Salary & Cost of Living in Johnston, RI
Johnston, RI: $55,477 median salary, cost of living index 97.6, $14.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$55,477
$27/hr
Cost of Living
97.6
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$14.00
per hour
Unemployment
3.4%
rate
Johnston, RI Overview
Population
29,191
Median Salary
$55,477
Average Salary
$62,134
Avg Commute
17 min
Median Home Price
$394,000
Median Rent
$1,591/mo
Job Growth
+1.9%
Sales Tax
7%
Johnston is located in Rhode Island with a population of 29,191. The median household salary is $55,477 per year ($27/hour), which is $3,907 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.9%.
Johnston Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Johnston, RI based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $55,477 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $34,396 | $16.54/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $55,477 | $26.67/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $78,777 | $37.87/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $98,749 | $47.47/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Johnston Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Johnston, RI, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$43,291
$3,607.60/month · $1,665.05/biweekly · Effective Rate: 22.0%
Gross Pay
$55,477
Federal Tax
-$4,619
State Tax
-$3,323
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,244
Net Pay
$43,291
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,623.08 | $55,477.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$384.90 | -$4,618.74 |
| Rhode Island State Tax (5.99%) | -$276.92 | -$3,323.07 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$286.63 | -$3,439.57 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$67.03 | -$804.42 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,607.60 | $43,291.20 |
Salary Comparison: Johnston vs Other Cities
See how Johnston's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnston, RI | $55,477 | 97.6 | $56,841 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Burbank, IL | $55,477 | 94.8 | $58,520 |
| West Islip, NY | $55,475 | 121.5 | $45,658 |
| Chester, PA | $55,486 | 99.6 | $55,709 |
| New Berlin, WI | $55,499 | 83.3 | $66,625 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Johnston
Johnston's cost of living index is 97.6 (national average = 100). Living in Johnston is 2.4000000000000057% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$394,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,591
Annual Rent Cost
$19,092
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $43,291 annual take-home pay in Johnston has the purchasing power of approximately $44,356 in an average-cost US area. Your $55,477 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Johnston
Johnston's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $55,477.
Salary Tips for Johnston Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.99% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $24,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Johnston's top industries include Healthcare, Education, Defense. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $55,477 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Johnston, RI?
The median salary in Johnston, RI is $55,477 per year, or $27 per hour. The average salary is $62,134. This is $3,907 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Johnston, RI?
Johnston's cost of living index is 97.6 (national average = 100), meaning it is 2.4000000000000057% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $394,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,591.
What are the best industries in Johnston?
The top industries in Johnston, RI include Healthcare, Education, Defense. The city has a job growth rate of 1.9% and an unemployment rate of 3.4%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $55,477.
How does Johnston's salary compare to other cities?
Johnston's median salary of $55,477 is 6.6% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 97.6), the real purchasing power is approximately $56,841.
What is the minimum wage in Johnston, RI?
The minimum wage in Johnston, RI is $14.00 per hour. This equals approximately $29,120 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $6.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.