Certifications & licenses in Idaho
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in ID. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Idaho
Licensing landscape in Idaho
Idaho requires 2,000 school hours for a cosmetology license, or 4,000 apprenticeship hours, one of the higher requirements in the U.S.
Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board
A minimum of 500 hours of education is required for massage therapist licensure as of 2024.
Idaho Board of Massage Therapy
To qualify for an HVAC contractor exam, applicants must have at least 24 months of experience as a licensed HVAC journeyman and secure a $2,000 compliance bond.
Idaho Division of Building Safety
As of a September 4, 2024 revision, plumbing journeyman applicants must pass the IAPMO examination before applying for their state license.
Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Idaho
With a cost of living 4.5% below the national average, a $65,000 salary in an average state has the purchasing power of about $68,000 in Idaho.
Regional comparison: Idaho vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs ID |
|---|---|---|
| ID | $38,650 | — |
| MT | $40,900 | +6% vs ID |
| WY | $39,160 | +1% vs ID |
| NV | $45,490 | +18% vs ID |
| UT | $39,840 | +3% vs ID |
| WA | $49,180 | +27% vs ID |
| OR | $49,830 | +29% vs ID |
| State | Required training hours | vs ID |
|---|---|---|
| ID | 500 hours | — |
| MT | 500 hours | same as ID |
| WY | — | no statewide license |
| NV | 625 hours | +125 hours |
| UT | 600 hours | +100 hours |
| WA | 625 hours | +125 hours |
| OR | 625 hours | +125 hours |
Healthcare in Idaho
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $38,650 |
| Dental Assistant | No | $45,880 |
| EMT | Required | $38,840 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $63,800 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $44,700 |
| Medical Coder | No | $53,460 |
| Paramedic | Required | $60,380 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $46,420 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $43,400 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $80,080 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $92,460 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $78,460 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $72,550 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $94,650 |
Skilled Trades in Idaho
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $58,770 |
| Electrician | Required | $63,000 |
| HVAC Technician | Required | $56,240 |
| Plumber | Required | $52,380 |
| Welder | No | $50,530 |
Personal Care & Wellness in Idaho
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | No | $49,780 |
| Barber | Required | $36,040 |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $35,480 |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $60,420 |
Professional & Business in Idaho
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $74,730 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $49,690 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $58,510 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $39,820 |