Trade Careers in Idaho
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Idaho's skilled trades support critical sectors like agriculture, energy, construction, and manufacturing. From Boise and Coeur d'Alene to Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, trade workers are in high demand to help fuel the state's rapid growth.
Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time or starting over, Idaho offers strong opportunities to build a career in the trades.
🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Idaho
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Construction Boom | Population growth is driving residential and commercial development |
| Energy & Agriculture | Power systems and irrigation projects create skilled labor demand |
| Low Cost of Training | State-supported colleges and training centers keep costs accessible |
| Strong Rural Need | Shortage of tradespeople in non-urban regions across the state |
“Skilled trades are essential to Idaho's infrastructure and economic resilience.” - Idaho Department of Labor1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Idaho
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $60,110 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $52,670 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $58,310 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $46,420 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $45,280 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $48,770 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $47,350 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 Idaho Apprenticeships & Schools
Idaho offers trade-focused education through regional technical colleges, public workforce programs, and union apprenticeships.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Earn while you learn via programs registered with IdahoWorks |
| Technical Colleges | 6-24 months | Programs offered through Idaho's four technical colleges |
| Community Colleges | 12-24 months | Associate degrees and certifications in skilled trades |
“Apprenticeship is a proven model for training Idaho's future workforce.” - Idaho Career & Technical Education3
🏫 Trade Schools in Idaho
Idaho's public colleges and private trade schools make hands-on training affordable and accessible in both metro and rural areas.
🎓 Tip: Students may qualify for tuition assistance through Idaho Launch or WIOA-funded training.
Why Attend Trade School in Idaho?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Affordable Tuition | Many certificate programs cost less than $4,000 |
| Rural Workforce Demand | High need in farming, mining, and infrastructure sectors |
| Fast Job Placement | Programs designed with local employer input |
| Multiple Pathways | Apprenticeship, school, and work-based learning options |
| Grant-Eligible Training | Most trade programs qualify for financial support |
Explore Accredited Schools
🏛️ Idaho Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Idaho Division of Building Safety - Electrical Bureau |
| Plumber | Idaho Division of Building Safety - Plumbing Bureau |
| HVAC Technician | HVAC contractors must register with the state; licenses required for gas piping |
| Solar Installer | Electrical license required for system integration |
| Mold Inspector | No state license; ACAC or NORMI certification recommended |
📈 Idaho Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $60,110 | 7% |
| HVAC Technician | $52,670 | 9% |
| Plumber | $58,310 | 8% |
| Welder | $46,420 | 4% |
| Solar Installer | $45,280 | 22% |
| Carpenter | $48,770 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $47,350 | 5% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Idaho?
With low-cost training, job-ready programs, and strong rural demand, Idaho is a smart place to start a career in the trades. Whether you're looking to work with your hands, power new energy systems, or build the state's future infrastructure-Idaho needs you.
📚 Citations
-
Idaho Department of Labor - https://www.labor.idaho.gov ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (ID): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
Idaho Division of Career & Technical Education - https://cte.idaho.gov/ ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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