Plumbing Schools in Rhode Island

Plumbers in Rhode Island are well-trained and versatile, capable of working in various environments, from commercial to industrial to residential. The expertise to perform all these duties comes from high-quality training programs in and around the state and straightforward requirements concerning the level of education and preparation individuals need before they can call themselves fully-fledged plumbers.

This page’s readers, who are aspiring plumbers in Rhode Island, will find all of these requirements below and gain a clear sense of how to achieve their objectives in the best possible way.

The guide also discusses the annual average salary figures for plumbers in Rhode Island and the criteria that help professionals improve their yearly earnings.

How to Become a Plumber in Rhode Island

Plumbers in Rhode Island typically start their careers by following the steps below.

High School Credentials

Many states require high school education for prospective plumbers. Those who have a high school diploma or are currently in high school can secure admission into a program.

Candidates with a GED equivalent will also be able to use their results in the place of a high school diploma.

Vocational School

Completing vocational school is one of the most popular ways for candidates to understand plumbing basics. Individuals typically enroll in an accredited program offered by a trade school or a technical college.

They will receive a certificate or an associate degree and become familiar with important topics, such as drainage systems and piping equipment.

Apprenticeship training

An apprenticeship program is a common alternative to a technical school, but it can also serve as the next step for those who want to enjoy both training avenues. Stopping at an apprenticeship program allows candidates to receive valuable work experience and learn about procedures and codes.

Students will also be able to receive mentorship under practicing professionals.

Career growth

After licensing, candidates may consider continuing education to acquire more skills and give themselves an edge for career growth. They may also consider joining a professional organization for additional career benefits.

Consider trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a welder in Rhode Island

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Plumbers must be licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Labor, Plumbers, and Irrigators branch before working legally in the state. To become licensed, individuals must gain work experience and complete classroom training.

Then, they must receive a journeyman license, which requires passing a journeyman plumber examination. This exam contains 50 multiple-choice questions covering the field’s plumbing codes and basic procedures.

After completing the journeyman plumber exam and receiving the journeyman license, candidates may apply for the master plumber license after 5 years of experience. This examination covers technical topics as well as codes and regulations.

Besides the regular licenses, candidates who want to become contractors must also receive a license from the state’s Contractors Registration and Licensing Board. A contractor license requires a $200 licensing fee and a $180 application fee.

This license also requires passing an examination.

Top Plumbing Schools in Rhode Island

The schools below are known to offer comprehensive education for future plumbers in Rhode Island.

Explore plumbing schools in Rhode Island by city:

• Plumbing schools in Providence

Salary & Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics remains optimistic about plumbers’ employment rates in the coming years. The organization’s data shows that thousands of openings will occur annually for these professionals in the next ten years.

As for their current earnings, plumbers in Rhode Island can expect to take home an annual average salary of $42,861 if they are among the bottom earners, an annual average salary of $120,383 if they are among the top earners, and an annual average salary of $71,831 if they are among the median earners.

A plumber’s salary in the state can also vary by location. Currently, the highest earners in the plumbing profession live in Tiverton, where the annual average salary is around $89,443.

Those who live in Warwick are also notable, with an annual average salary of $85,381, while those who live in Newport come in third with an annual average salary of $83,601.

Other than their location, experience, credentials, specialty focus, and employers can also influence how much a plumber makes in the state.