CNA Jobs in Rhode Island: Where the Work Is and What It Pays
Job boards will show you hundreds of open CNA positions across Rhode Island — but they won't tell you which settings pay more, how per-diem apps change the math, or which employers will pay for your training. This guide does.
Already certified? Skip to the employers. Not yet? Start with how to become a CNA in Rhode Island — some of the employers below will train you free.
CNA Pay in Rhode Island by Setting
Rates move constantly, but the pattern holds:
| Setting | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | Upper-teens to mid-$20s/hr | Union roles at major hospitals; differentials for nights/weekends |
| Per-diem apps (IntelyCare, Nursa, ShiftKey) | Low-to-high $20s/hr | Highest hourly rates; no benefits, no guaranteed hours |
| Staffing agencies | ~$23–25/hr | Weekly pay, flexible scheduling |
| Nursing homes / long-term care | Upper-teens to low-$20s/hr | Most openings; shift differentials common |
| Home care | Upper-teens/hr | Flexible, one-on-one care; mileage matters |
The pattern: staff nursing-home rates are the floor, hospital and per-diem rates are the ceiling. Many RI CNAs combine a part-time staff job (for benefits) with per-diem shifts (for the rate).
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Top CNA Employers in Rhode Island
- Brown University Health (Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam, Hasbro, Newport Hospital) — the state's largest health system, and it runs a free 14-week nursing assistant training program through its workforce development arm that feeds directly into jobs.
- Care New England (Kent Hospital, Women & Infants, Butler) — the other major hospital system; see our Brown Health vs Care New England comparison.
- Saint Elizabeth Community (Warwick and statewide) — offers free 8-week evening CNA classes; graduates commit to working at least 24 hrs/week there for a year. A genuine train-to-hire pipeline.
- Grace Barker Health (Warren) — runs its own free in-house CNA training course taught by staff.
- Major nursing home and assisted-living groups — the highest volume of openings statewide, often with sign-on bonuses in tight markets.
- Home care agencies (Senior Helpers and many others) — steady demand, flexible hours.
Per-Diem Apps: How They Work in RI
IntelyCare, Nursa, and ShiftKey let certified CNAs pick up individual shifts at facilities across Rhode Island at posted hourly rates — frequently in the mid-$20s. The trade-offs are real: no benefits, shifts can be cancelled, and facilities give app workers the least orientation. They work best as a supplement, or as a way to audition facilities before taking a staff job. More in our per-diem nursing guide.
How to Get Hired
Certification current? Verify your listing on the RI nurse aide registry — employers check it first.
Apply in batches. Facilities respond fast when short-staffed; apply to 5–10 at once and let them compete.
Ask about differentials and bonuses — evening/night/weekend differentials of $1–3/hr are common and rarely advertised.
Prep the interview. Our CNA interview questions guide covers exactly what RI facilities ask.
Negotiate with per-diem leverage. Knowing app rates gives you a credible number when discussing staff pay.
Getting organized: the Rhode Island CNA Starter Kit ($14.99) bundles application trackers, registry-renewal reminders, and first-90-days checklists. The free CNA Starter Checklist covers the basics.
FAQ
What does a CNA make in Rhode Island?
Most roles land between the upper teens and mid-$20s per hour depending on setting; per-diem shifts often post the highest rates. Check live postings for current numbers.
Which pays more — hospitals or nursing homes?
Hospitals generally pay more per hour and add differentials, but have fewer openings and prefer experience. Nursing homes hire new grads readily.
Can I work as a CNA while in nursing school?
Yes — it's the classic path. Per-diem flexibility fits clinical schedules, and hospital CNA experience strengthens RN program applications and residency offers.
Do RI employers really pay for CNA training?
Yes — Saint Elizabeth Community, Grace Barker Health, and Brown University Health all run free programs, typically with a work commitment after certification.
Is there a CNA shortage in Rhode Island?
Demand has stayed strong statewide, especially in long-term care — which is why train-to-hire programs and sign-on bonuses persist.
Pay figures shift with the market — verify current rates on live postings before negotiating.