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In this state, electrician licenses are managed by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit.
If you want to know the training requirements, read on for tips and info.
Article Table of Contents
Become an Apprentice
Becoming an apprentice is the first step to becoming an electrician.
Trade schools
Vocational colleges give you the chance to get an associate’s degree in electrical technology.
However, you will need to find your own ways to get the required practical experience unless your school offers.
Some colleges provide job placement after the program is completed.
There are many classes you will take, such as:
- Building Automation
- Conduit Bending and Fabrication
- Low Voltage Systems
- Motors
- Photovoltaics Systems (solar power)
- Test Instruments
- Transformer Principles
- National Electric Code
- First Aid/OSHA
- Blueprint Reading
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| New England Institute of Technology | 1 New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, RI 02818 |
Apprenticeship Programs
Union programs typically satisfy both the theory and practical hours required for a journeyman license.
To get into one, you also need to register with the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Apprenticeship programs are provided through JATCs and usually also provide an employment place.
Non-union programs are offered through the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc (ABC) and Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).
The enrolling criteria are similar for both:
- Be 18 years old
- High school diploma/GED
- One year of algebra
- Birth certificate copy and school transcripts
- A skill test
While a union apprenticeship offers both training and employment options, the spots are limited and it is more competitive.
In a non-union program, you can still find an entry-level position through the non-union electrical companies in your area.
Become a Journeyman Electrician
To apply for a journeyman license, you will need:
- 576 hours of schooling
- 8,000 hours over 4 years of job experience
- Pass the journeyman electrician exam
If you choose a Limited Journeyperson license that allows you to do repairs only, you will need 4,000 hours of experience.
As a journeyman, you will be able to work on projects without being supervised.
Your new license will have to be renewed once in 2 years, for which you need 15 extra hours of education.
Become an Independent Electrical Contractor
If you want to hire other electricians and run a business, you will need an independent contractor license.
This certification requires:
- 6 years experience as an electrician
- 2 years experience as a certified journeyman electrician
To take the exam, you first need to submit an application and submit it to the Department of Labor and Training.
Salary
Electricians in Rhode Island earn on average more than the median national salary, though the accumulated experience can further increase their earnings.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $51,511 |
| Cranston | $51,511 |
| Warwick | $51,511 |
| Pawtucket | $51,511 |
| East Providence | $51,511 |
| Woonsocket | $51,463 |
| Cumberland | $51,511 |
| Coventry | $51,414 |
| North Providence | $51,511 |
| Johnston | $51,511 |
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 | 2,580 | $68,530 | $32.95 | $100,530 | $43,750 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
You need to renew your electrical contractor license once at 2 years.
You will also need to take 15 additional hours of class before renewing it.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State