HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Rhode Island

Wages, programs & career outlook
RI Median Salary
$63,580/yr
+6% vs. national
National Median
$59,810/yr
RI Employment
1,320
HVAC Technicians employed
RI Sponsors
710
Registered programs

Rhode Island Wage Spread

Annual wages for HVAC Technicians in Rhode Island across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$37,180
25th %ile
$47,660
Median
$63,580
75th %ile
$78,830
90th %ile
$86,290

HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Rhode Island

The median HVAC Technician in Rhode Island earns $63,580 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 32%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

At $63,580/yr, Rhode Island HVAC Technicians earn 6% more than the $59,810 national median for the trade. A slight edge that may reflect local demand or cost of living.

At 8.1% projected growth, the HVAC Technician trade is expanding faster than the economy overall. Roughly 40,100 jobs open annually, creating consistent absorption for new journeymen coming out of apprenticeships.

Rhode Island's 1,320 HVAC Technicians represent just 0.3% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

A HVAC Technician apprenticeship runs 4 years at 8,000 hours. The time-based structure means you're logging real work alongside experienced tradespeople from week one, learning mechanical systems, refrigerant handling, and equipment diagnostics in evening or weekend classes.

Prospective HVAC Technician apprentices in Rhode Island have 710 registered sponsors to explore — from union locals to employer-sponsored programs. That depth of options means most regions of the state have accessible entry points.

Wages for HVAC Technicians in Rhode Island range from $37,180 at the entry level to $86,290 for veterans — a $49,110 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

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 HVAC Technicians make in Rhode Island?
HVAC Technicians in Rhode Island earn a median salary of $63,580/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is above the national median of $59,810 for the trade.
How long is a HVAC Technician apprenticeship?
A typical HVAC Technician apprenticeship lasts approximately 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Should I do a HVAC Technician apprenticeship or go to trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained HVAC Technicians, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
What is the job outlook for HVAC Technicians?
The BLS projects 8.1% employment growth for HVAC Technicians through 2034 — strong demand. About 40100 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
Where can I apply for a HVAC Technician 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 HVAC Technician apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $31,790/yr in Rhode Island). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

HVAC Technician in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Rhode Island

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