Best Trade Schools in Emmett, Idaho (2026 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Emmett. This guide lists accredited options nearby, the trades hiring now, and the exact steps to get licensed in Idaho. If you’re a high school grad or a career changer in Gem County, use this to compare programs and plan your next move. Demand for skilled trades remains steady nationwide1.


Compare Trade Schools Near Emmett, Idaho

These accredited schools are in Emmett or within an easy commute to Boise, Nampa, or Meridian. Program lengths are typical ranges by credential. Always confirm current offerings and schedules.

We could not confirm enough colleges teaching this subject within range of this location, so the list below shows nearby institutions instead. Confirm with each school that it offers the program before you apply.

How we rank schools – graduation rate, graduate earnings, cost and retention. Advertising plays no part.

This page lists 3 schools, closest group first, then ordered by BOC Score with the highest at the top. 3 of them carry a score.

Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate how often students finish
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry whether it paid off
25%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid; lower ranks higher
20%
Retention rate how many come back for year two
15%
Fully online availability whether you can study while working
10%

Scores come from IPEDS (2024) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are for all graduates of a school, not one program, so treat them as a signal about the institution rather than about this subject. Sponsored listings are paid placements and are labelled as such; they are separate from this ranking and never change it. Read the full methodology.

#1

Carrington College-Boise

Boise, ID In-state option BOC Score 76.4
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 59.5%
  • Programs offered: 9
  • Annual completions: 308
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $57,082 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#2

College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls, ID In-state option BOC Score 68.2
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 34.1% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 64
  • Annual completions: 860
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $46,129 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#3

Paul Mitchell the School-Boise

Boise, ID In-state option BOC Score 41.5
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 73.9%
  • Programs offered: 6
  • Annual completions: 192
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $24,959 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

BOC Score, tuition, graduation rate, and median graduate earnings from federal IPEDS and U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard data. Earnings are reported across all programs at the school (all majors), not a single trade. Distance is measured from the main population center in Idaho.
#SchoolBOC Score (0–100)TuitionMedian grad earnings (all majors)Graduation rateOnlineDistance
176.4Contact school for pricing$57,08259%Yes*In-state
268.2Contact school for pricing$46,12934%Yes*In-state
341.5Contact school for pricing$24,95974%In-state

Schools closest to the main population center in Idaho are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the main population center in Idaho is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.

Median Annual Wage by Trade - Boise City, ID's most-employed trades
Median annual wage by trade in Boise City, ID, BLS OEWS May 2025HVAC technicians $57270; Paralegals $53470; Auto mechanics $48630; Dental assistants $47250; Medical assistants $46310.HVAC technicians$57,270Paralegals$53,470Auto mechanics$48,630Dental assistants$47,250Medical assistants$46,310
Trades ranked by local employment (BLS QCEW); wages are median annual pay (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025; metro area where reported, otherwise statewide).
Median annual wage by trade in Boise City, ID
TradeMedian annual wage
HVAC technicians$57,270
Paralegals$53,470
Auto mechanics$48,630
Dental assistants$47,250
Medical assistants$46,310
Median Graduate Earnings by School - Best Trade Schools in Emmett, Idaho (2026 Guide)
Median graduate earnings by school, Best Trade Schools in Emmett, Idaho (2026 Guide) (College Scorecard)Carrington College-Boise $57082; College of Southern Idaho $46129; Paul Mitchell the School-Boise $24959.Carrington College-Boise$57,082College of Southern Idaho$46,129Paul Mitchell the School-Boise$24,959
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard - median earnings of all graduates at each school (not a single program).
Median graduate earnings by school for schools serving Best Trade Schools in Emmett, Idaho (2026 Guide)
SchoolMedian graduate earnings
Carrington College-Boise$57,082
College of Southern Idaho$46,129
Paul Mitchell the School-Boise$24,959

Cost, Earnings, and Program Length in Emmett

Among the Boise City, ID area’s most-employed trades (BLS QCEW 2024), median annual pay ranges from $46,310 to $57,270 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025); the chart above compares the five with the largest local workforces. Typical dental assistant training runs 9-18 months (diploma or associate program) (TradeCareerPath program data).

