Cold winters, humid summers, and coastal exposure drive heavy four-season HVAC demand across Rhode Island. Average pay runs $69,780/year — 7.7% above the national average — with 1,450 techs employed across Providence.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$38,100
entry-level
25th Pct
$48,760
early career
Median
$67,370
typical wage
75th Pct
$81,610
experienced
90th Pct
$104,080
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: RI Department of Labor & Training — Board of Examiners of Mechanicals (Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, Sheet Metal Workers)
License type: Refrigeration / Pipefitter / Sheet Metal — Apprentice / Journeyperson / Master / Contractor
Threshold or scope: None — statewide trade licensing
Continuing education: Not published at state level; confirm with the Board of Examiners of Mechanicals
Key details: Multiple trade subclasses, each with apprentice/journeyperson/master tiers.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
3
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
96
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
1,450
SOC 49-9021
28.65¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#47 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
5A
Cool-Humid
heating_dominant
Rhode Island is in a Cool-Humid zone where heating demand defines the HVAC market. Furnace, boiler, and heat pump work dominate the trade, with emergency winter service driving demand. Summer cooling work is shorter but real.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Rhode Island earn a mean annual wage of $69,780, about 7.7% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $38,100, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $104,080. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The largest HVAC job market in Rhode Island is Providence with about 1,930 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Rhode Island are MTTI, New England Institute of Technology, and Lincoln Tech - Lincoln, RI. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
