Appliance Repair Technician in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Rhode Island employs 60 appliance repair technicians, with a statewide median of $50,170 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.
What Appliance repair technicians Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)
- Rhode Island median pay
- $50,170 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,370
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $63,950
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $72,240
- Employed in Rhode Island
- 60
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $44,390 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for appliance repair technicians in major Rhode Island markets:
- Providence
- $58,540 (100 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island
Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $50,170 median is worth closer to $49,042 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)
Rhode Island is projected to grow appliance repair technicians employment +4.3%, faster than the +2.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements
No state license; EPA 608 needed for sealed-refrigerant appliances — regulated by the No Rhode Island state license.
- Rhode Island does not license appliance repair techs.
- Learn via manufacturer/employer training or a technical program.
- Get EPA Section 608 certification if you service refrigerators or other sealed-refrigerant appliances.
Official requirements: No Rhode Island state license →
Training in Rhode Island
Steady, recession-resistant demand. Manufacturer service certifications and a reliable van/tools set you up to go independent.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:
- New England Institute of Technology — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like fixing things, want a shorter training path, and are interested in eventual self-employment.
Think twice if: Driving to many in-home appointments, lifting heavy appliances, and modest entry wages sound like a poor fit.
Why it's resilient: In-home appliance repair requires physical access, diagnostic judgment, and local customer trust that cannot be done remotely.
First Steps
Look for appliance repair certificate programs or entry-level helper positions at appliance service companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do appliance repair technicians make in Rhode Island?
The median wage for appliance repair technicians in Rhode Island is $50,170 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,370, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $72,240. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Appliance Repair Technician in Rhode Island?
No state license; EPA 608 needed for sealed-refrigerant appliances, overseen by the No Rhode Island state license. Rhode Island does not license appliance repair techs.
Is being an Appliance Repair Technician a good career in Rhode Island?
In-home appliance repair requires physical access, diagnostic judgment, and local customer trust that cannot be done remotely.
Which Rhode Island metros pay appliance repair technicians the most?
Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $58,540. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Appliance Repair Technician in Rhode Island?
Real Rhode Island options include New England Institute of Technology. Most appliance repair technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Appliance Repair Technician a growing career in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island projects appliance repair technicians employment to change +4.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Rhode Island statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9031. Licensing summary compiled from the No Rhode Island state license (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.