Registered Nurse Salaries in Rhode Island — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a registered nurse make in Rhode Island? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $99,960/yr ($48.06/hr), with around 10,760 people working in this field statewide.
Registered Nurse salaries in Rhode Island are above the national average by approximately $9,784. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.
Rhode Island's high cost of living and strong unions typically result in above-average wages for registered nurses.
Rhode Island Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Rhode Island after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Rhode Island Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Rhode Island median of $99,960.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Rhode Island
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Rhode Island — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataregistered nurses pay in Rhode Island has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the registered nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Rhode Island's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Rhode Island
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | $110,950 | $53.34 | +11.0% | 3,765 |
| Cranston | $105,950 | $50.94 | +6.0% | 3,012 |
| Warwick | $102,950 | $49.50 | +3.0% | 1,936 |
| Pawtucket | $95,950 | $46.13 | -4.0% | 968 |
| East Providence | $90,950 | $43.73 | -9.0% | 645 |
| Woonsocket | $86,950 | $41.80 | -13.0% | 430 |
Tip: Providence offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Rhode Island at $110,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Rhode Island vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Rhode Island sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Rhode Island
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Rhode Island is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Rhode Island job market. Rhode Island's high cost of living and strong unions typically result in above-average wages for registered nurses.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Rhode Island
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Rhode Island typically adds $81,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Providence pays registered nurses $110,950/yr — +11.0% above the Rhode Island average. Simply relocating within Rhode Island can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Rhode Island. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Connecticut pays registered nurses $101,590/yr — 1.6% vs Rhode Island.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Rhode Island
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Rhode Island:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Rhode Island — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Rhode Island — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Providence, RI→