Trade Careers in Rhode Island
Quick answer: In Rhode Island, lineworkers (electrical power line installers) earn a median of $104,620 and electricians $74,090 (BLS, May 2025), among the state’s top-paying trades. Most trades are entered through an apprenticeship or a trade-school program rather than a four-year degree. Licensing is handled by the state agencies listed in the licensing section below.
Rhode Island’s infrastructure and coastal economy depend on skilled trades. This guide covers career comparisons, training options, and licensing steps in the Ocean State.
Why Trade Careers in Rhode Island
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Regional Demand | Construction, utilities, and coastal infrastructure projects |
| Apprenticeships | Paid training through unions and employers |
| Fast Entry | Certificates and associate programs |
| Career Growth | Clear pathways from apprentice to journeyman/master |
Compare Skilled Trades in Rhode Island
| Trade | Median Salary | Training Time | License Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $60,840 | 6 months - 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Construction Worker | $57,240 | 3-12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job) | Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors) |
| Flooring Installer | N/A | 6-12 months (on-the-job + coursework) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Plumber | $76,470 | 4-5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| Welder | $50,580 | 6-18 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (AWS certification preferred) |
| Construction Manager | $103,990 | 2-4 years (degree or field experience) | Varies (contractor license in many states) |
| Home Inspector | $77,420 | 2-6 months (state-approved course) | Yes in many states (state license) |
| Mold Inspector | N/A | 3-12 months (coursework + field hours) | Varies (state license or industry certification) |
| Electrician | $74,090 | 4-5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| HVAC Technician | $67,370 | 6 months - 2 years (certificate or associate) | Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing) |
| Lineworker | $104,620 | 3-4 years (joint apprenticeship) | Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications) |
| Solar Installer | N/A | 3-12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship) | Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial) |
| Tower Technician | N/A | 3-9 months (tower climbing school + field training) | Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications) |
| Wind Turbine Technician | N/A | 1-2 years (associate or technical diploma) | Yes (industry safety certifications) |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $70,720 | 18-30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship) | Yes (FAA A&P license) |
| Auto Mechanic | $51,770 | 6-12 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| Automotive Technician | $51,770 | 9-18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| CNC Machinist | $57,760 | 9-24 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NIMS certification beneficial) |
| Diesel Technician | $67,270 | 1-2 years (associate or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE or OEM certifications) |
| Gunsmith | N/A | 6-18 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial) |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $63,610 | 6-12 months (trade school or union program) | Optional (CDL required for many roles) |
| Maintenance Technician | $50,900 | 6-12 months (trade school or on-the-job) | Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications) |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $60,190 | 3-6 months (CDL program) | Yes (CDL Class A or B) |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $46,440 | 4-12 weeks (state-approved program) | Yes (state CNA exam) |
| Patient Care Technician | $46,440 | 4-12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals) |
| Hemodialysis Technician | $57,800 | 4-12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential) |
| Home Health Aide | $43,680 | 3-6 months (training + competency exam) | Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program) |
| Medical Assistant | $47,190 | 9-12 months (certificate or diploma) | Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) |
| Mental Health Technician | $48,520 | 6-12 months (certificate + clinical experience) | Varies (state registration + employer training) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $80,090 | 12-18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $80,090 | 12-18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Dental Assistant | $50,150 | 9-18 months (diploma or associate program) | Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license) |
| EKG Technician | $104,000 | 3-9 months (certificate program) | Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA) |
| Pharmacy Technician | $44,380 | 6-12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT) |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $46,380 | 4-6 months (certificate + clinical practice) | Yes in many states (national certification preferred) |
| Radiologic Technologist | $85,330 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (ARRT registration + state license) |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $92,820 | 18-24 months (accredited associate or certificate) | Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas) |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $51,460 | 6-12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification) |
| Surgical Technologist | $74,130 | 12-24 months (accredited surgical tech program) | Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification) |
| Optician | $47,400 | 9-24 months (apprenticeship or associate) | Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE) |
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $63,960 | 9-24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS) |
| Medical Office Administrator | $46,860 | 9-18 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification) |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $66,710 | 2 years (accredited associate degree) | Yes (state license via NBCOT exam) |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $31,200 | 3-12 months (certificate or employer training) | Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs) |
| Massage Therapist | $74,960 | 9-18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state license) |
| Personal Trainer | $45,640 | 3-6 months (exam prep + practicum) | Yes (national certification required by many employers) |
| Dog Trainer | N/A | 6-12 months (mentorship or certificate) | Optional (industry certifications preferred) |
| Veterinary Assistant | $49,770 | 6-12 months (certificate + hands-on experience) | Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential) |
| Veterinary Technician | $45,310 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (VTNE and state license) |
| Beauty Professional | $31,200 | 9-15 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Cosmetologist | $31,200 | 9-18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Esthetician | $43,880 | 4-9 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state esthetics license) |
| Culinary Chef | $40,515 | 1-2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit) |
| Pastry Chef | $40,515 | 9-18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects) |
| Bookkeeper | $53,280 | 6-12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial) |
| Digital Court Reporter | $92,250 | 6-12 months (certificate program) | Optional (AAERT certification preferred) |
| Paralegal | $56,250 | 12-24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial) |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. State data (Rhode Island).
