Rhode Island Employment Laws

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country of ancestral origin. Applies to employers with 4 or more employees — broader than federal Title VII.

Rhode Island's minimum wage is $15.00/hour as of January 1, 2025, increasing to $16.00/hour on January 1, 2026, and $17.00/hour on January 1, 2027.

Rhode Island provides up to 8 weeks of paid Temporary Caregiver Insurance (as of January 2026) to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. The state also provides Temporary Disability Insurance for workers unable to work due to their own illness or injury.

Restricts noncompete agreements: they are unenforceable against employees earning 250% or less of the federal poverty level, FLSA nonexempt employees, interns, and workers under 18. Employees must be given 7 business days to rescind acceptance of noncompetes signed at separation.

Employers cannot discharge or retaliate against employees who report violations of law, refuse to violate the law, or participate in hearings or investigations. Employees may sue for reinstatement, back pay, and attorney fees.

Employers cannot pay employees of one sex less than employees of the other sex for comparable work. Employers are also prohibited from asking about salary history during the hiring process.