Rhode Island.Careers.org
Fast Facts: Notwithstanding its name, Rhode Island is in fact on the mainland and is the smallest state by area. The capital and important financial center is Providence.
Rhode Island Careers: The 2008 U.S. Census estimated Rhode Island’s population at just over 1 million. Forbes recently ranked Rhode Island as the 45th “Best State for Business.”
Rhode Island Career Education: Rhode Island ranked 36th in a 2009 K-12 “Academic Achievement” study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The highly acclaimed Johnson and Wales culinary arts program is in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Economy: Health services, tourism and manufacturing are the largest industries.
For details and sources, click the “Career Information” tab below.
Rhode Island Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location…: Located in the New England region of the United States, Rhode Island is the smallest state by area. No resident in the state of Rhode Island is more than a thirty-minute drive from the water’s edge.
Cities: The capital and most important financial center of Rhode Island is Providence.
Behind the Name: Rhode Island is officially nicknamed the “Ocean State.” The smallest state of the union, Rhode Island also has the longest official name of any of the states -- “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”
A Closer Look: Rhode Island was the first of the original Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from British rule and the last to ratify the United States Constitution.
Did You Know? Despite its name, Rhode Island is in fact on the mainland.
Rhode Island Careers and Employment:
Population: 1,050,788 (0.2% increase since 2000) - 51.6% Female, 48.4% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 45th in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) health care and social assistance; (2) manufacturing; (3) retail trade; (4) accommodation and food services; and (5) construction.
Taxes: Income Tax, 25% federal tax liability and Sales Tax, 7% (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 122.0 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 24th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 29.10; Apr: 46.71; July: 71.09; Oct: 52.50 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 36th of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
Rhode Island Economics:
In General: While a majority of Rhode Island's residents are employed in the service industry, significant career opportunity exists in manufacturing (16%) and the military and government sector (13%) as well.
Service Industry: The leading service industry in Rhode Island is the finance, insurance and real estate group, as various large banking and insurance companies have major operations in Providence.
Agriculture: In terms of revenue generated, Rhode Island’s top five agricultural products are greenhouse and nursery products, sweet corn, dairy products, potatoes, and cattle and calves.
Manufacturing: As Rhode Island was one of the first states to industrialize, several of its major industries including metalworking and textile manufacturing date back to the 1800’s. Rhode Island is a leading jewelry producer with around 1,000 manufacturers, with costume jewelry holding a particular value.
Fishing: The Rhode Island fishing industry delivers a catch that includes a variety of fish, mollusks and shellfish, of which Lobster is the most valuable.
Did You Know? Let there be light: Rhode Island’s leading manufactured product is electrical equipment, which includes surge protectors, light bulbs and lighting fixtures.
Rhode Island Education:
In General: Rhode Island has three public institutions of higher education, as well as ten private universities and numerous vocational and technical schools located throughout the state. State operated colleges include the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College, as well as the Community College of Rhode Island, which offers degrees at six locations.
In the Rankings: U.S. News and World Report rankings: National Rankings –Brown University (#16).
Online Education: There are a wide range of accredited online universities offering degrees in the state of Rhode Island.
A Closer Look: The Naval War College, operated by the federal United States Navy, is also located in Newport. Other notable universities include Johnson and Wales University and the Rhode Island School of Design.
Did You Know? Home is where the stomach is: If you love food, Rhode Island is home to one of the best cooking schools in the country -- Johnson and Wales University.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.