Apprenticeships & Training Paths
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Earn while you learn |
| Trade School | 6-18 months | Accredited programs statewide |
| On-the-Job Training | Varies | Employer-led training |
Trade Schools in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Licensing Overview
| Trade | Licensing Overview (check state/local rules) |
|---|---|
| Electrician | State and/or local licensing; exams and hours may apply |
| Plumber | Contractor or plumbing board requirements vary by jurisdiction |
| HVAC Technician | Often licensed via mechanical/contractor board; EPA 608 typically required |
| Solar Installer | May require electrical license; NABCEP certification recommended |
| Welder | Employer or AWS/City certifications based on project requirements |
Rhode Island Trade Career Outlook
Building & Construction Trades
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Plumber | 4.5% |
| Carpenter | 4.5% |
| Construction Worker | 7.3% |
| Flooring Installer | 9.5% |
| Welder | 2.2% |
Construction Management & Inspection
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager | 8.7% |
| Home Inspector | -0.8% |
Electrical & Energy Systems
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Lineworker | 6.6% |
| Electrician | 9.5% |
| HVAC Technician | 8.1% |
| Wind Turbine Technician | 49.9% |
| Tower Technician | 8.6% |
| Solar Installer | 42.1% |
Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | 4.0% |
| Gunsmith | 2.0% |
| Diesel Technician | 2.4% |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | 3.6% |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | 4.0% |
| CNC Machinist | 0.0% |
| Auto Mechanic | 4.2% |
| Automotive Technician | 4.2% |
| Maintenance Technician | 3.8% |
Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 2.6% |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | 2.6% |
| Hemodialysis Technician | 5.2% |
| Mental Health Technician | 20.0% |
| Medical Assistant | 12.5% |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | 2.3% |
| Patient Care Technician | 2.3% |
| Home Health Aide | 17.0% |
Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| EKG Technician | 3.0% |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | 13.0% |
| Radiologic Technologist | 4.3% |
| Surgical Technologist | 4.5% |
| Sterile Processing Technician | 10.0% |
| Dental Assistant | 6.4% |
| Optician | 2.9% |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 5.6% |
| Pharmacy Technician | 6.4% |
Healthcare: Administration & Office Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | 7.1% |
| Medical Office Administrator | 4.2% |
Therapy, Rehab & Fitness
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist | 15.4% |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 19.2% |
| Personal Trainer | 11.9% |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 2.8% |
Animal Care & Training
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Assistant | 8.7% |
| Veterinary Technician | 9.1% |
| Dog Trainer | 5.1% |
Beauty & Personal Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Esthetician | 6.7% |
| Beauty Professional | 5.6% |
| Cosmetologist | 5.6% |
Culinary & Hospitality Careers
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Culinary Chef | 7.1% |
| Pastry Chef | 7.1% |
Business & Legal Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Digital Court Reporter | -0.3% |
| Paralegal | 0.2% |
| Bookkeeper | -5.8% |
Job growth uses state projections when available and national projections (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034) when state data is unavailable. Median pay for each trade is shown in the comparison table above.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections (2024-2034). Projected U.S. change shown for each trade.
Get Started in Rhode Island
Pick a trade, compare programs, and start building your future.
Degree Programs in Rhode Island
Trade school is not the only route. These are the four-year and graduate degrees on this site, with Rhode Island pay, employment and school listings for each. They sit above the trades on this page rather than alongside them.
Construction and the built environment
- Construction Supervision Degree in Rhode Island
- Online Construction Management Degrees in Rhode Island
- Online Civil Engineering Degree in Rhode Island
- Online Architecture Degree in Rhode Island
Manufacturing, maintenance and energy
- Production Supervision Degree in Rhode Island
- Maintenance Supervision Degree in Rhode Island
- Online Mechanical Engineering Degree in Rhode Island
- Online Electrical Engineering Degree
- Online Industrial Engineering Degree in Rhode Island
Health care
- Online Nursing Degrees in Rhode Island
- Physician Assistant Programs in Rhode Island
- Online Radiologic Technology Degree in Rhode Island
- Online Health Sciences Degree in Rhode Island
- Online Healthcare Administration Degrees in Rhode Island
Business, technology and public service
All degree programs - the full index
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.