a longstanding top marginal rate of 5.99%. Employers start from your gross pay, subtract eligible pre-tax benefits (traditional 401(k), Section 125 health premiums, HSA/FSA, commuter), then calculate federal withholding, FICA, and Rhode Island withholding using your RI W-4 elections and pay frequency. Supplemental wages (bonuses, commissions) can be withheld using percentage or aggregate methods. Because Rhode Island municipalities do not levy separate wage income taxes, your statutory layers are federal plus state only. The table shows the top statewide rate for the last decade; most workers’ effective rates are lower once deductions, credits, and pre-tax benefits reduce taxable wages.

Rhode Island Median Household Income

Rhode Island’s median household income has increased over the decade, supported by healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, biosciences, tourism, and professional services centered around Providence and surrounding communities. Pandemic-era disruption slowed growth temporarily, then gains resumed as labor markets tightened. Use the values below as nominal, directional benchmarks for budgeting or offer comparisons. For purchasing power, compare “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and weigh local housing, transportation, childcare, and healthcare. Medians vary by city and county; suburban communities often exceed statewide figures. Pair these statewide estimates with current local data when evaluating relocation, salary negotiations, or benefits tradeoffs.

Rhode Island Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)

FICA applies uniformly in Rhode Island. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the federal wage base (employers match) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (also matched). High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above federal thresholds; employers do not match that surtax. Section 125 health premiums usually reduce both income-tax and FICA wages; traditional 401(k) lowers income-tax wages but not FICA. Your paycheck will typically itemize Social Security, Medicare, federal withholding, and Rhode Island income tax separately, along with pre-tax and post-tax deductions and year-to-date totals so you can verify accuracy each period.

Rhode Island Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes

Rhode Island municipalities do not levy wage income taxes. Withholding generally includes federal income tax, FICA, and state income tax only.

How Your Rhode Island Paycheck Works

Each pay period starts with your gross wages. Payroll subtracts pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, Section 125 health premiums, and eligible commuter benefits—to determine taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (based on your W-4), FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and Rhode Island state income tax using your RI W-4 elections and pay frequency. Because there are no city wage taxes, layers are simpler than in many states. Post-tax deductions—Roth 401(k), garnishments, union dues, charitable contributions—occur after taxes and don’t reduce taxable wages. Pay schedule affects per-check cash flow but not annual tax owed; review stubs after life events or benefit updates.

Rhode Island Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency

Overtime: Rhode Island follows FLSA; most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek (industry-specific rules may apply).
Pay frequency: Employers must maintain regular paydays and pay on consistent intervals; biweekly or weekly schedules are common. State law includes requirements on timely final pay and itemized wage statements—check employer policy and any collective agreements for details.

FAQs

How do I use the Rhode Island Paycheck Calculator?

Enter gross pay, pay schedule, W-4/RI W-4 details, pre-tax benefits, and post-tax deductions to estimate federal, FICA, and state withholding.

What is Rhode Island’s top income tax rate?

The top marginal rate has been 5.99% for many years; your effective rate depends on income, filing status, and credits.

Do any Rhode Island cities have wage income taxes?

No. Municipalities do not levy percent-of-wages income taxes on paychecks.

How do pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions affect my check?

They reduce taxable wages for income tax, increasing take-home pay. 401(k) does not reduce FICA; many health premiums do.

Are bonuses taxed differently in Rhode Island?

State withholding follows Rhode Island tables; federally, employers may use percentage or aggregate methods for supplemental wages.

Why did my Rhode Island withholding change this year?

Form updates, benefit elections, marital status, or supplemental pay can alter per-check results even at the same salary.

What appears on a Rhode Island pay stub?

Typically Social Security, Medicare, federal tax, Rhode Island tax, pre-tax deductions, post-tax deductions, YTD totals, and net pay.

What is Rhode Island’s minimum wage situation?

Rhode Island sets a statewide minimum wage; employers must pay at least the current effective rate for the pay period.

How often must I be paid in Rhode Island?

Employers maintain a regular payday and consistent intervals—often weekly or biweekly—subject to state wage-payment timing rules.

Do remote workers owe Rhode Island income tax?

Residents owe tax on all income; nonresidents owe tax on RI-sourced wages. Credits may apply for other-state taxes.