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How to Become a Journeyman Electrician in Rhode Island
The full path in Rhode Island: licensing requirements, the state exam, fees, IBEW and registered apprenticeship options, realistic apprentice pay, the master tier, and reciprocity with other states.
0 hrs
Required documented experience
$0
journeyman fees
2 IBEW locals
Union apprenticeship paths
$44.91/hr
State median, all tiers (from 1 postings)
1. Rhode Island journeyman licensing requirements
Hour requirements change periodically — verify current hours with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (Department of Business Regulation) before planning your apprenticeship. The remaining requirements below are current as documented.
- Exam: required — No reciprocity — Rhode Island requires all applicants to pass the state exam. No reciprocal partners.
- journeyman fee: $0 (Class A (Master) / B (Journeyman) / C (Apprentice) fees per DBR schedule — see board for current amounts.)
2. Apprenticeship paths: IBEW union + registered programs
2 IBEW locals serve Rhode Island (Locals 1196, 2323). Union apprentices train through the local JATC while earning a scaled wage. Browse Rhode Island IBEW locals →
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapters also run accredited programs — chapter directories are being added to this guide.
3. Timeline and cost: what apprentices earn
Apprentice-specific postings are still thin for Rhode Island. Across 1 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $44.91/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this. See live ranges on our pay page for Rhode Island →
4. Going further: the master electrician tier
Masters can pull permits, supervise journeymen, and run contracting businesses.
5. Take your license on the road: reciprocity
Rhode Island offers no formal journeyman reciprocity — out-of-state electricians apply through the standard path. Details and alternatives: Rhode Island reciprocity guide →
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to become a journeyman electrician in Rhode Island?
Hour requirements vary — verify current hours with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (Department of Business Regulation).
What does an electrical apprentice earn in Rhode Island?
Based on 1 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $44.91/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this.
Can I apprentice through the union in Rhode Island?
Yes — 2 IBEW locals serve Rhode Island with registered apprenticeship programs.
Keep exploring
Journeyman pay in Rhode Island
Market rates from live postings vs BLS vs IBEW scale.
IBEW locals in Rhode Island
Union halls, apprenticeship programs, and scales.
Rhode Island prevailing wage
Davis-Bacon rates by county and classification.
Where the work is
Data center builds on the live construction map.
Rhode Island reciprocity guide
Partner states, fees, timelines, and transfer steps.
All state pathways
Compare the journeyman path across all 51 jurisdictions.