Quick answer: The median electrician in Rhode Island earns $35.62/hr — about $74,090 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $103,000+. To hire one, an electrical contractor typically bills $80–$105 per hour — roughly 2–3× the worker's wage, to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what electricians earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how Rhode Island compares to other states.
Electrician income in Rhode Island (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Rhode Island's ~2,420 electricians:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $20.67 | ~$3,583 | ~$42,994 |
| Median (typical) | $35.62 | ~$6,174 | $74,090 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $49.44 | ~$8,570 | ~$102,835 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a electrician takes home. What a electrical contractor bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median electrician wage (earned) | ~$36/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $80–$105/hr |
Where Rhode Island ranks
Rhode Island pays electricians 17% above the national median, ranking 18th of 51 states — in the upper tier nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Oregon | $48.71 |
| Rhode Island (18th) | $35.62 |
| National median | $30.38 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.59 |
What common electrical jobs cost in Rhode Island
At Rhode Island billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Rhode Island range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $90–$175 |
| Install outlet or switch | $150–$350 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $175–$475 |
| Panel / breaker replacement | $1,150–$2,950 |
| Whole-home rewire | $3,500–$10,500 |
| EV charger installation | $475–$1,400 |
| Light fixture installation | $125–$350 + fixture |
| Troubleshoot wiring issue | $150–$525 |
| Add a dedicated circuit | $225–$825 |
| Standby generator hookup | $600–$1,750 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How electricians compare to other trades in Rhode Island
Here's how electrician pay lines up against Rhode Island's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $36.77/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Electrician | $35.62/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| HVAC technician | $32.39/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Roofer | $29.63/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.25/hr | $65–$90/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free electrician estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do electricians need a license in Rhode Island?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Rhode Island contractor & trade licensing to check whether electricians need a state license in Rhode Island, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians make in Rhode Island?
The median electrician in Rhode Island earns about $74,090 a year ($35.62/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level electricians earn around $43,000 and the most experienced earn $103,000 or more.
Can a electrician make $100,000 a year in Rhode Island?
Yes — experienced electricians in Rhode Island can. The top 10% earn about $103,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own electrical contractor and billing $80–$105/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do electricians charge per hour in Rhode Island?
In 2025, most Rhode Island electricians bill $80–$105 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $36/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do electricians earn more in Rhode Island than nationally?
Yes — Rhode Island's median electrician wage is about 17% above the national median of $30.38/hr, ranking 18th of 51 states.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes. Updated August 2026.