Best Trade Schools in Kuna, Idaho (2026 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Kuna. This guide lists nearby accredited programs, the trades in highest demand, and Idaho licensing steps so you can move fast into a good-paying job. We verify schools through trusted sources like BLS, College Navigator, and ACCSC123.


Compare Trade Schools Near Kuna, Idaho

Most programs serving Kuna are in Meridian, Nampa, Garden City, and Boise, 10-30 minutes away.

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 5 schools, closest group first, then ordered by BOC Score with the highest at the top. 5 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

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID In-state option BOC Score 52.5
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 38.8% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 78
  • Annual completions: 1123
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $58,142 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#3

Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology

Boise, ID In-state option BOC Score 52.2
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 84.3% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 5
  • Annual completions: 451
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $30,231 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#4

Aveda Institute-Boise

Boise, ID In-state option BOC Score 44.5
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 89.9%
  • Programs offered: 7
  • Annual completions: 149
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $26,105 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#5

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
252.2Contact school for pricing$30,23184%In-state
344.5Contact school for pricing$26,10590%In-state
441.5Contact 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 2025Radiologic technologists $81640; Medical assistants $46310; Phlebotomy technicians $45610; Nursing assistants $39220; Patient care technicians $39220.Radiologic technologists$81,640Medical assistants$46,310Phlebotomy technicians$45,610Nursing assistants$39,220Patient care technicians$39,220
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
Radiologic technologists$81,640
Medical assistants$46,310
Phlebotomy technicians$45,610
Nursing assistants$39,220
Patient care technicians$39,220
Median Graduate Earnings by School - Best Trade Schools in Kuna, Idaho (2026 Guide)
Median graduate earnings by school, Best Trade Schools in Kuna, Idaho (2026 Guide) (College Scorecard)Carrington College-Boise $57082; Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology $30231; Aveda Institute-Boise $26105; Paul Mitchell the School-Boise $24959.Carrington College-Boise$57,082Oliver Finley Academy of Cos...$30,231Aveda Institute-Boise$26,105Paul 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 Kuna, Idaho (2026 Guide)
SchoolMedian graduate earnings
Carrington College-Boise$57,082
Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology$30,231
Aveda Institute-Boise$26,105
Paul Mitchell the School-Boise$24,959

Cost, Earnings, and Program Length in Kuna

Among the Boise City, ID area’s most-employed trades (BLS QCEW 2024), median annual pay ranges from $39,220 to $81,640 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025); the chart above compares the five with the largest local workforces. Typical medical assistant training runs 9-12 months (certificate or diploma) (TradeCareerPath program data).

Trade Schools in Nearby Cities

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Consistent demand across residential, commercial, and industrial work in the Boise metro. Electricians install, maintain, and troubleshoot wiring, panels, and controls. Strong growth and steady pay are projected1. Many students start as paid apprentices while taking evening classes at CWI.

HVAC Technician

  • New construction and ongoing system replacements drive HVAC hiring year-round. Techs service furnaces, heat pumps, and A/C, and many earn EPA Section 608 before graduation14. CWI’s apprenticeship track pairs on-the-job hours with classroom training.

Welder

  • Welders support fabrication, construction, and manufacturing across Treasure Valley. Entry roles start with MIG and flux-core, with advancement into TIG, pipe, and structural. Industry-recognized AWS credentials improve job prospects15.

Plumber

  • Plumbing is essential in housing and commercial development, with steady work in service, remodel, and new builds. Apprenticeships let you earn while you train, leading to the journeyman exam in Idaho16.

See career outlines by trade:

  • Electrician: from apprentice to journeyman to contractor Learn more
  • HVAC: certifications, tools, and day-to-day work Learn more
  • Welding: processes, certifications, and shop safety Learn more
  • Plumbing: codes, piping systems, and licensing Learn more

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

Electrical (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses - Electrical Board)

  • Register as an apprentice with DOPL and work under a licensed contractor6.
  • Complete roughly 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training plus related classroom instruction over about 4 years.
  • Apply for and pass the Idaho journeyman electrician exam.
  • Master and Electrical Contractor licenses require additional experience, exams, and proof of bonding/insurance for contractors6.

Plumbing (Idaho Plumbing Board under DOPL)

  • Register as a plumbing apprentice and work under a licensed contractor6.
  • Accumulate approximately 8,000 hours of supervised experience and classroom training over about 4 years.
  • Pass the journeyman plumber exam; master and contractor levels require added experience, testing, and business credentials6.

HVAC (Idaho HVAC Board under DOPL)

  • Register as an apprentice and earn supervised hours in heating, ventilation, and gas fitting6.
  • Complete a multi‑year apprenticeship with related instruction.
  • Pass the Idaho HVAC journeyman exam. Contractor licensing requires business qualifications and insurance6.
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling4.

Welding

  • Idaho does not issue a state welder license. Employers often require American Welding Society (AWS) performance qualifications for the process and position you will use (e.g., D1.1 structural, pipe)5.
  • CWI welding courses can prepare you for AWS tests.

Cosmetology/Barbering

  • Idaho licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, nail techs, and barbers. Complete an approved program and pass the state exams before practicing6. Programs listed above are at NACCAS-accredited schools2.

CDL (Truck Driving)

  • Earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit, complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an approved provider, pass skills tests, and clear medical and background checks with Idaho Transportation Department. CWI offers CDL training aligned to ELDT standards2.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many healthcare and cosmetology programs in Boise/Nampa blend online theory with in-person labs and clinicals (Carrington, Aveda, Paul Mitchell)2.
  • Evening apprenticeships: Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeships at CWI run evening classes so you can work full-time during the day2.
  • Accelerated bootcamps: NLC’s 15‑week model gets you into the lineworker field fast with stacked safety credentials and employer recruiting on campus3.
  • Short industry certs: EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, and AWS welder tests boost employability and may be scheduled around work45.
  • Credit for experience: Some public colleges assess prior learning, military training, or employer-sponsored coursework, ask admissions.

How to Choose a Program

  • Verify accreditation and state approval. Check College Navigator for institutional accreditation and program listings2, and state boards for licensure programs6.
  • Match program outcomes to state licensing. Make sure hours, content, and exam prep meet Idaho requirements for your trade.
  • Ask about work-based learning. Apprenticeships and clinicals improve placement odds.
  • Check equipment and labs. For welding, look for multiple processes and test prep. For HVAC/Electrical, look for code training and hands-on trainers. For cosmetology, ask about client floor hours.
  • Review placement support. Employer days, resume help, and interview prep matter.

Next Steps

Start by contacting two or three schools above. Ask about start dates, schedules, and what licenses or certifications you’ll be ready to earn when you finish.


Sources


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 May 2023 OEWS, job growth and wages for electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator - accreditation and program details for listed institutions. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) - Directory of accredited institutions (e.g., Northwest Lineman College). https://www.accsc.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. U.S. EPA - Section 608 Technician Certification (refrigerants). https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  5. American Welding Society (AWS) - Welder performance qualifications and certifications. https://www.aws.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  6. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) - Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC licensing. https://dopl.idaho.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

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)