If you’re a lover of learning with great problem-solving skills and a talent for working with your hands, becoming an electrician may be just the career path for you!
But how should you go about pursuing it?
Keep reading this article to find out!
Table of Contents
Electrician Job Duties and Skills In Rhode Island
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that electricians should be able to do the following:
- Read blueprints and follow technical diagrams
- Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code
- Install and maintain most wiring, control, and lighting systems
- Inspect electrical components, like transformers and, or circuit breakers
- Identify a wide variety of electrical problems using a variety of testing devices
And more.
Electricians should also possess the following skills:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Time management
- Adaptability and resourcefulness
- Attention to detail
You’ll need to possess a combination of hard and soft skills in order to thrive in this career path!
How to Become an Electrician In Rhode Island
Meet The Requirements
In order to be eligible for an electrical license in Rhode Island, you must be 18 years old or older.
You must also have a high school diploma or a GED
Complete All the Necessary Classroom Hours
You need to make sure you complete 576 classroom hours before you can apply for your electrical license in Rhode Island.
You won’t be able to get your license if you don’t meet this requirement, so be sure to get all your classroom hours.
Complete Your Training
If you do not gain 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience, you won’t be eligible to receive an electrical license in Rhode Island.
To gain the necessary hours, you can try one of these options:
- Work under a licensed electrician during an apprenticeship
- Go to a community college
- Go to a technical school
- Go to a vocational school
Get Your License
Once you’re sure you’ve met all the requirements, you can apply for your electrical license!
To do this, you need to take and pass the electrical exam.
This exam will cover everything from Electrical, Wires, Cables, and Raceways to Heaters, Conductors, Bonding and Voltage.
Training Programs for Electricians In Rhode Island
Here are just a few of the greatest training programs that are available for up-and-coming electricians in Rhode Island!
New England Institute of Technology
The New England Institute of Technology offers an associate electrical technology degree program.
This program specializes in teaching students about electrical science, which can set you apart from the competition.
Industrial and manufacturing automation are among the long list of diverse opportunities that the associate electrical technology degree program can open up for its graduates.
Students in this program will receive hands-on and practical training while learning electrical theory and working in labs.
Of course, students will be trained by experts within the industry, so you can trust that you’re in good hands here!
Community College of Rhode Island
This 4-year program provides students with 576 classroom hours and 8,000 on-the-job training hours, making it the perfect program for anyone looking to meet all of Rhode Island’s licensing requirements without having to go through multiple programs.
Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about being an electrician.
You’ll gain all the knowledge and experience required to pursue your electrical license.
This prestigious program Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT) approved, too, so you know it’s legitimate!
Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln Technical Institute provides 1,200 hours of in-depth instruction.
Students will learn electrical theory, motor theory, and generator theory, as well as more advanced topics such as electrical codes, telecommunications, residential and commercial wiring, and OSHA requirements.
Power generation and distribution, blueprint reading, and semi-conductor applications such as programmatic logic controllers, alarm, and CCTV systems are also taught during this program–which is split into 864 hours of lectures and 336 hours of hands-on, in-shop hours.
According to Lincoln Tech, you will, “Receive hands-on training using tools to properly install and maintain service panels, lighting fixtures, alarm systems, cabling systems, industrial motors, and conduit benders. Learn to install, troubleshoot, and service fire alarm systems, home theater equipment, closed-circuit TV systems, satellite/cable TV equipment, and whole-home automation equipment. Get trained in both the high-and-low voltage sides of the industry.”
This program is also available on a very large variety of campuses and offers several different diploma, certificate, and degree options.
So, it’s a great choice for future electricians who want to carve out their own path, just the way they want it to be!
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| New England Institute of Technology | One New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818-1205 |
| Community College of Rhode Island | 400 East Ave, Warwick, RI 02886 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 622 George Washington Hwy, Lincoln, RI 02865 |
Electrician Salaries In Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, an electrician’s salary will depend greatly on several different factors.
Of course, it’ll depend on knowledge, experience level, and expertise.
But it can also depend on which city the electrician lives in!
Down below, you can take a look at how the average salary varies depending on the city.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $68,718 |
| Warwick | $68,718 |
| Cranston | $68,718 |
| Pawtucket | $68,718 |
| East Providence | $68,718 |
| North Providence | $68,718 |
| Cumberland | $68,718 |
| West Warwick | $68,718 |
| Woonsocket | $68,653 |
| Coventry | $68,588 |
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 | $64,360 | $30.94 | $83,200 | $40,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an electrician in Rhode Island?
It takes about four years to become an electrician in Rhode Island.
Can I become an electrician in Rhode Island with a GED?
Yes, a high school diploma or GED are required to pursue an electrical license in Rhode Island.
How much does an apprentice electrician make per hour in Rhode Island?
Apprentice electricians make about $20 an hour in Rhode Island.
Electrician Info by State
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