Plumber 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
Est. total cost
Time to complete
route How to become a plumber in Rhode Island
To become a licensed Journeyman Plumber in Rhode Island, individuals must complete a five-year apprenticeship program, which includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of theoretical instruction approved by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. After meeting these prerequisites, applicants must pass the Rhode Island Journeyman Plumber Examination. The application fee for the journeyman license is $75, and the exam fee is $55. Licenses must be renewed every two years, requiring 7 hours of continuing education per cycle. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for out-of-state plumbers who can demonstrate equivalent licensing requirements and training.
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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 | 576 hours of theoretical instruction. |
| Experience | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Rhode Island Journeyman Plumber Examination ($55) |
| Application fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 7.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age for apprentice is 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Master Plumber requires 1 year of experience as a licensed Journeyman. Journeyman Plumber exam is 50 multiple-choice questions based on the 2018 IPC (International Plumbing Code). |
Source: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training - Division of Professional Regulation
workspace_premium Rhode Island license tiers
Rhode Island offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | N/A |
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 10,000 |
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_circleLow AI disruption risk