Registered nurse salary in Rhode Island
The median registered nurse in Rhode Island earned $100,640 a year in 2025, $3,090 (3%) above the $97,550 national median. That ranks 13th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $100,640
- Average yearly pay
- $101,260
- Employed in Rhode Island
- 10,090
How Rhode Island compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Rhode Island
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $100,640 | 10,090 |
| LPN or LVN | $80,090 | 1,290 |
| Nurse practitioner | $135,970 | 1,180 |
A nurse practitioner in Rhode Island earns a median $35,330 more than a registered nurse ($135,970 against $100,640). A registered nurse earns a median $20,550 more than an LPN or LVN here ($100,640 against $80,090).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Rhode Island?
The median is $100,640 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Rhode Island earn more and half earn less.
Is Rhode Island a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Rhode Island ranks 13th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Rhode Island pays 3% above it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Rhode Island?
BLS counted 10,090 registered nurses employed in Rhode Island in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Rhode Island the average is $101,260, $620 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.