Electrician in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Rhode Island employs 2,420 electricians, with a statewide median of $74,090 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)
- Rhode Island median pay
- $74,090 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $42,990
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $95,700
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $102,840
- Employed in Rhode Island
- 2,420
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major Rhode Island markets:
- Providence
- $73,980 (3,560 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 $74,090 median is worth closer to $72,424 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)
Rhode Island is projected to grow electricians employment +16.6%, faster than the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 280 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements
Journeyman Electrician license — regulated by the Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation.
- Complete 8,000 hours (four years) of on-the-job experience plus 576 hours of classroom training.
- Pass the journeyman electrician exam.
- Apply to RI DLT; work two more years as a journeyman to qualify for an electrical contractor license.
Official requirements: Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation →
Training in Rhode Island
IBEW/IEC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route to the 8,000 hours. Rhode Island licenses electricians statewide through DLT.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:
- MotoRing Technical Training Institute — Certificate
- New England Institute of Technology — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.
Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.
Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
First Steps
Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Rhode Island?
The median wage for electricians in Rhode Island is $74,090 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $42,990, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $102,840. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in Rhode Island?
Journeyman Electrician license, overseen by the Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation. Complete 8,000 hours (four years) of on-the-job experience plus 576 hours of classroom training.
Is being an Electrician a good career in Rhode Island?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which Rhode Island metros pay electricians the most?
Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $73,980. 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 Electrician in Rhode Island?
Real Rhode Island options include MotoRing Technical Training Institute, New England Institute of Technology. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Electrician a growing career in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island projects electricians employment to change +16.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 280 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 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation (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.