Rhode Island Electrician Pay by Trade
Updated 2026-10-29 · 0 trades with 5+ disclosed-pay postings
The Rhode Island electrician labor market
Rhode Island is a compact, Providence-centered electrician market where healthcare, higher education, and offshore-wind staging sustain demand disproportionate to the state's size. Providence's hospital systems (Lifespan, Care New England), Brown and RISD capital programs, and downtown commercial work provide the steadiest volume; Quonset Point adds port logistics, submarine-supply manufacturing (Electric Boat supplier base), and the Revolution Wind staging operation — the state's signature energy project. Newport's hospitality and defense-adjacent (NUWC Newport) work rounds out the regions. Licensing is state-level (journeyman, contractor) with consistent enforcement — portable statewide by necessity in a 48-mile state. Union density is high on public and institutional work relative to size (Local 99 Providence anchors the organized market); state prevailing wage covers public works, lifting school and municipal rates. Workforce dynamics are defined by Boston gravity: rates shadow Massachusetts at a discount while housing costs shadow it at a premium — the squeeze pushes some journeymen to commute north and others to settle for the lifestyle trade. Apprentice pipelines are small; the wind-staging and hospital pipelines keep experienced hands fully booked. Data centers are minimal. For electricians, Quonset wind-staging and Providence institutional tickets lead; the market rewards those who value short commutes and coastal living over maximum nominal rate.
No trade in Rhode Island has 5 or more disclosed-pay postings yet — check back as coverage grows.
Frequently asked questions
What does an electrician make in Rhode Island?
Based on 1 disclosed-pay postings tracked by ElectricianDB, the median hourly pay for journeyman electrician work in Rhode Island is $44.91/hr. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a statewide electrician median of $35.62/hr.
Where are the highest-paying electrician jobs in Rhode Island?
The strongest recent postings cluster around Providence. Top-end rates on active postings run above the $44.91/hr median — see the highest-paying openings listed on this page for current examples.
Which employers pay electricians the most in Rhode Island?
Among employers with repeated postings in Rhode Island, a mix of regional contractors show the highest average disclosed minimums. Averages reflect posted ranges, not verified take-home pay.
Do you need a Rhode Island electrician license to work there?
Most states require a license for unsupervised electrical work, and requirements vary by state and municipality — see our step-by-step licensing pathway for Rhode Island for the exact hours, exam, and fees.
What's the prevailing wage for electricians in Rhode Island?
Prevailing-wage coverage depends on federal and state funding rules that differ by project and jurisdiction — see Rhode Island prevailing wage rates for the current determinations.
How many electrician jobs are posted in Rhode Island right now?
ElectricianDB is currently tracking 1 disclosed-pay journeyman electrician postings in Rhode Island. Counts change as contractors post and fill roles.