Trade Schools in Nearby Cities

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Work: install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industry.
    • Outlook: steady demand and replacement needs nationwide; construction and renewable energy keep work active1.
    • Training: classroom + paid apprenticeship. Learn about the career path here: Electrician.
  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Work: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration install, service, and controls.
    • Outlook: strong service demand and year-round work. Technicians with EPA 608 and controls skills do well1.
    • Pathway guide: HVAC.
  • Welder

    • Work: fabrication, structural welding, pipe welding, repair.
    • Outlook: ongoing demand across construction, manufacturing, energy, and farm equipment repair1.
    • Pathway guide: Welding.
  • Plumber

    • Work: water supply, drainage, gas piping, fixtures, and code compliance.
    • Outlook: consistent residential and commercial work; service contractors need reliable techs1.
    • Pathway guide: Plumbing.

Note on pay: National median wages in these trades are competitive and rise with experience, certifications, and overtime1.

Building & Construction Trades

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Flooring Installer9.5%
Plumber4.5%
Carpenter4.5%
Welder2.2%
Construction Worker7.3%

Construction Management & Inspection

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Construction Manager8.7%
Home Inspector-0.8%

Electrical & Energy Systems

Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation

Healthcare: Administration & Office Support

Therapy, Rehab & Fitness

Animal Care & Training

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician9.1%
Dog Trainer5.1%
Veterinary Assistant8.7%

Beauty & Personal Care

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Beauty Professional5.6%
Cosmetologist5.6%
Esthetician6.7%

Culinary & Hospitality Careers

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Culinary Chef7.1%
Pastry Chef7.1%

Business & Legal Support

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Digital Court Reporter-0.3%
Paralegal0.2%
Bookkeeper-5.8%

Job growth uses state projections when available and national projections (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034) when state data is unavailable. Median pay for each trade is shown in the comparison table above.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections (2024-2034). Projected U.S. change shown for each trade.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho regulates several building trades. Most licenses are issued through the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS). Personal services (like cosmetology) are overseen by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).

  • Electrician (DBS)

    • Register as an electrical apprentice.
    • Complete a 4-year apprenticeship with required on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
    • Pass the Journeyman Electrician exam to be licensed.
    • With additional experience and exams, you can qualify as a Master and/or Electrical Contractor (required to run a contracting business)2.
  • Plumber (DBS)

    • Register as a plumbing apprentice.
    • Complete a multi-year apprenticeship with required hours and schooling.
    • Pass the Journeyman Plumber exam.
    • Contractor licensing is available for those who will bid/operate a business and supervise work2.
  • HVAC (DBS)

    • Register as an HVAC apprentice.
    • Complete the required apprenticeship hours and related instruction.
    • Pass the HVAC Journeyman exam.
    • HVAC Contractor licensing is required to operate your own firm and pull permits2.
  • Cosmetology/Barbering (DOPL)

    • Complete an approved training program (cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, etc.).
    • Pass state-required exams (Idaho uses NIC exams).
    • Apply for state licensure and renew as required3.
  • Welding (no state license)

    • Idaho does not require a state welder license. Employers and public projects often require AWS or similar procedure qualifications. Training programs help prep for these tests1.
  • Contractors

    • Most construction businesses must register with the Idaho Contractors Board (DOPL) before bidding or working. Separate trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are still required for regulated work3.

Always verify current requirements and forms directly with DBS or DOPL before you apply or test.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid schedules: Many nearby schools offer evening or hybrid lecture for apprentices and working adults. CWI and ISU commonly blend online theory with in-person labs4.
  • Short, stackable credentials: Welding, HVAC, and medical support programs often offer short certificates that stack into an AAS.
  • Apprenticeship classroom online: Some related instruction for apprentices can be delivered online, backed by in-person labs or proctored testing.
  • Certification prep: EPA 608 for HVAC, OSHA-10/30, and basic safety can often be completed online through school partners. Hands-on skills still require lab time.

If you need maximum flexibility, ask each school about evening cohorts, hybrid sections, and accelerated blocks.

Next Steps

Pick two or three programs that match your goal. Tour the labs, ask about employer partners, and confirm your licensing path with DBS or DOPL. Then apply early to lock in your start date.


Outcome figures such as graduation, completion, and job placement rates are reported by schools and by federal data sources, reflect prior student cohorts, and are not a prediction or promise of future results. Individual outcomes may vary.


About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.

References


  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment data. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS), licensing and examinations for Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), Boards for Cosmetology/Barbering and Contractor Registration. ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator school profiles for listed institutions. ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2025-10-25)