RI

Certifications & licenses in Rhode Island

Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 27 professional credentials in RI. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.

Tracked careers
27
Top-paying
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
$90,040
insights

What's different about Rhode Island

Licensing landscape
Rhode Island Department of Health
15
distinct boards
MASSAGE THERAPY

As of January 1, 2025, new applicants for a massage therapy license must complete 800 hours of education, an increase from the previous 650-hour requirement.

Rhode Island Board of Massage Therapy

EMT

All levels of EMS practitioner licensure in Rhode Island require current certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) as of 2024.

Rhode Island Department of Health

ELECTRICIAN

To become a Journeyperson Electrician, Rhode Island requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and 576 hours of classroom instruction over four years.

Department of Labor and Training

LICENSURE

For many professions, including massage therapy and electricians, applicants must undergo a national criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting.

Rhode Island Department of Health

Metro concentration
Where certified careers cluster
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
31,520 jobs
Healthcare Support Occupations
BLS OEWS May 2023
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
67,460 jobs
Office and Administrative Support Occupations
BLS OEWS May 2023
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
12,000 jobs
Community and Social Service Occupations
BLS OEWS May 2023
Cost-of-living adjusted
What nominal wages are actually worth in Rhode Island
112.2
COL composite index
World Population Review 2025
11th highest in US
National rank

Household expenses in Rhode Island are 16% higher than the national average, with residents paying around $2,469 monthly for common bills.

Regional comparison
Rhode Island vs. neighboring states
Certified Nursing Assistant · Median annual wage
State Median annual wage vs RI
RI $39,490
CT $38,280 -3% vs RI
MA $41,390 +5% vs RI
Massage Therapist · Required training hours
State Required training hours vs RI
RI 800 hours
CT 750 hours -50 hours
MA 650 hours -150 hours
Sources (11)
health_and_safety

Healthcare in Rhode Island

13 paths
Career License Median salary
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Required $44,160
Dental Assistant No $48,060
EMT Required $49,500
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Required $77,940
Medical Assistant No $45,820
Medical Coder No $63,330
Paramedic Required $49,500
Pharmacy Technician Required $37,730
Phlebotomist Required $47,650
Radiology Technologist Required $84,630
Respiratory Therapist Required $83,600
Surgical Technologist No $68,280
Dental Hygienist Required $82,870
construction

Trades in Rhode Island

8 paths
Career License Median salary
CDL Truck Driver Required $59,710
Electrician Required $70,160
HVAC Technician Required $63,580
Plumber Required $64,630
Welder Required $57,000
Barber Required
Cosmetologist Required $30,510
Massage Therapist Required
business_center

Professional in Rhode Island

6 paths
Career License Median salary
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Required $90,040
Notary Public Required
Paralegal No $54,540
Personal Trainer No $43,980
Insurance Agent Required $74,360
Real Estate Agent Required $55,460

leaderboard Rhode Island careers ranked by salary

Compare other states