Licensed Practical Nurse in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Allied healthcare

Rhode Island employs 1,290 LVNs, with a statewide median of $80,090 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.

What LVNs Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Rhode Island markets:

What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island

Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $80,090 median is worth closer to $78,289 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)

Rhode Island is projected to grow LVNs employment +1.0%, slower than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Board of Nurse Registration & Nursing Education.

1. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
2. Apply to RI DOH and clear a background check.
3. Pass the NCLEX-PN. Note: Rhode Island is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you'll hold an RI-specific license.

Official requirements: Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Board of Nurse Registration & Nursing Education →

Training in Rhode Island

Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Because Rhode Island isn't a compact state, plan to license directly with DOH.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:

• Community College of Rhode Island — Certificate / Associate
• Lincoln Technical Institute-Lincoln — Certificate
• New England Institute of Technology — Certificate

Where LVNs Work in Rhode Island

Real Rhode Island nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:

• St Antoine Residence — North Smithfield
• Berkshire Place — Providence
• Coventry Operations RI LLC dba Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center of RI — Coventry
• Elmhurst Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center — Providence
• Lincolnwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center — North Providence
• Riverview Healthcare Community — Coventry

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.

Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.

Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.

First Steps

Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Rhode Island statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Board of Nurse Registration & Nursing Education (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.