Rhode Island onboarding checklist for employers
An onboarding checklist makes sure every new hire gets the same paperwork, notices and training. Here is what changes when the employee works in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island rules that affect this form
| Minimum wage | $16.00 per hour |
|---|---|
| Paid sick leave | Yes: employers with 18+ Rhode Island employees must provide paid sick and safe leave at 1 hour per 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year; smaller employers must provide unpaid leave. Verify |
| Meal breaks | 20-minute unpaid meal period in a 6-hour shift and 30 minutes in an 8-hour shift; exempt: licensed health care facilities and employers with fewer than 3 people on a shift. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
| Other rules to know | Sunday and holiday premium pay (time and a half) applies to many retail and other businesses. Non-competes cannot be enforced against non-exempt employees, low-wage employees, workers 18 or younger, or student interns. |
What to include
- Form I-9 completed by the end of the employee's third day of work
- Federal W-4 and the state withholding form, if the state has one
- Report the new hire to the state new-hire registry
- Required state and federal workplace posters and written notices
- Paid sick leave, break and overtime rules explained in plain terms
- Handbook acknowledgment signed and filed
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an official Rhode Island onboarding checklist form?
Rhode Island does not publish one required onboarding checklist for private employers. Use a clear template and make sure it reflects the Rhode Island rules on this page.
What is the minimum wage in Rhode Island in 2026?
$16.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. $16.00/hour from Jan 1, 2026 (up from $15.00 in 2025). State law already schedules an increase to $17.00 on Jan 1, 2027. No local minimum wages.
Is paid sick leave required in Rhode Island?
Yes: employers with 18+ Rhode Island employees must provide paid sick and safe leave at 1 hour per 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year; smaller employers must provide unpaid leave.
Other Rhode Island forms
Onboarding Checklist by state
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.