Idaho Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Idaho.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Idaho
Average Cost of Trade School in Idaho
Most trade programs in Idaho are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Idaho, growth around key metros and a wide rural footprint can make trade demand feel very different depending on where you live.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $4,968 higher than in-state on average.
| Idaho Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $3,626 |
|---|---|
| Idaho Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $8,594 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Idaho
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Idaho Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- In Idaho, many trades allow entry after 6–18 months of training, while apprenticeships typically take 3–5 years as you complete required hours and coursework.
- Licensing and certification requirements vary by trade and sometimes by locality. Contractor-level work may require licensing, and local permits/inspections are common—confirm requirements for the specific work you’ll be doing.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Idaho
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Idaho. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| 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.
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.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Opportunities in Idaho
Most trade employment in Idaho is accessed through non-union, employer-driven hiring, allowing faster entry for many workers. Union opportunities exist in certain trades and project types, offering structured training and standardized wage progression where applicable.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom instruction and on-the-job training | Primarily on-the-job training; structure varies by employer |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scale with scheduled raises | Pay increases based on performance, experience, or employer policy |
| Benefits | Typically includes health insurance, pension, and retirement plans | Benefits depend on employer; may be limited or optional |
| Job Mobility | Dispatch-based work; access to large projects | Direct hiring; flexibility across residential and service work |
| Best Fit For | Those seeking structured training and project stability | Those prioritizing faster entry and statewide opportunities |