Nurse Practitioner Salary in Rhode Island: $139,759 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Rhode Island's 17 metropolitan areas, the average median nurse practitioner pay sits at $139,759/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1171. Because Rhode Island sits at BEA RPP 100.5 (1% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $139,064 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Warwick ($138,268), Providence ($135,520), Pawtucket ($132,817).
In 2026, nurse practitioners in Rhode Island can expect an average median salary of $139,759, which is slightly above the national median of $136,864, reflecting a 2.1% premium. The salary range across the state varies significantly, with Warwick offering the highest average salary at $143,038, while Central Falls presents the lowest at $126,912. This $16,126 difference can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the presence of facilities and job opportunities in those areas. Rhode Island has specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that influence how nurse practitioners operate, including varying levels of independence in clinical settings. The demand for nurse practitioners is driven by the state's aging population and the growing emphasis on accessible healthcare, contributing to a projected annual growth rate of 3.45% in the profession. With a total of 1,669 nurse practitioners employed across 17 metro areas, the job market in Rhode Island shows promising strength and an upward trajectory. Cities like Providence, with an average salary of $140,195, and Pawtucket, at $137,399, further illustrate the stability and potential growth for nurse practitioners in the state.
Rhode Island Nurse Practitioner Salary Range
Overall salary range in Rhode Island: $102,229 (lowest entry-level) to $189,115 (highest top earner)
Rhode Island vs National Average
Rhode Island nurse practitioners earn 2.12% more than the national median (+$2,895/year difference).
Rhode Island Nurse Practitioner Salary Distribution (2026)
Nurse Practitioner salaries in Rhode Island range from $109,422 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $180,228 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $139,759. The Rhode Island median is $2,895 above the US national median of $136,864. The average hourly rate is $67.19/hr. Approximately 1,669 nurse practitioners are employed across 17 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$116,250
2025 BLS Actual
$135,098
2026 Current Est.
$139,759
2019–2027 Growth
+24.4%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Rhode Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,532 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,098 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,759 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,581 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rhode Island metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 16.2% from $116,250 (2019) to $135,098 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,581 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,331 (24.37%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rhode Island metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Rhode Island
Lowest Paying Cities in Rhode Island
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Central Falls | $126,912 |
| Westerly | $128,453 |
| Bristol | $130,211 |
| South Kingstown | $130,567 |
| Cumberland | $130,909 |
Best Value Cities for Nurse Practitioners in Rhode Island
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Rhode Island cities offer the most purchasing power for nurse practitioners.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick | $143,038 | 100.5 | $142,326 |
| Providence | $140,195 | 101.773 | $137,753 |
| Pawtucket | $137,399 | 100.5 | $136,715 |
| East Providence | $136,342 | 100.5 | $135,664 |
| West Warwick | $135,979 | 100.5 | $135,302 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $109,422 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $139,759 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $180,228 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Rhode Island metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 17 Cities in Rhode Island
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Warwick | $143,038 |
| 2 | Providence | $140,195 |
| 3 | Pawtucket | $137,399 |
| 4 | East Providence | $136,342 |
| 5 | West Warwick | $135,979 |
| 6 | Coventry | $135,338 |
| 7 | Cranston | $134,545 |
| 8 | Johnston | $133,012 |
| 9 | Woonsocket | $132,958 |
| 10 | Newport | $132,233 |
| 11 | North Providence | $131,966 |
| 12 | North Kingstown | $131,923 |
| 13 | Cumberland | $130,909 |
| 14 | South Kingstown | $130,567 |
| 15 | Bristol | $130,211 |
| 16 | Westerly | $128,453 |
| 17 | Central Falls | $126,912 |
More Rhode Island Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore nurse practitioner hourly pay in Rhode Island cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced nurse practitioners.
Explore More Nurse Practitioner Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse practitioners make in Rhode Island in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for nurse practitioners in Rhode Island?
How does Rhode Island nurse practitioner pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level nurse practitioner salary in Rhode Island?
How many nurse practitioners are employed in Rhode Island?
Which Rhode Island city offers the best value for nurse practitioners?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 nurse practitioner compensation across Rhode Island. State averages are employment-weighted across 17 metro areas — larger metro areas with more nurse practitionerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov