Average Registered Nurse Salary in Rhode Island
Registered Nurses in Rhode Island earn an average of $92,283 per year across 1 metro area. This is +1.4% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$92,283
per year
Hourly Rate
$44.37
per hour
vs National
-1.4%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$58,441
to $135,685
About Registered Nurse Careers in Rhode Island
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Rhode Island, registered nurses earn an average of $92,283 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $58,441 for entry-level roles to $135,685 for the most experienced professionals — +1.4% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Rhode Island.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$92,283
Cost of Living Index
106
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$87,059
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Rhode Island's cost of living (above average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $92,283 has the purchasing power of $87,059 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Rhode Island
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI | $92,283 | $44.37/hr | $58,441 | $135,685 | 2,407 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Rhode Island vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Rhode Island
There are approximately 2,407 Registered Nurses employed across 1 metro area in Rhode Island.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing
State Income Tax: 3.75% - 5.99%
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Rhode Island
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$58,441
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$92,283
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$135,685
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Rhode Island
Pharmacist
$131,458
avg in RI
+$39,175 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$122,725
avg in RI
+$30,442 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$89,932
avg in RI
-$2,351 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$60,307
avg in RI
-$31,976 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$37,790
avg in RI
-$54,493 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Rhode Island with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Rhode Island Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Rhode Island?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Rhode Island is $92,283 per year ($44.37/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 1.4% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Rhode Island?
Providence, RI is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Rhode Island, with a median salary of $92,283 per year.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Rhode Island?
Registered Nurse salaries in Rhode Island range from $58,441 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $135,685 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $92,283 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Rhode Island. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.