Average registered nurse compensation in Rhode Island across seven career stages — from new grad RN to Chief Nursing Officer. Updated 2026 benchmarks to help you negotiate, plan, and grow.
RN Salary by Role in Rhode Island
Registered nurses in Rhode Island are paid above the national median, averaging roughly $83,000 a year for staff RN roles.
In Rhode Island, compensation grows considerably as nurses gain experience and take on more responsibility. New grad RNs typically start around $61,000, with specialty nurses in units like the ICU, ER, or OR averaging closer to $94,000. Moving into leadership brings a meaningful jump — nurse managers average about $105,000, directors of nursing around $122,000, and chief nursing officers can earn $144,000 or more. For nurses pursuing advanced practice roles (NP, CNS, CRNA, CNM), average pay in Rhode Island runs near $105,000.
Rhode Island is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a multistate RN or LPN license issued here is valid for practice in other compact states — useful for travel nursing, telehealth, or relocating without re-licensing.
As with any state, factor in local cost of living and taxes alongside salary when evaluating job offers in Rhode Island.
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