3 registered apprenticeship programs in Rhode Island. Starting wages from $20.97/hr, advancing to $29.95/hr at journeyman level.
$20.97/hr
Starting wage
$29.95/hr
Journeyman wage
4–5 years
Program length
3
Registered programs
Programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL RAPIDS) and/or the RI state apprenticeship agency. Contact programs directly for current enrollment windows and openings.
| Program | Sponsor | Duration | Wage progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC/R Apprenticeship — Rhode Island JATC UA Local 51 | UA Local 51 — Providence Plumbers & Steamfitters | 5 years / 10,000 OJT hours | 50% → 60% → 70% → 80% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| Sheet Metal Apprenticeship — SMWIA Local 17 Rhode Island | Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 — Rhode Island | 5 years | 47% → 58% → 68% → 79% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| HVAC Technician Apprenticeship — Rhode Island PHCC | PHCC of Rhode Island | 4 years | $19/hr → $22/hr → $26/hr → $30/hr |
Wages shown use the standard DOL apprenticeship progression schedule applied to the Rhode Island journeyman median of $29.95/hr (BLS OEWS 2024, SOC 49-9021). Actual rates depend on the specific program sponsor.
| Stage | % of journeyman | Estimated hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (0–12 months) | 50% | $14.98/hr |
| Year 2 (12–24 months) | 60% | $17.97/hr |
| Year 3 (24–36 months) | 70% | $20.97/hr |
| Year 4 (36–48 months) | 80% | $23.96/hr |
| Year 5 / Journeyman | 100% | $29.95/hr |
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Apprenticeship
https://dlt.ri.gov/apprenticeshipRegister your apprenticeship, verify program sponsors, and find additional registered programs not listed here.
No apprentice listings are active in Rhode Island right now. Check back soon, or browse entry-level HVAC jobs across the country.
Browse all apprentice jobsMost registered HVAC apprenticeship programs in Rhode Island take 4–5 years, combining on-the-job training (OJT) hours with related technical instruction (RTI).
Entry-level apprentices in Rhode Island typically start around $20.97/hour (≈50% of journeyman rate). By program completion, wages reach approximately $29.95/hour.
Must be at least 18 years old High school diploma or GED equivalent Valid driver's license Able to lift 50 lbs and work in confined spaces Pass a drug screening prior to enrollment Individual program sponsors may have additional requirements.
Wage data sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 (SOC 49-9021). Program information reflects DOL RAPIDS database patterns as of 2026. Contact individual program sponsors for current enrollment status and exact wage schedules.
