Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 10K+ workers in Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$46,440
$22.33/hr
vs National Average
$41,812
+11.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $55K
10K employed in Rhode Island
The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rhode Island is $46,440, which translates to an hourly rate of approximately $22. This figure is notably higher than the national average, indicating a strong earning potential for CNAs in the Ocean State, with a total of 10,220 individuals employed in this role.
Several factors influence the Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Rhode Island. These can include the specific healthcare setting, such as hospitals or nursing homes, the years of experience a CNA possesses, and their geographic location within the state. Further impacting compensation are additional certifications or specialized skills that a CNA may have acquired.
Salary Distribution — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,220 |
| 25th percentile | $44,760 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $46,440 |
| 75th percentile | $47,460 |
| 90th percentile | $54,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nursing Assistant (CNA) (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nursing Assistant (CNA)s the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in Rhode Island tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,710 | 40 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $47,810 | 49K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $47,050 | 47K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $46,920 | 430 |
| Wholesale Trade | $46,540 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,440 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,833 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Rhode Island Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,440 | $41,812 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,833 | $43,066 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $44,760 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $46,440 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $47,460 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $54,950 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Other States
Related Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Nursing Assistant (CNA) ($46,440 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in RI | $512,730 | +1004.1% | $246.50/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in RI | $467,160 | +905.9% | $224.60/hr |
| Cardiologist in RI | $395,610 | +751.9% | $190.20/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in RI | $379,490 | +717.2% | $182.45/hr |
| Psychiatrist in RI | $287,610 | +519.3% | $138.27/hr |
| Pediatrician in RI | $218,080 | +369.6% | $104.85/hr |
| Surgeon in RI | $199,990 | +330.6% | $96.15/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in RI | $166,390 | +258.3% | $80.00/hr |
| Dentist in RI | $161,560 | +247.9% | $77.67/hr |
| Podiatrist in RI | $159,760 | +244.0% | $76.81/hr |
| Physician Assistant in RI | $139,930 | +201.3% | $67.27/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in RI | $135,970 | +192.8% | $65.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a CNA in Rhode Island?
- The median annual salary for a CNA in Rhode Island is $46,440, with an hourly average of $22. This means that half of CNAs in the state earn less than this amount, and half earn more.
What is the salary range for a Nursing Assistant in Rhode Island?
- The typical salary range for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rhode Island falls between $39,220 and $54,950 annually. This range reflects variations based on experience, location, and employer.
How does the CNA salary in Rhode Island compare to the national average?
- Nursing Assistant (CNA) salaries in Rhode Island are approximately 11.1% higher than the national average. This suggests that CNAs in Rhode Island generally have a better earning potential than their counterparts across the country.
How many CNAs are employed in Rhode Island?
- There are an estimated 10,220 Nursing Assistants (CNAs) employed in Rhode Island. This indicates a significant demand for these healthcare professionals within the state's healthcare system.