10 top Rhode Island industries to consider if you're working in the state or moving to the state
Rhode Island is home to a diverse economy with thriving industries that attract both homebuyers and renters. No matter how you look at it oryou will find opportunities close to major employers. From healthcare to manufacturing, the state's economy is built on innovation and tradition. Rhode Island's core industries offer competitive job markets, making it an attractive option for them. Its small size and close-knit communities provide the perfect balance between professional development and personal lifestyle.
Rhode Island at a glance: Home prices, income and employment
Top Employers in Rhode Island
- Lifetime Health System: 15,000 workers
- Care New England Health System: 7500 employees
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence: 7500 employees
- CVS Health Corporation: 7500 employees
- Brown University: 4800 employees
10 Major Industries in Rhode Island
1. Health and Social Care
Main employers: Lifetime Health System (Providence), Care New England (Providence), CVS Health (locations in Rhode Island).
Healthcare dominates Rhode Island's economy, with major hospitals and healthcare networks providing employment. Lifetime Health System offers roles in nursing, medical research and administration. Care New England is hiring professionals in behavioral health and women's services. Although CVS Health is not headquartered locally, it operates in numerous locations across the state, contributing to pharmacy and retail operations. The health sector attracts residents due to its stability and career advancement opportunities.
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2. Production
Main employers: Electric Boat (North Kingstown location), Toray Plastics (North Kingstown), Teknor Apex (Pawtucket).
. Shipbuilding, which employs powerboat engineers and machinists, focuses particularly on submarines. Toray Plastics produces advanced materials and creates jobs in operations and quality control. Teknor Apex, a leader in plastics, is hiring technicians and specialists. The state's strategic location and innovation in manufacturing make it ideal for professionals in this field.
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3. Education
Main employers: Brown University (Providence), University of Rhode Island (Kingston), Rhode Island School of Design (Providence).
Creative education sector also offers a variety of career opportunities, from teaching to administrative roles. Brown University offers research and academic positions that attract global talent. The University of Rhode Island supports STEM and liberal arts faculty, while the Rhode Island School of Design, known for its creative disciplines, offers roles for faculty and program coordinators. Proximity to these institutions benefits anyone looking for excellent schools.
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4. Professional and technical services
Main employers: Amgen (location in West Greenwich), IGT (locations in Rhode Island), FM Global (Johnston).
This sector includes engineering, biotechnology and insurance roles. Amgen focuses on biotech research, employing scientists and analysts. IGT specializes in gaming technology providing jobs in software development and marketing. FM Global offers risk management services involving engineers and financial experts. Rhode Island's reputation as an innovation hub attracts professionals from a variety of fields.
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5. Finance and insurance
Main employers: Citizens Bank (Johnston), Amica Mutual Insurance (Lincoln), Bank of America (locations in Rhode Island).
Rhode Island's financial industry offers careers in banking, investing and insurance. Analysts and relationship managers work in the head office of Citizens Bank. Amica Mutual Insurance provides roles in claims, underwriting and customer service, and Bank of America maintains regional offices offering positions in wealth management. This industry supports long-term growth for both professionals and businesses.
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6. Tourism and hospitality
Main employers: Ocean House (Watch Hill), Newport Restaurant Group (Warwick), Bally's Twin River Casino Resort (Lincoln).
Rhode Island is thriving with opportunities in tourism, hotel management, event planning and culinary arts. It created an industry . Ocean House is hiring hospitality professionals in luxury accommodations. Bally's Twin River Casino offers positions in entertainment and gaming operations. Visitors and residents can access the state's scenic coastline by taking advantage of tourism opportunities.
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7. Retail trade
Main employers: Ocean State Job Lot (North Kingstown), Stop & Shop (locations in Rhode Island).
Retail offers a variety of career options in Rhode Island, from management to customer service. Ocean State Job Lot's headquarters provides corporate and warehouse jobs. Stop & Shop is hiring individuals in both grocery retail and logistics. Retail contributes significantly to Rhode Island's accessible and community-oriented economy.
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8. Government and public administration
Main employers: State of Rhode Island (Providence), US Navy (Newport), City of Warwick (Warwick).
Rhode Island government roles include public policy, law enforcement, and municipal services. The state of Rhode Island is hiring for a variety of departments, including transportation and education. The US Navy operates out of Newport, offering both civilian and military careers. Warwick offers opportunities in local management and community programs that make the industry stable and diverse.
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9. Art and design
Main employers: Trinity Repertory Company (Providence), WaterFire (Providence), AS220 (Providence).
Rhode Island's vibrant arts scene creates roles in performance, design and event production. Trinity Repertory Company is hiring actors and production staff. WaterFire is hiring coordinators for large-scale art installations. AS220 offers creative programming and community engagement opportunities. State support for the arts attracts professionals who value creativity and collaboration.
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10. Agriculture and fishing
Main employers: Matunuck Oyster Bar (Wakefield), Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association (Rhode Island locations), Perry Raso Aquaculture (South Kingstown).
Agriculture and aquaculture contribute to Rhode Island's local food scene and economy. Matunuck Oyster Bar offers unique roles combining farming with restaurant operations. Perry Raso Aquaculture specializes in sustainable seafood, employing marine biologists and farmers. The industry appeals to individuals seeking employment in sustainable and community-based fields.
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