Last Updated: April 2026

ICU Nurse Salary in Rhode Island (2026)

ICU Nurses in Rhode Island earn an average of $97,048/year ($46.66/hr) in 2026 — 2% above the national average of $95,270/year. Rhode Island ranks #11 out of 50 states for ICU Nurse pay.

ICU Nurse Salary in Rhode Island vs. Other States

The table below shows the top 5 highest-paying states for ICU Nurses alongside Rhode Island and the national average.

ICU Nurse Salary by State — Top 5 + Rhode Island

StateAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly Rate
California$146,999$70.67/hr
Hawaii$124,642$59.92/hr
Massachusetts$113,650$54.64/hr
New York$110,111$52.94/hr
Oregon$108,733$52.28/hr
Rhode Island (your state, #11)$97,048$46.66/hr
National Average$95,270$45.80/hr

Source: BLS OEWS 2025 + NurseSalaryIntel 2026 projections

ICU Nurse Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

Experience is a major driver of pay. In Rhode Island, a new grad ICU Nurse starts around $77,638/year, while a nurse with 16+ years earns up to $126,162/year.

ICU Nurse Pay by Experience — Rhode Island

Experience LevelAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly Rate
New Grad (0–1 yr)$77,638$37.33/hr
2–3 years$87,343$41.99/hr
4–6 years$97,048$46.66/hr
7–10 years$108,694$52.26/hr
11–15 years$118,399$56.92/hr
16+ years$126,162$60.66/hr

Source: NurseSalaryIntel survey data, 2026

Certifications & Pay Impact in Rhode Island

CCRN certification typically adds $4,000–$7,000/year on top of base salary in Rhode Island.

Travel ICU Nurse Pay in Rhode Island

Travel ICU Nurses in Rhode Island typically earn 35–70% more than staff nurses — roughly $145,572$164,982/year when annualized. The premium reflects facility demand, housing stipends, and contract flexibility.

See travel nurse specialty salary data →

National ICU Nurse Salary Overview

For the full national picture — all 50 states, experience breakdowns, and certification premiums — see the complete ICU Nurse salary guide.

View full ICU Nursesalary guide — all states, experience levels & certifications →

📊 Data Methodology

Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.

Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a ICU Nurse make in Rhode Island?
The average ICU Nurse salary in Rhode Island is $97,048/year ($46.66/hr) in 2026. That is 2% above the national average of $95,270/year.
What is the hourly rate for a ICU Nurse in Rhode Island?
ICU Nurses in Rhode Island earn an average of $46.66/hr in 2026. With night shift differentials ($3–$8/hr extra) the effective rate is often higher.
How does Rhode Island rank for ICU Nurse pay?
Rhode Island ranks #11 out of 50 states for ICU Nurse salary. The top-paying state is California at $146,999/year.
Does CCRN certification increase pay in Rhode Island?
Yes. CCRN-certified ICU Nurses in Rhode Island typically earn $4,000–$7,000 more per year than non-certified nurses in the same role. Many hospital systems also pay a certification differential of $1–$3/hr.
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