How to Become An Auto Mechanic in Idaho
Idaho employs approximately 5,030 auto mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $48,420 1. The state’s concentration of auto mechanic jobs is 1.30x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 70,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an auto mechanic in Idaho, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming An Auto Mechanic in Idaho
How do I become an auto mechanic in Idaho? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for auto mechanics in Idaho.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do auto mechanics earn in Idaho? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in Idaho is $48,420 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $34,570 and experienced professionals can earn $77,710 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Idaho): $48,420 per year 1
Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship Information in Idaho
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Idaho’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Idaho Department of Labor - Registered Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Idaho Office of Apprenticeship
- Address: 317 W. Main St., Boise, ID 97232
- Phone: (208) 332-3570
- Email: [email protected]
Auto Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in Idaho
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Wages by Metro Area in Idaho
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), automotive service technicians and mechanics wages in Idaho vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City | 2,030 | $48,630 | $55,220 | $35,550 | $78,190 |
| Idaho Falls | 580 | $48,320 | $54,000 | $30,430 | $85,340 |
| Coeur d'Alene | 490 | $50,910 | $58,140 | $38,380 | $82,430 |
| Logan | 380 | $46,490 | $50,210 | $30,960 | $75,110 |
| Twin Falls | 360 | $46,990 | $51,360 | $31,510 | $74,610 |
| Pocatello | 200 | $46,450 | $48,980 | $31,080 | $72,810 |
| Lewiston | 190 | $48,870 | $54,610 | $37,290 | $77,580 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Auto mechanics in Idaho
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest auto mechanic employment within Idaho according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Boise City | 2,030 | $48,630 |
| Idaho Falls | 580 | $48,320 |
| Coeur d’Alene | 490 | $50,910 |
| Twin Falls | 360 | $46,990 |
| Pocatello | 200 | $46,450 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for auto mechanics in Idaho? Idaho currently employs approximately 5,030 auto mechanics 1. Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Idaho? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Idaho. You can also contact the Idaho Department of Labor - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do auto mechanics earn in Idaho compared to the national average? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in Idaho is $48,420, which is $1,250 below the national median of $49,670 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
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
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Idaho Department of Labor - Registered Apprenticeship: https://labor.idaho.gov/dnn/Job-Seekers/On-the-Job-Training/Apprenticeships ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |