Lineworker Career Guide in Rhode Island
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Rhode Island.
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How to Become a Lineworker in Rhode Island
The regional outside-line apprenticeship is a direct route. Public-power or utility positions provide additional employer-based progression when openings are available.
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.
Lineworker Salary in Rhode Island
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Rhode Island median wage for lineworker 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 $92,560, the median wage in Rhode Island is approximately $12,060 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers 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 PREPARATIONLineworker Training Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island lineworkers commonly enter through an outside-line apprenticeship or a utility employer’s supervised training pathway.
- Meet employer education, physical, and commercial-driver requirements.
- Learn line construction, climbing, rigging, and electrical safety.
- Complete paid supervised work before advancing to journey-level duties.
- Confirm licensing separately for building-electrical or other regulated contracting work.
Lineworker Training Providers in Rhode Island
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island — related electrical training | Lincoln | View Program |
| New England Institute of Technology — related electrical technology | East Greenwich | View Program |
| William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical High School — electrical technology | Lincoln | View Program |
| Providence Career and Technical Academy — electrical trades | Providence | 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 OPPORTUNITIESLineworker Apprenticeship Programs in Rhode Island
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island regulates electricians and electrical contractors, but a general individual lineworker license was not identified in the state’s published licensed-occupation list. Confirm licensing for the particular utility, contractor, underground, or building-electrical assignment.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in Rhode Island
Rhode Island projects 10% growth from 2024 to 2034 and approximately 20 annual openings.
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 lineworker salary in Rhode Island?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Rhode Island is approximately $104,620 per year, or $50.30 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 lineworker licensing?
Licensing requirements for lineworker workers in Rhode Island vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Professional Regulation before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a lineworker in Rhode Island?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 3–4 Years to Journey Level, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are lineworkers in demand in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 10% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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 Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Rhode Island Lineworker Wages
- Rhode Island Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Rhode Island Lineworker Employment Trends
- Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Professional Regulation — Licensing authority. Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Professional Regulation