Licensing Guides
Rhode Island Electrical License: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Rhode Island
Electrical, RI
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Rhode Island?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician License in Rhode Island?
Does My Rhode Island Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
Other Requirements Unique to Rhode Island
Continuing Education
Being an electrician isn’t just a job, it’s a solid career path. Electrical contractors enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities and earn a respectable income. There’s also job security—customers will always need skilled trade professionals to install and service electrical systems in their homes and businesses.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 711,200 electricians nationwide and 2,210 work in Rhode Island. The national number is predicted to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031. That growth rate is expected to be much higher in Rhode Island — projected at a whopping 20% according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Many contractors nationwide are trying to find skilled tradesmen. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 2022 AGC-Autodesk Workforce Survey, 93% of firms in the U.S. had unfilled hourly craft positions like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians. So, if you get the training you need you will have a lot of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
The process of becoming an electrician takes time, but you get paid while you learn and gain experience.
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Licensing Requirements for Electricians in Rhode Island
Is a license required for electricians in Rhode Island? Yes.
The state of Rhode Island requires a license to perform electrical work. That issues licenses for license for apprentices, journeymen, and master electricians. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Division of Professional Regulations Unit is responsible for issuing electrician licenses. Electricians must comply with local building codes and follow the National Electric Code (NEC).
Steps to Get an Electrician License in Rhode Island
Gain the necessary work experience and classroom training as an apprentice to earn your journeyman electrician license.
Take an pass an exam to become a journeyman electrician.
Obtain an independent electrical contractor's license after two years as a licensed journeyman electrician and passing the required exam.
How to Become an Electrician in Rhode Island
GAIN NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: To be eligible for the Rhode Island journeyman electrician exam, you need to complete 8,000 hours (four years) of on-the-job experience as well as 576 hours of classroom training. You can obtain the required experience and training at a technical school or through an apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
The state of Rhode Island offers both union and non-union apprenticeship programs. The Department of Labor and Training Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety’s Rhode Island Apprenticeship Program provides resources for electrical apprentices.
In Rhode Island, local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union chapters partner with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to offer apprenticeships through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) offices.
Trade associations like the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC) and Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) provide non-union apprenticeships, including the ABC affiliate program available in Pawtucket.
Most technical schools and apprenticeship programs require you to be 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver’s license, and pass an aptitude test.
BECOME JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN: After gaining the 8,000 hours (four years) of on-the-job experience as well as 576 hours of classroom training, you become eligible for the journeyman electrician exam, administered by the State of Rhode Island. The exam covers general trade knowledge, electrical systems, and the National Electrical Code book.
After passing the exam and paying a $72 license fee, you can obtain your journeyman electrician's license by submitting a licensing application.
Send the completed application form to:
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulation Unit 1511 Pontiac Avenue PO Box 20247 Cranston, RI 02920-0943
Rhode Island journeyman electrician licensees must pay $72 to renew their licenses and complete 15 hours of continuing education every two years.
OBTAIN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE (Master): Being an independent electrical contractor in Rhode Island means you can offer your services to the public, hire electricians, and run your own business. After completing the required six years of work experience, with at least two years serving as a licensed journeyman electrician, you become eligible for the electrical contractor exam, administered by The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Division of Professional Regulations Unit. After passing the test, there is a $240 fee to receive your electrician's license.
Rhode Island electrical contractor licensees (master electrician) must pay $240 to renew their licenses and complete 15 hours of continuing education every two years.
Types of Electrical Licensure in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers several classifications of electrician licenses: journeyman, master (contractor) electrician as well as specialty electrical licenses based on training and experience including those listed below and more.
Limited Electrician/Manufacturers
Limited Electrician/Non-Manufacturers
Master Oil Burner Electrician
Journeyman Oil Burner Electrician
Master Alarm Electrician
Journeyman Alarm Electrician
Electric Sign Contractor
Electric Sign Installer
Benefits of Becoming a Licensed Contractor in Rhode Island
There are many benefits to pursuing a Rhode Island electrician license:
Most important, Rhode Island requires a state license to legally perform electrical work.
A trade license provides proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed electricians can: work independently as an electrical contractor, operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance and bonding, pull electrical permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
A license protects your company and customers.
Licensure gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential as an electrician.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrician in Rhode Island?
The annual mean pay for electricians in Rhode Island is $59,940 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience, according to Indeed.com.
Electrician Apprentice: The average pay for an electrician apprentice is $20.75 per hour in Rhode Island and $6,000 overtime per year.
Electrician: The average pay for an electrician apprentice is $37.90 per hour in Rhode Island and $9,438 overtime per year.
Master Electrician: The average pay for an electrician apprentice is $41.71 per hour in Rhode Island.
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Rhode Island?
Overall cost may vary depending on your choice of preliminary electrical education. Each of the licenses has a different fee. Journeyman licenses cost $72 and require a renewal fee of $72 every two years. Electrical contractor (master) licenses cost $240, and corporate contractor licenses cost $200. All require renewal every two years at the same rate.
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How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician License in Rhode Island?
Obtaining an electrician license in Rhode Island takes a minimum of four years of hands-on experience combined with at least 576 hours of classroom instruction. Electrical contractors in Rhode Island need six years of experience, with at least two years serving as a licensed journeyman electrician.
Rhode Island Electrician Training Programs and Schools
Many community colleges, trade schools, and technical and vocational schools offer the necessary training to become an electrical professional in Rhode Island. You can find training opportunities all over the state, including in bigger cities and smaller communities.
Rhode Island trade schools
New England Institute of Technology, East Greenwich, RI
Providence Career & Technical Academy, Providence, RI
Community College of Rhode Island, Pawtucket, RI
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs
Aspiring electrical apprentices are responsible for securing employment as an apprentice on their own, but may find resources through the Rhode Island Apprenticeship Program and their partnership with Apprenticeship Rhode Island. Becoming a registered apprentice is a proven path to gaining the paid training you need to increase your skill levels and wages.
In Rhode Island, local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union chapters partner with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to offer apprenticeships through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) offices.
Trade associations like the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC) and Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) provide non-union apprenticeships. The Rhode Island Construction Training Academy also places apprentices with local non-unionized employers.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Division of Professional Regulations Unit (DLT) issues electrician licenses.
Does My Rhode Island Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
Rhode Island does not offer reciprocity with any other states. However, you may submit an active out-of-state license with a notarized letter from your previous employer to take the place of Rhode Island's educational requirements.
Other Requirements Unique to Rhode Island
To keep your state-issued license current, Rhode Island requires you to renew it before it expires every two years. The fees for renewal are listed here.
Continuing Education
Rhode Island requires 15 hours of continuing education for every two year cycle of licensing for both journeyman and contractor (master) electricians. You must receive that continuing education from an approved provider.
National Electrician Certifications
While optional, national certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency in certain aspects of the electrical trade to potential employers and clients, which often translates into more job opportunities and higher pay.
These include the Independent Electrical Contractors’ Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) distinction, certification through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), among dozens of additional electrician certifications available.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow an electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s Toolbox for the Trades podcast.
