Electrician in Rhode Island

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$70,160

trending_up +12.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering

2,300

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Surging

+9.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$150

Licensing fees

schedule

4 years

Time to complete

route How to become an electrician in Rhode Island

To become a Journeyperson Electrician in Rhode Island, you must complete a four-year apprenticeship, which includes 576 hours of related instruction and 8,000 hours of practical experience. After meeting these prerequisites, you must pass the Rhode Island Journeyperson Electrician Exam. The licensing body is the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit. While Rhode Island does not offer reciprocity with other states, an out-of-state license may be used to qualify for the Rhode Island exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $42,280

25th percentile $47,530

50th (median) $70,160

75th percentile $88,630

90th (experienced) $103,880

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Rhode Island. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing body	Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit
State license	Required
Education	Completion of 576 hours of related instruction.
Experience	8,000.0 hours
Exam	Rhode Island Journeyperson Electrician Exam (Prometric) ($75)
Application fee	$75
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	15.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 18, or 16 if enrolled in a vocational high school program. A criminal background check is required. The application fee is for the exam, and a separate license fee of $72 is required after passing the exam. Journeyperson licenses expire every two years on the licensee's birthday.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit

workspace_premium Rhode Island license tiers

Rhode Island offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Journeyperson	8,000
Contractor (Class A/B)	12,000

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+9.5%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

81,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

818,700

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.78/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleRhode Island license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+9.5%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if an electrician career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as an electrician in Rhode Island? expand_more

In Rhode Island, becoming an electrician requires you to complete the required education (Completion of 576 hours of related instruction.), gain 8,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Rhode Island Journeyperson Electrician Exam (Prometric), and submit your application ($75 fee).

Is an electrician license required in Rhode Island? expand_more

Yes, Rhode Island requires a state license to practice as an electrician. The licensing body is Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit. You must pass the Rhode Island Journeyperson Electrician Exam (Prometric).

What is the average electrician salary in Rhode Island? expand_more

electricians in Rhode Island earn a median of $70,160 annually. — 13% higher than the $62,350 national figure. The range spans from $42,280 at the entry level to $103,880 for top earners.

How expensive is electrician licensing in Rhode Island? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($75) and application fee ($75). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become an electrician in Rhode Island? expand_more

In Rhode Island, becoming an electrician generally takes 4 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

How many CE hours do electricians need in Rhode Island? expand_more

Yes — electricians in Rhode Island must complete 15.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.