Plumber Career Guide in Rhode Island
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Rhode Island.
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How to Become a Plumber in Rhode Island
Plumbers normally complete a registered apprenticeship involving paid supervised work and classroom instruction before taking the 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.
Plumber Salary in Rhode Island
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Rhode Island median wage for plumber 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 $62,970, the median wage in Rhode Island is approximately $13,500 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers 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 PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island plumbers must register and train under licensed supervision before advancing to a journeyperson or master classification.
- Register as an apprentice and participate in an approved apprenticeship program.
- Complete the required supervised work hours and related classroom instruction.
- Study plumbing code, mathematics, water supply, drainage, venting, gas piping, blueprint reading, and safety.
- Pass the examination for the applicable journeyperson, master, or limited license.
- Renew the license and complete continuing education required by the Department of Labor and Training.
Plumber 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 OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Rhode Island
Construction Trades Apprenticeship Readiness
Organization: Building Futures Rhode Island
Rhode Island Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires plumbers to hold an apprentice registration or the applicable journeyperson, master, contractor, or limited license through the Department of Labor and Training.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s latest available long-term forecast anticipates steady demand for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters through 2032, with openings arising from construction, infrastructure, and worker replacement.
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 plumber salary in Rhode Island?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Rhode Island is approximately $76,470 per year, or $36.77 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 plumber licensing?
Yes. Rhode Island requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber 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 a plumber 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 plumbers in demand in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 8% from 2022 to 2032. 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 Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Rhode Island Plumber Wages
- Rhode Island Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Rhode Island Plumber Employment Trends
- Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Professional Regulation — Licensing authority. Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Professional Regulation