Rhode Island Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Rhode Island
Average Cost of Trade School in Rhode Island
Most trade programs in Rhode Island are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Rhode Island, compact geography means access is often metro-driven, with demand shaped by coastal infrastructure and facility maintenance.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $9,103 higher than in-state on average.
| Rhode Island Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $5,596 |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $14,699 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Rhode Island
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Rhode Island Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Rhode Island trade training often involves 6–24 months for entry roles, while apprenticeships commonly run 3–5 years with defined training hours and progression steps.
- Licensing can be trade-specific and may involve documented hours and exams for regulated work. Local permitting/inspection may also apply—verify requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities and your municipality.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Rhode Island
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Rhode Island. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $26.22 | $1,049 | $4,546 | $54,544 |
| AV Technician | $32.61 | $1,304 | $5,652 | $67,829 |
| Carpenter | $25.54 | $1,022 | $4,427 | $53,123 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $35.19 | $1,408 | $6,099 | $73,195 |
| CNC Machinist | $24.16 | $967 | $4,188 | $50,253 |
| Construction | $25.64 | $1,026 | $4,444 | $53,331 |
| Concrete Finisher | $28.11 | $1,124 | $4,872 | $58,469 |
| Diesel Technician | $29.18 | $1,167 | $5,058 | $60,694 |
| Electrician | $30.90 | $1,236 | $5,356 | $64,272 |
| Heavy Equipment | $25.23 | $986 | $4,273 | $51,278 |
| HVAC Technician | $28.43 | $1,139 | $4,937 | $59,238 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $28.10 | $1,124 | $4,871 | $58,448 |
| Ironworker | $26.77 | $1,070 | $4,639 | $55,666 |
| Lineworker | $41.92 | $1,677 | $7,266 | $87,199 |
| Marine Mechanic | $29.05 | $1,162 | $5,035 | $60,387 |
| Mason | $27.30 | $1,092 | $4,732 | $56,784 |
| Plumber | $32.76 | $1,280 | $5,546 | $66,554 |
| Roofer | $24.52 | $981 | $4,250 | $51,002 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.95 | $1,009 | $4,371 | $52,446 |
| Welder | $24.80 | $992 | $4,299 | $51,584 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why Rhode Island Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Rhode Island’s trade demand is driven by public infrastructure, healthcare systems, higher education campuses, utilities, and ongoing renovation of older buildings. Because much of the state’s building stock is decades old, skilled electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, pipefitters, and sheet metal workers are consistently needed for upgrades, compliance work, and system replacements.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Rhode Island students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Providence metro: Hospitals, universities, government buildings, and commercial renovations drive steady mechanical and electrical work.
- Warwick & Cranston: Utilities, transportation infrastructure, and municipal projects support skilled trades.
- Statewide: Older residential and mixed-use buildings require ongoing electrical, plumbing, and HVAC modernization.
Major Employers and Contractors in Rhode Island
Tradespeople in Rhode Island frequently work with institutional owners, utilities, and established regional contractors, including:
- Gilbane Building Company — Large commercial, healthcare, and institutional construction projects throughout the state.
- Lifespan Health System — Hospital facilities requiring continuous mechanical and electrical maintenance.
- Rhode Island Energy — Electrical and gas utility infrastructure supporting licensed trades.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is one of the most union-dense states in the country for construction and mechanical trades. Union labor dominates public works, healthcare, institutional construction, and large commercial projects. Non-union opportunities exist but are more limited and typically concentrated in small residential or service-oriented work.
Union Apprenticeships in Rhode Island
Union apprenticeship programs are the primary entry point for many skilled trades in Rhode Island, offering structured training and access to prevailing-wage projects:
- IBEW Local 99 — Electrical apprenticeships serving Providence and surrounding areas.
- UA Local 51 — Plumbers and pipefitters supporting hospitals, universities, and municipal systems.
- SMART Local 17 — Sheet metal fabrication and HVAC-related apprenticeships across the state.
- Laborers’ International Union Local 271 — Infrastructure, utility, and public works construction.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union routes in Rhode Island are primarily found in small residential contractors and service-focused companies. These roles often involve retrofit work, service calls, and smaller private projects rather than large institutional builds.
Because prevailing-wage laws and union agreements are common on public projects, many tradespeople pursuing long-term careers in Rhode Island ultimately seek union affiliation.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Highly structured, union-run apprenticeship programs | Employer-led, typically informal |
| Pay Progression | Prevailing wage scales with scheduled increases | Negotiated individually with employer |
| Benefits | Pension, healthcare, and retirement plans | Often limited or employer-dependent |
| Project Types | Public works, healthcare, higher education, utilities | Residential and small private projects |
| Best Fit For | Those seeking stability and prevailing-wage work | Those focused on small-scale or service work |