Idaho Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Idaho Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Idaho
Idaho’s trade demand is rising alongside population growth and housing expansion in cities such as Boise and Meridian. Infrastructure buildout and residential construction support steady opportunities in electrical, HVAC, and service-oriented trades.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Idaho (from this table): Lineworker ($83,821)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $55,426 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $35,461 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Idaho.
- Most stable demand in Idaho: utility-adjacent service and infrastructure support work as communities expand.
- Best way to increase earnings: position yourself for long-term maintenance roles as fast builds transition into upkeep.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($83,821) · CDL Truck Driver ($70,467) · AV Technician ($65,250)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Idaho
Demand is shaped most by population growth that has outpaced local trade labor capacity in many regions, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
Idaho’s rapid growth has stretched labor demand faster than wage growth in some trades, making consistent hours and backlog more important than peak rates.
- Outlook: Growing (population-driven demand)
- What drives demand: population growth that has outpaced local trade labor capacity in many regions.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in Idaho
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Idaho. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $25.21 | $1,008 | $4,373 | $52,432 |
| AV Technician | $31.37 | $1,255 | $5,438 | $65,250 |
| Carpenter | $24.57 | $981 | $4,251 | $51,010 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $33.84 | $1,355 | $5,872 | $70,467 |
| CNC Machinist | $23.25 | $930 | $4,030 | $48,360 |
| Construction | $24.67 | $987 | $4,278 | $51,334 |
| Concrete Finisher | $27.05 | $1,082 | $4,689 | $56,264 |
| Diesel Technician | $28.10 | $1,124 | $4,871 | $58,448 |
| Electrician | $29.77 | $1,191 | $5,160 | $61,922 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.31 | $942 | $4,076 | $48,918 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.34 | $1,096 | $4,748 | $56,970 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $27.02 | $1,081 | $4,684 | $56,209 |
| Ironworker | $25.74 | $1,028 | $4,455 | $53,462 |
| Lineworker | $40.30 | $1,612 | $6,985 | $83,821 |
| Marine Mechanic | $27.96 | $1,118 | $4,845 | $58,101 |
| Mason | $26.27 | $1,051 | $4,554 | $54,642 |
| Plumber | $31.60 | $1,224 | $5,304 | $63,644 |
| Roofer | $23.71 | $948 | $4,110 | $49,317 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.09 | $960 | $4,162 | $49,950 |
| Welder | $23.94 | $956 | $4,146 | $49,752 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
How Easy It Is to Find Trade Jobs in Idaho
Entry difficulty: Easier than average, with flexible entry paths. Idaho offers relatively accessible entry into many skilled trades due to lower regulatory barriers, strong population growth, and widespread employer-driven hiring. Many trades emphasize hands-on ability and reliability over lengthy credential requirements, particularly outside major metro areas.
Unlike states where trade demand is shaped by dense urban development or heavy regulation, Idaho’s workforce needs are driven by residential growth, utilities, manufacturing, and regional infrastructure expansion. Ongoing development across both urban and rural areas supports steady hiring for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders, and maintenance trades.
Idaho’s lower cost of living and business-friendly environment also make it easier for new trade workers to enter the field and gain experience without significant upfront education or licensing costs.
What Actually Drives Trade Hiring in Idaho
- Population growth and housing development: Residential construction sustains long-term demand for core building trades.
- Manufacturing and processing facilities: Plants rely on electrical, mechanical, and maintenance trades for daily operations.
- Utilities and infrastructure expansion: Power, water, and transportation systems require skilled labor for upgrades and upkeep.
- Employer-based training models: Many companies hire entry-level workers and train them internally.
Where Trade Jobs Are Concentrated — and Why
- Boise metro area: The state’s fastest-growing region, driving demand across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
- Eastern Idaho: Utilities, energy-related facilities, and regional infrastructure support steady trade employment.
- Regional manufacturing corridors: Industrial sites create ongoing maintenance and mechanical trade roles.
Construction, Utilities, and Regional Growth Anchors
Idaho’s trade workforce is supported by sustained growth and essential services rather than short-term construction cycles:
- Residential and commercial construction — Continued development supports electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades.
- Utilities and infrastructure systems — Skilled trades maintain and expand essential public services.
- Manufacturing and processing operations — Facility-based maintenance drives long-term trade employment.
How Trade Workers Actually Get Hired in Idaho
Trade jobs in Idaho are commonly secured through a mix of direct employer hiring, technical education, and apprenticeship pathways:
- Direct contractor and facility hiring: Employers often hire based on aptitude and train workers on the job.
- Community colleges and trade programs: Technical education supports entry into electrical, HVAC, and mechanical trades.
- Apprenticeship opportunities: Used in certain licensed trades, particularly electrical and mechanical fields.
Ready to start a trade career in Idaho?
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