Electrician Career Guide in Rhode Island
Explore electrician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Rhode Island.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become an Electrician in Rhode Island
Electricians normally complete a registered apprenticeship with paid supervised work and classroom instruction before becoming eligible for a journeyperson examination.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Electrician Salary in Rhode Island
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Rhode Island median wage for electrician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,350, the median wage in Rhode Island is approximately $11,280 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Electricians in Rhode Island
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONElectrician Training Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island electricians must register and train under proper supervision before advancing to a licensed classification.
- Register as an apprentice and participate in an approved apprenticeship or equivalent qualifying pathway.
- Complete the required supervised work hours and related classroom instruction.
- Study electrical theory, code, safety, wiring methods, motors, controls, and blueprint reading.
- Pass the examination for the applicable journeyperson, limited, or contractor license.
- Renew the license and complete continuing education when required by the Department of Labor and Training.
Electrician Training Providers in Rhode Island
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich | View Program |
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick | View Program |
| William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical High School | Lincoln | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESElectrician Apprenticeship Programs in Rhode Island
State Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Electrician Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires electricians to hold an appropriate state license or apprentice registration. Journeyperson and contractor applicants must document qualifying training and experience and pass the applicable examination.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSElectrician Job Outlook in Rhode Island
Rhode Island projects electrician employment to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 2,620 to 3,050 jobs, with about 280 openings annually.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the electrician salary in Rhode Island?
The statewide median wage for electricians in Rhode Island is approximately $73,630 per year, or $35.40 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Rhode Island require electrician licensing?
Yes. Rhode Island requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt electrician work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Professional Regulation.
How long does it take to become an electrician in Rhode Island?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are electricians in demand in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island projects electrician employment to grow by approximately 17% from 2024 to 2034, with about 280 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Rhode Island Wages for Electrician (SOC 47-2111) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Rhode Island Electrician Wages
- Rhode Island Electrician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Rhode Island Electrician Employment Trends
- Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Professional Regulation — Licensing authority. Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Professional Regulation