Cranston vs Warwick: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Cranston, RI and Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cranston, RI | Warwick, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,989 | $107,317▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.55 | $51.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,845 | $74,984▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,263 | $87,256▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,292 | $124,315▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,025 | $151,638▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Warwick, RI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cranston.
The salary gap between Cranston and Warwick is $6,328 (6.27%). Warwick's median is +4.47% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cranston spans $72,180,Warwick spans $76,654. Warwick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Warwick ($106,783 effective) pays 6.27% more than Cranston ($100,487 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cranston if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Warwick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,317/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,638)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,783)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Cranston grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Warwick over the same period.
Cranston, RI
$92,407 (2024) → $95,897 (2025)
Warwick, RI
$95,422 (2024) → $101,906 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cranston, RI
Warwick, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Cranston or Warwick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cranston and Warwick?
Should I relocate from Cranston to Warwick as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Cranston vs Warwick?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov