Plumber Career Guide in Idaho
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Idaho.
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How to Become a Plumber in Idaho
The standard journeyman pathway generally requires a four-year apprenticeship with approximately 8,000 hours of supervised work and approved related instruction.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Plumber Salary in Idaho
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Idaho median wage for plumber workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Idaho is approximately $10,590 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Idaho
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Idaho
Idaho plumbers must register or obtain the license appropriate to their training level and authorized work scope.
- Register as a plumbing apprentice and work under qualified supervision.
- Complete approximately 8,000 hours of supervised experience and approved related instruction for the journeyman pathway.
- Study plumbing codes, mathematics, blueprints, water supply, drainage, venting, gas piping, pipefitting, and safety.
- Pass the state examination for the applicable journeyman, specialty, or contractor credential.
- Renew the license and complete applicable continuing-education and code-update requirements.
Plumber Training Providers in Idaho
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| College of Western Idaho | Nampa | View Program |
| College of Southern Idaho | Twin Falls | View Program |
| Idaho State University College of Technology | Pocatello | View Program |
| North Idaho College | Coeur d’Alene | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Idaho
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Idaho
Idaho requires plumbers to hold the appropriate apprentice registration, journeyman license, specialty license, contractor license, or plumbing contractor registration.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Idaho
Idaho projects employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow 23% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 5,780 to 7,090 jobs, with about 650 openings annually.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the plumber salary in Idaho?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Idaho is approximately $52,380 per year, or $25.18 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Idaho require plumber licensing?
Yes. Idaho requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Idaho Plumbing Board.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Idaho?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A Idaho Journeyman Plumber license generally requires 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training and passage of the required examination.
Are plumbers in demand in Idaho?
Idaho projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 23% from 2024 to 2034, with about 650 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Idaho Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Idaho Plumber Wages
- Idaho Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Idaho Plumber Employment Trends
- Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Idaho Plumbing Board — Licensing authority. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Idaho Plumbing Board