How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Rhode Island?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Rhode Island costs $405 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $130, license fee $75). Renewal runs $110 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in Rhode Island?

Licensed registered nurses in Rhode Island earn a median salary of $87,720/year, compared to $42,840/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › Rhode Island

Registered Nurse License Cost in Rhode Island 2026: $405 Fees, $88K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Rhode Island costs $405 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in Rhode Island — Key Numbers

$405

Upfront Cost

$88K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$110

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Rhode Island

Exam fee $200

Application fee $130

Initial license fee $75

Total upfront $405

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $110

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (Rhode Island) $42,840/yr

Salary with license (Rhode Island) $87,720/yr

5-year net ROI $224K

Licensing body: Rhode Island Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in Rhode Island — What to Know

Rhode Island RN demand is driven by hospital systems, long-term care, and home health agencies. The $88K median reflects the state's wage scale — solid earning potential with lower cost of living than coastal markets. The NCLEX-RN ($200) plus state fees brings the typical upfront licensing cost to $400–$600. Specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, ONC) carry meaningful salary premiums in Rhode Island's hospital systems. RN-to-BSN completion programs are widely available in the state.

Payback Calculator

Your Current Salary

Total Upfront Cost

Expected Salary with License in Rhode Island

Other License Costs in Rhode Island

Real Estate Agent → Cosmetologist → CPA →

← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in Rhode Island · Payback period by state

Embed this calculator

Add this free calculator to your website or blog — no signup required.

<iframe
  src="https://certpayback.com/licenses/nursing/rhode-island?embed=true&utm_source=embed&utm_medium=iframe&utm_campaign=widget"
  title="Registered Nurse License Cost in Rhode Island 2026: $405 Fees, $88K Salary"
  width="100%"
  height="520"
  style="border:none; border-radius:8px; box-shadow:0 1px 4px rgba(0,0,0,.12);"
  loading="lazy"
  allowtransparency="true"
></iframe>