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Those living in Rhode Island and with a passion for driving and truck can consider starting a new career in the trucking industry.
Article Table of Contents
Getting Trained
Before you start your new career, you have to enroll in a specialized school and get a diploma.
Rhode Island, being a small state, has a few such schools.
Depending on the program and its duration, the tuition can vary from school to school.
Remember that you could also obtain a scholarship or your employer can pay for your education if you seek another position within your company.
These options will reduce the amount of money you’ll have to pay.
Have a look at the schools below, and find one near you.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island - CWCE Warwick | 400 East Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-1807 |
| Community College of Rhode Island - CWCE Lincoln | 1762 Louisquisset Pike Lincoln, RI 02865 |
| Community College of Rhode Island - CWCE Providence | One Hilton Street Providence, RI 02905 |
| International CDL LLC | 2227 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI 02919, USA |
| Nationwide Diesel Technologies | 125 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, RI 02917, USA |
| NETTTS Tractor Trailer Training School | 600 Moshassuck Valley Industrial Highway, Pawtucket, RI 02860 |
| Teamsters Local 251 Drivers Training School | 121 Brightridge Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 |
Choosing a Truck Driving School
Attending a training program for your future career will ensure you’ll be fully prepared for it.
Truck drivers, for instance, might be expected to know and be able to load or unload their trucks in a safe manner.
You’ll also earn how to handle hazardous materials under strict safety standards if you think you’ll need this endorsement.
However, remember that only people over the age of 21 can drive and handle hazardous materials.
For instance, one of the schools where you can learn all the above and more is the New England Tractor Trailer Training School.
The school has programs that last between 160 hours and 540 hours.
The shorter programs are basic, whereas the longer ones will offer in-depth training for the chosen certificate.
The longer programs are designed for those who want to become diesel mechanics.
Get Hired in Rhode Island
You can get hired right after receiving your degree.
There are also many companies where you can find employment, such as repair shops and truck dealers among others.
In Rhode Island the job outlook is strong.
The demand for truck drivers is expected to rise 17%, while diesel mechanics can expect to see 8% more job openings.
The salaries in Rhode Island for the trucking industry are influenced by many factors, including experience and certification.
Truck drivers can expect a median salary of $46,701 annually.
The average salary for the truck drivers in the 10% in Rhode Island, is around $54,116 per year.
From the table below you’ll see the annual income for these professionals is pretty stable in the state’s major cities.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $46,922 |
| Cranston | $46,922 |
| Warwick | $46,922 |
| Pawtucket | $46,922 |
| East Providence | $46,922 |
| Woonsocket | $46,878 |
| Cumberland | $46,922 |
| Coventry | $46,834 |
| North Providence | $46,922 |
| Johnston | $46,922 |
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 4,980 | $57,140 | $27.47 | $71,350 | $42,360 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Conclusion
While you’ll have strict rules to follow, the trucking industry is easy to enter right after graduating and offers many career opportunities.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
CDL Schools by State