Electrician in Idaho

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ID. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$60,670
trending_down -2.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Idaho.

engineering
5,380

Jobs (ID)

monitoring Surging
+9.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$130

Licensing fees

schedule
4 years (apprenticeship)

Time to complete

route How to become an electrician in Idaho

To become a licensed Journeyman Electrician in Idaho, individuals must register as an apprentice with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) and the Idaho Electrical Board. They need to complete either a 4-year approved apprenticeship program with 576 hours of instruction and 8,000 hours of experience, or 16,000 hours of electrical work experience without schooling. After meeting the experience requirements, applicants must pass the NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam and pay an application fee of $55 and an initial license fee of $55. Idaho has reciprocity agreements with several states, including Colorado, North Dakota, Maine, Oklahoma, Montana, Oregon, Nebraska, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming. As of 2025, continuing education may no longer be required for renewal, but it is advisable to confirm with the state.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,220
25th percentile $46,820
50th (median) $60,670
75th percentile $77,420
90th (experienced) $89,890

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Idaho. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Idaho requirements

Licensing bodyIdaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), Idaho Electrical Board
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a 4-year approved apprenticeship program, including 576 hours of instruction OR 16,000 hours of electrical work experience without schooling.
Experience8,000.0 hours
ExamNASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam ($75)
Application fee$55
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
Continuing education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age for apprentice registration is 16 years old. The initial license fee for a journeyman is $55. As of 2025, continuing education is no longer required to renew an Electrical Master or Journeyman license, but it is still listed as a requirement by some sources. It is recommended to contact the state for current information on this rule change.

Source: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), Idaho Electrical Board

workspace_premium Idaho license tiers

Idaho offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:

Tier Hours required
Apprentice N/A
Journeyman 8,000
Master 16,000

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+9.5%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
81,000
Nationwide per year
Total employment
818,700
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.78/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleIdaho license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+9.5%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as an electrician in Idaho? expand_more
Idaho requires electricians to complete the required education (Completion of a 4-year approved apprenticeship program, including 576 hours of instruction OR 16,000 hours of electrical work experience without schooling.), gain 8,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam, and submit your application ($55 fee).
Does Idaho require electrician licensure? expand_more
A state license is required in Idaho. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), Idaho Electrical Board handles electrician licensing — the NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam is part of the process.
What is the average electrician salary in Idaho? expand_more
In Idaho, the median pay for electricians comes to $60,670/year. That's roughly in line with the $62,350 national median. Wages range from $38,220 (10th percentile) up to $89,890 (90th percentile).
How expensive is electrician licensing in Idaho? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($75) and application fee ($55) and required training.
How many months or years does electrician certification take in Idaho? expand_more
In Idaho, becoming an electrician generally takes 4 years (apprenticeship), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
What are the continuing education requirements for electricians in Idaho? expand_more
License renewal in Idaho requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 3.0-year cycle.

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