Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Bristol, RI: $46.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Bristol, RI runs $46.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,643 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the registered nurse hourly pay in Bristol, RI, is projected to be $46.99, which is slightly below the national median of $49.39. For part-time RNs working three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,879 monthly, which can be beneficial for those seeking flexible schedules. The hourly wage range in Bristol spans from $34.08 for entry-level positions to an impressive $63.93 for seasoned professionals. These figures indicate that registered nurses in various settings—such as hospital floors, ICUs, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics—can expect competitive compensation, though they may face a limited supply of shifts in certain areas. It's critical to recognize that these hourly rates derive from annual salary estimates and reflect the growing demand for nursing professionals in the region as healthcare needs continue to evolve.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.08 | $272.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.64 | $309.11 |
| Median (P50) | $46.99 | $375.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.13 | $409.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.93 | $511.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $46.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.99/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, RI can expect to earn approximately $97,738 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,387. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,879.57 | $8,145 | $97,738 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,127.74 | $4,887 | $58,643 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $751.83 | $3,258 | $39,095 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Bristol) | $46.99 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Bristol, RI earn a median of $97,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,206.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.99/hr = $58,643/year (purchasing power: $58,351).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,738/year (purchasing power: $97,252).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Bristol grew 33.1% from $33.53/hr (2019) to $44.62/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.48/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in Bristol
When considering the financial implications of part-time versus full-time roles, a registered nurse working a 24-hour week could potentially earn about $45,228 annually, compared to full-time RNs benefiting from greater stability and benefits. Those choosing to work per diem in Bristol may find themselves in a lucrative position, billing $50 to $80 per hour, especially within specialized fields like ICU or surgical nursing. Travel nursing remains an attractive option as well, with contracts offering upwards of $2,000 to $4,500 weekly, and exceptional crisis rates of $5,000 to $8,000 for roles in high-demand markets. Compensation structures vary widely across different employers—hospital systems often provide additional benefits like health insurance, while independent agencies might offer higher hourly rates without it. RNs can consider negotiating their rates by highlighting any additional certifications, such as those from specialty organizations, which can enhance their value in the marketplace. In Bristol’s competitive healthcare environment, understanding these dynamics is key to optimizing earnings and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage 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 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Bristol. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov