In a state renowned for its robust work ethic like Rhode Island, choosing to become a plumber is a commendable and promising career decision.
Venturing into the realm of plumbing signifies entering a profession that seamlessly combines theoretical knowledge, problem-solving understanding, and, most crucially, hands-on practical work.
If you want to have the satisfaction of knowing that people’s homes and businesses are running smoothly because of you, then plumbing is the perfect career for you.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about becoming a plumber in Rhode Island.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Plumber in Rhode Island – Step by Step
To begin your plumbing journey in Rhode Island you need to be a High School Graduate or have the GED equivalent, and possess a valid driver’s license.
Rhode Island issues the following plumbing licenses:
- Journeyman Plumber License
- Master Plumber License
- Contractor Master Plumber License
However, before you can apply for a plumbing license you need to undergo the required training.
You can gain your training and experience in one of the following ways:
- enroll in a Board approved apprenticeship program
- work directly under the supervision of an already licensed plumbing professional who will also be your mentor
- enroll in a college/vocational school/plumbing-specific program
Since the licensing criteria require you to have both on-the-job training and formal education you might need to combine two of the training options.
Journeyman Plumber License
To apply for the Journeyman Plumber License in Rhode Island you are required to have at least 5 years of on-the-job training experience and
576 hours of schooling/training approved by the Department of Labor and Training.
Having met the required criteria you can submit the licensing application form and pay the $75 application fee.
When your application is approved, you will go on to take the Journeyman Plumber exam.
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that are based on the Rhode Island Edition of the “BOCA International Plumbing Code
2006” and Rhode Island Edition of State Building Code SBC-3 State Plumbing Code effective July 1, 2013.
The topics covered on the exam include:
- Terminology and Calculations
- Materials and Material Standards
- Joints and Connections
- Traps and Cleanouts
- Plumbing Fixtures, Hangers and Supports
- Indirect Waste Piping
- Water Distribution Systems
- Sanitary Drainage Systems
- Vents and Venting Systems
- Cross Connections
- Storm Drains
- Inspecting and Testing
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam and get your license.
Your results will be available online at the State of Rhode Island Test Application Status & Results Department of Labor and Training.
The licensure fee is $72.
If you don’t pass your exam, you have 30 days after receiving the failure notification to submit a written request for a review to the Division of Professional Regulation.
Master Plumber License
To become a Master Plumber in Rhode Island you need to meet all the criteria for a journeyman plumber, and additionally have at least 1
year of experience with a valid journeyman plumber license.
Master plumbers are qualified and licensed to do plumbing work.
The application and examination processes are similar to Journeyman.
You are required to submit the licensing application form and pay the $75 application fee.
When your application is approved, you will go on to take the Master Plumber exam.
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that are based on the Rhode Island Edition of the “BOCA International Plumbing Code
2006” and Rhode Island Edition of State Building Code SBC-3 State Plumbing Code effective July 1, 2013.
The topics covered on the exam include:
- Terminology and Calculations
- Materials and Material Standards
- Joints and Connections
- Traps and Cleanouts
- Plumbing Fixtures, Hangers and Supports
- Indirect Waste Piping
- Water Distribution Systems
- Sanitary Drainage Systems
- Vents and Venting Systems
- Cross Connections
- Storm Drains
- Inspecting and Testing
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam and get your license.
Your results will be available online at the State of Rhode Island Test Application Status & Results Department of Labor and Training.
The licensure fee is $240.
If you don’t pass your exam, you have 30 days after receiving the failure notification to submit a written request for a review to the Division of Professional Regulation.
Contractor Master Plumber License
Plumbing work cannot be performed with a Contractor Master Plumber license.
Business entities must have a Contractor Master on staff who oversees the plumbing work performed by the entity.
A plumbing company that does not have a Master Plumber and a Contractor Master on staff is not permitted to do contracting, permits, or advertising.
To apply for the Contractor Master Plumber License you must:
- Hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Plumbing and/or Engineering
- and have worked in the plumbing trade for at least four years
The rest of the criteria and process is the same as Master Plumber.
Plumbing Schools in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers great training opportunities for its aspiring plumbers.
Community College of Rhode Island
Community College of Rhode Island offers an apprenticeship program.
This course of study satisfies the state requirements for apprentice education hours for plumbers.
There are four levels of instruction, and completion of one level is required each year.
This program has received approval from the State Apprenticeship Council of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
In the classroom, there are reading assignments, tests, and online assessments.
A strict attendance policy is in place.
To learn more about the program and how to apply visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island | 1 John H Chafee Blvd, Newport, RI 02840, USA |
Salary
Plumbers in Rhode Island are paid fairly for their hard work to keep the community’s plumbing systems running smoothly.
Annual wages currently vary anywhere from $49907 up to $84658.
The current annual average wage around the state is $67216.
The current highest annual wage is $67536, tied between multiple cities.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $67,536 |
| Warwick | $67,536 |
| Cranston | $67,536 |
| Pawtucket | $67,536 |
| East Providence | $67,536 |
| North Providence | $67,536 |
| Cumberland | $67,536 |
| West Warwick | $67,536 |
| Woonsocket | $67,472 |
| Coventry | $67,408 |
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 2,650 | $74,550 | $35.84 | $102,400 | $47,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to have a plumbing license to work as a plumber in Rhode Island?
Yes, to legally work as a plumber in Rhode Island you are required to obtain one of the plumbing licenses the state issues.
When should I renew my plumbing license in Rhode Island?
All plumbing licenses in Rhode Island expire every two years on the licensee’s birthdate.
If you’re born in an odd-numbered year you should renew your license within odd-numbered years.
If you’re born in an even-numbered year you should renew your license within even-numbered years.
How much does a plumbing license renewal cost in Rhode Island?
Plumbing license renewal fees are different depending on the license you are renewing.
- Journeyman Plumber License Renewal Fee – $72
- Master Plumber License Renewal fee – $240
- Contractor Master Plumber License Renewal fee – $240
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