HVAC Technician in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.
Jobs (RI)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become an hvac technician in Rhode Island
To become an HVAC Technician in Rhode Island, individuals must obtain a license through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation. The primary path is through a state-approved apprenticeship program, requiring either 5 years (10,000 hours) of on-the-job training with 144 hours of classroom instruction per year for a Journeyperson Class I license, or 4,000 hours of on-the-job training with 288 hours of classroom education for a Journeyperson Class II license. After completing the apprenticeship, applicants must pass the relevant Journeyperson exam and pay the application fee. Rhode Island does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for HVAC licenses, and all individuals handling refrigerants must also hold an EPA Section 608 Certification.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
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 Professional Regulation |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Journeyperson Class I (Unlimited): 144 hours of related classroom instruction per year of apprenticeship (5 years total) OR 432 hours of HVAC schooling (3 years total). Journeyperson Class II (Limited): 288 hours of classroom education. |
| Experience | 10,000.0 hours |
| Exam | RI Refrigeration Journeyperson Class I Exam ($75) |
| Application fee | $72 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Journeyperson Class I requires 5 years (10,000 hours) of on-the-job training. Journeyperson Class II requires 4,000 hours of on-the-job training. Master licenses require additional experience as a licensed journeyperson. All individuals handling refrigerants must also hold an EPA Section 608 Certification. Rhode Island does not offer reciprocity for mechanical or refrigeration licenses. |
Source: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation
workspace_premium Rhode Island license tiers
Rhode Island offers multiple tiers of hvac technician licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Journeyperson | 10,000 |
| Master | 2,000 |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleRhode Island license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+8.1%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk