Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in South Kingstown, RI: $42,935 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in South Kingstown, RI earns a median $42,935/year (≈ $20.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in South Kingstown's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $42,721 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Kingstown, RI, certified nursing assistants can expect a median annual salary of $42,935 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $45,007 for the same year. The salary range for CNAs in this area varies widely, from $35,784 at the 10th percentile to $52,076 at the 90th percentile. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price disparities. As many CNAs consider advancing their careers by bridging to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) certifications, understanding the earning potential in South Kingstown becomes critical for making informed career decisions.
About the South Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,784 | $17.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,418 | $18.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,935 | $20.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,954 | $23.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,076 | $25.04 |
Median Salary Position
4.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Kingstown
In South Kingstown, RI, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,292 (2026 est.). At $42,935, the local median is 4.6% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Kingstown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Kingstown Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
South Kingstown median: $42,935/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Kingstown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $45,243 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -4.60% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in South Kingstown, RI earn a median of $42,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 5.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $45,243.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Kingstown has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Kingstown, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $42,935 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,721 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,295
2025 BLS Actual
$40,315
2026 Current Est.
$42,935
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,295 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,915 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,114 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,442 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,068 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,315 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,935 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,726 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Kingstown metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $28,295 (2019) to $40,315 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,726 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,431 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Kingstown 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 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,784 – $38,418 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,418 – $42,935 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,935 – $47,954 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,954 – $52,076 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in South Kingstown
Currently, the job market for certified nursing assistants in South Kingstown is relatively limited, with only five CNAs employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 100.5, slightly above the national average, which impacts the purchasing power of local salaries. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies tend to offer the highest pay, while shifts during nights and weekends can come with differentials of $2 to $4 per hour for evenings and an additional $1 to $3 for weekend shifts. Agency staffing shortages have created premium pay opportunities, particularly for those with CMA certification. To maximize earnings in this South Kingstown market, CNAs should seek roles in high-acuity facilities, consider working on weekends or nights, and explore opportunities to bridge into LPN or RN pathways. Understanding these elements of regional compensation dynamics is essential for navigating one’s career in healthcare.
More salary data for South Kingstown, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $40,315 for certified nursing assistantsin the South Kingstown metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Kingstown 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 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov