Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship in Rhode Island

Wages, programs & career outlook
RI Median Salary
$50,690/yr
+2% vs. national
National Median
$49,670/yr
RI Employment
2,390
Automotive Mechanics employed
RI Sponsors
710
Registered programs

Rhode Island Wage Spread

Annual wages for Automotive Mechanics in Rhode Island across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$30,990
25th %ile
$35,970
Median
$50,690
75th %ile
$63,730
90th %ile
$81,810

Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship in Rhode Island

The $50,690 median for Rhode Island Automotive Mechanics tracks close to the national all-occupation average. The value here is in the apprenticeship model: earn while you learn, graduate debt-free.

At $50,690 per year, Rhode Island pays roughly the national average for Automotive Mechanics. Neither a wage premium nor a discount — average market conditions.

The 4.2% projected growth rate for Automotive Mechanics signals steady demand — not a boom, but reliable. 70,000 openings per year keep the pipeline of opportunities flowing.

The Automotive Mechanic workforce in Rhode Island (2,390 workers, 0.3% of national employment) is relatively small. Fewer employers means fewer apprenticeship slots — competition for available programs can be stiffer.

Expect a 4-year commitment for a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship: 8,000 hours of supervised field work alongside coursework in vehicle diagnostics, engine systems, and manufacturer certifications. Pay starts lower but scales up — most programs bump wages every six months.

Rhode Island's 710 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

Apprentices entering the Automotive Mechanic trade in Rhode Island start near the $30,990 floor but have a clear path to $81,810 — a $50,820 arc that reflects how the trade values experience and skill accumulation.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Rhode Island

710 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Rhode Island. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Fellowship Plumbing & Mechanical LLC Albion Providence County
Big Dog Plumbing & Heating Ashaway Washington County
Eagle Industries Inc Ashaway Washington County
Pierce Plumbing and Heating Ashaway Washington County
WJR Plg & Htg Ashaway Washington County
B Fortin Electric Co Inc Barrington Bristol County
Barrington Plumbing & Heating Inc Barrington Bristol County
DiOrio Plumbing & Heating Inc Barrington Bristol County
Dimery Electrical Company LLC Barrington Bristol County
Eveready Electric Inc Barrington Bristol County
Lawrence Air Systems Inc Barrington Bristol County
MN Electrical LLC Barrington Bristol County
William Harris HVACR Solutions LLC Barrington Bristol County
ZFE Electric Inc Barrington Bristol County
New Shoreham Heating Service LLC Block Island Newport County
All Comfort Heating and Cooling Bradford Washington County
Speck Electric Smart Homes Bradford Washington County
Steven A Dubois Inc dba Oceanside Plumbing & Heating Bradford Washington County
Amp Flow Electric Inc Bristol Bristol County
Bills Direct Plumbing & Heating LLC Bristol Bristol County
Composite Energy Technologies, Inc Bristol Bristol County
Daponte's Landscaping Services Inc Bristol
Econ Electrical Contractors Inc. Bristol Bristol County
F & S Electric Inc Bristol Bristol County
Ferreira Electric Inc Bristol Bristol County
+ 5 more sponsors in Rhode Island

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Automotive Mechanics make in Rhode Island?
Automotive Mechanics in Rhode Island earn a median salary of $50,690/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is above the national median of $49,670 for the trade.
What is the length of a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship program?
The standard Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship is 4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
Should I do a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship or go to trade school?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
What is the job outlook for Automotive Mechanics?
The BLS projects 4.2% employment growth for Automotive Mechanics through 2034 — steady demand. About 70000 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
How do I find a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship in Rhode Island?
There are 710 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Rhode Island. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
Do Automotive Mechanic apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $25,345/yr in Rhode Island). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Automotive Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Rhode Island

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.