Pipefitter in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Rhode Island employs 1,820 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $76,470 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.

What Pipefitters Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)

Rhode Island median pay: $76,470 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $49,680
Experienced (75th percentile): $107,350
Top earners (90th percentile): $110,360
Employed in Rhode Island: 1,820
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major Rhode Island markets:

Providence: $79,820 (3,000 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 $76,470 median is worth closer to $74,751 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)

Rhode Island is projected to grow pipefitters employment +17.9%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 240 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements

Pipefitter license (apprentice/journeyman/master) — regulated by the Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation (pipefitter license).

Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
Complete on-the-job training plus related instruction.
Rhode Island licenses pipefitters through DLT — pass the journeyman exam.

Official requirements: Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation (pipefitter license) →

Training in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is one of the states that licenses pipefitters directly. High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping.

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 want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.

Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

First Steps

Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do pipefitters make in Rhode Island?

The median wage for pipefitters in Rhode Island is $76,470 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,680, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $110,360. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in Rhode Island?

Pipefitter license (apprentice/journeyman/master), overseen by the Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation (pipefitter license). Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).

Is being a Pipefitter a good career in Rhode Island?

Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

Which Rhode Island metros pay pipefitters the most?

Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $79,820. 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 a Pipefitter in Rhode Island?

Real Rhode Island options include New England Institute of Technology. Most pipefitters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Pipefitter a growing career in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island projects pipefitters employment to change +17.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 240 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 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the Rhode Island DLT — Division of Professional Regulation (pipefitter 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.