Public Health Officer.
Providence.
$84,000
median salary, 8% above the national average
$65,000 to $110,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Public Health Officer pay in Providence ranges from $65,000 to $110,000 in 2026. The median is $84,000, 8% above the national average. Providence sits between Boston and New York, benefiting from both labor markets. Every dollar in that range is negotiable if you come prepared.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $75,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$55,000
to $67,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$71,000
to $88,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$92,000
to $109,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$105,000
to $130,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $17,000 to the total package.
Base
$84,000
Equity
$9,000
Bonus
$6,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $101,000
How Providence compares
Providence, RI
$84,000
Cost of living: 4% above average
National Average
$78,000
Providence is $6,000 above
Public Health Officer salary by city
Salary by role in Providence
What you should know
Before you negotiate a Public Health Officer offer in Providence, understand the terrain. Providence sits between Boston and New York, benefiting from both labor markets. The city's economy is driven by healthcare, higher education, and a growing design and creative sector anchored by RISD. Defense and marine industries also contribute to the local job market. Degree level and jurisdictional scope are the primary drivers. MPH holders earn 15 to 25% more than bachelor's-level staff, and MD or DrPH credentials push salaries higher. Federal agencies (CDC, NIH) pay more than state or local health departments. Epidemiology and biostatistics specializations command premiums over general public health administration.
Entry-level public health analysts start at $60,000 to $70,000. Mid-level epidemiologists and program managers earn $78,000 to $102,000 after four to six years. Health department directors reach $110,000 to $150,000, with state health officers earning $140,000 to $200,000. In Providence, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Federal public health officers receive GS-scale pay, locality adjustments, TSP retirement matching, and generous leave accrual. Commissioned Corps officers in the USPHS receive military-equivalent benefits including tax-free housing allowances and early retirement eligibility. And on the tax side: rhode Island's top income tax rate is 5.99%. Providence has no city income tax. The state rate is moderate for the Northeast, and proximity to Boston creates competitive salary pressure. When someone quotes you $84,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Reference Boston salary benchmarks. Providence employers know they compete for talent with Boston and will often offer 85 to 95% of Boston rates to attract professionals. The range for Public Health Officers in Providence runs from $65,000 to $110,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Registered Nurse in Providence earns $83,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Providence is Chief AI Officer at $332,000
Common questions.
Public Health Officer salary in other cities
Other salaries in Providence
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