Electricians in Rhode Island ranked 14th of the list of the fastest growing jobs based on the percentage increase in the number of positions during the ten-year period ending in 2022 (Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training).
Strong growth in Rhode Island’s construction industry bodes well for electricians in the state. Predictions indicate that construction will be the fastest growing industry in Rhode Island between 2012 and 2022. In particular, jobs in building construction are growing rapidly.
Mayor Jorge Elorza touted the massive amount of construction that will take place in the Providence area during 2016 (WPRI.com). The Mayor stated that with 32 construction projects taking place in Providence, the city will see between $500 million and $700 million in construction spending in 2016. Several of the largest projects are shown below:
- $92 million South Street Landing project that involves conversion of the 265,000-square foot South Street Power Station into a nursing education center for the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College in addition to other facilities
- $68 million expansion of Brown School of Engineering currently under construction and expected to open in 2018
- $40 million 150-room extended-stay hotel planned for the site of the long-vacant Fogarty building
In addition, the massive $200 million life science complex on I-195 should start construction in 2017.
Salaries for Residential Electricians in the Providence Area
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the range of salaries earned by electricians in Providence-Warwick. Highly skilled master electricians can expect to earn salaries at the highest end of these ranges (2015):
Salaries for Specialty Electricians in Providence
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salaries for a number of different types of specialized electricians that work in the Providence area (2015). Those with the most education and experience tend to earn salaries at the upper end of the ranges shown here:
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers: $63,570 – $96,950
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers Specializing in Commercial and Industrial Equipment: $48,810 – $63,190
- Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers: $36,140 – $56,950
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers: $48,560 – $71,730
The statewide average for electricians in these specialized roles is shown in the table below:
Salaries for Electrician Apprentices in Providence-Warwick
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salary data for the occupational classification for “Electrician’s Helpers” in the Providence area. Shown below is information that represents the wages earned during an electrical apprenticeship (2015):