- Electricians in Idaho can expect 8% job growth by 2031, with salaries averaging $55,000–$80,000 per year.
- You require 8,000 work hours plus 576 class hours to qualify for the journeyman exam.
- The total cost to get licensed is around $1,500–$2,000.
- The NASCLA exam is now mandatory for both journeyman and master licenses.
- Idaho has reciprocity with 13 states, opening multi-state job options.
Electricians nationwide enjoy strong job growth, and Idaho likewise lists Electrician (SOC 47-2111) on its official In-Demand Careers list. The Idaho Workforce Council reports about an 8% employment increase for electricians by 2031. In practical terms, Idaho electricians earned roughly $55,000 per year in 2023, and median pay nationally is around $62,350. Prospective electricians and electrical contractors in Idaho need to know how to get licensed, what it costs, and the opportunities ahead. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from apprenticeship and exam requirements to license fees, reciprocity with other states, salary expectations (including union pay), permits, and more.
So, whether you’re planning to start your electrical career or want to become a licensed electrical contractor, we will explain how Idaho’s licensing system works. We will cover the types of Idaho electrical licenses (apprentice, journeyman, master, contractor, and limited classifications), outline the training schools and apprenticeship programs in Idaho, detail the application and exam process, and describe the fastest routes to licensure. We will also explain permit rules for homeowners and contractors, where Idaho licenses can be used, and what Idaho electrician wages are.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to become a licensed electrician in Idaho in 2025, how much it will cost, how long it will take, and what your career path and pay might look like.
Table of Contents
What Are The Different Types Of Idaho Electrical Licenses?
To legally perform electrical work in Idaho, you must hold an appropriate license issued by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Idaho’s licensing structure is designed to support a clear pathway from entry-level roles to advanced professional and business ownership positions.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each license type and what it allows.
Apprentice Electrician License
An apprentice electrician license allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician while receiving hands-on training and completing the required classroom education. You don’t need to have any prior electrical experience. However, you must be at least 16 years old and enroll in a registered apprenticeship program or an approved electrical apprentice school. You must renew this license annually.
Journeyman Electrician License
After completing 8,000 hours of supervised work and at least 576 hours of approved classroom instruction, apprentices can apply to take the journeyman exam. After passing the exam, you will get a journeyman electrician license, which allows you to install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in esidential, commercial, and industrial settings, independently, but you must still operate under the supervision of a master electrician or electrical contractor when it comes to pulling permits and project planning.
Master Electrician License
The licensed master electrician can design and supervise the installation of electrical systems, train apprentices, and oversee journeymen. To qualify for the license, you must have at least 4 years of experience working as a licensed journeyman electrician and pass the master electrician exam
Electrical Contractor License
Individuals who want to offer electrical contracting services legally require a contractor license. However, you must designate a supervising master electrician for the company, secure liability insurance, and meet business registration requirements with the Idaho Secretary of State.
Specialty Licenses For Apprentice, Journeyman, and Contractor
Idaho recognizes that some fields require electrical knowledge but don’t involve the full scope of general electrical work. That’s why there are licenses that are broken into Specialty Apprentice, Specialty Journeyman, and Specialty Contractor categories and apply to specific low-voltage trades.
The specialty areas typically include HVAC systems, refrigeration, evaporative cooling units, well drilling and pump installations, signs and neon lighting, elevator systems, irrigation sprinkler controls, limited energy systems, utility linemen, and assembly wiring.
Each specialty has its own experience and education requirements. For example, a limited energy journeyman requires fewer total hours and focuses on systems like security alarms or low-voltage communications.
How To Become A Licensed Electrician in Idaho?
To work as a professional electrician in Idaho, you must be licensed by the Idaho Electrical Board (through DOPL). Idaho has tiered electrical licenses: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, and Contractor (plus specialty “limited” licenses for things like sign or low-voltage work). Most journeyman and master license requirements are set by Idaho Code and enforced by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Here is the common pathway that is typically taken by the aspiring electricians:
Step 1: Start As An Apprentice
You must register yourself as an Electrical Apprentice with the Idaho Division of Building Safety. Idaho’s apprenticeship standards require at least 4 years of training, which includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience plus 576 hours of classroom instruction. You must work under the constant supervision of a licensed electrician during this time. Apprenticeships are typically offered through union and non-union programs. To register as an apprentice, you have to apply to DOPL. The application fee is $15. Meanwhile, you earn wages as you accumulate the required hours of work experience.
Step 2: Complete Apprenticeship and Schooling
As mentioned above, Idaho requires both field hours and classroom hours. Many apprentices attend a college or trade school (often part-time) while working. For example, the College of Western Idaho’s program explicitly meets Idaho’s requirements. The shortest path to journeyman is a 4-year apprenticeship. However, if you have prior experience but no schooling, Idaho allows 16,000 hours of on-the-job experience to replace the classroom requirement.
Step 3: Apply For And Pass The Journeyman Exam
After you have finished the required hours and training, you have to apply to take the Idaho journeyman electrical exam. You must use DOPL’s online licensing system to apply and pay the $75 exam fee plus the $55 journeyman license fee. In 2024, Idaho switched to the NASCLA-accredited electrical exam, so all journeyman applicants must pass the NASCLA exam before licensure. Once your application is approved, schedule the test (locations in Boise, Blackfoot, Coeur d’Alene) and pass it. Upon passing, DOPL will issue your Journeyman Electrician license.
Step 4: Gain Experience And Pass The Master Electrician Exam
You must hold a journeyman electrician license in Idaho for at least 4 years to become eligible for the Master Electrician license. The Idaho Master Electrician exam is also NASCLA-based. Apply through DOPL and pass the master’s exam. A Master Electrician can perform any electrical work and supervise others. If you want to start an electrical contracting business, you will also need the Electrical Contractor license. You must have or employ a master electrician to supervise and carry liability insurance of a minimum of $300,000. All contractor and limited-class exams still require pre-approval through DOPL’s in-house process.
How Long Is an Electrician School in Idaho?
The minimum time required to complete an electrician school is 4 years. Idaho’s apprenticeship requirement is a 4-year program that combines 8,000 hours on-the-job plus 576 hours of classroom instruction. This means you have to work full-time as an apprentice while taking classes one or two evenings per week. Many programs also offer “Year 1, Year 2, …” progression to keep track of credits.
There is no shortcut shorter than this for most people. The 576 instructional hours are typically spread over four years, which is roughly about 144 hours per year. However, if you already have experience but no schooling, Idaho allows 16,000 hours (8 years) of experience to substitute entirely for the classroom requirement, but that still takes many years. After obtaining a journeyman license, you must work another 4 years as a journeyman before qualifying for the master exam.
So the shortest practical route is a 4-year apprenticeship program that combines paid work and classroom training. This aligns with national standards and ensures you meet Idaho’s requirements. Most electrical training programs in Idaho (union or college-affiliated) are designed around this four-year timeline.
Apprenticeships, Training Programs, and Schools in Idaho
Idaho offers several apprenticeship programs and technical schools for electricians:
IEC Idaho (Independent Electrical Contractors) operates a Department of Labor–recognized apprenticeship. Their four-year curriculum provides 8,000 hours of OJT and 576 hours of classroom training. They offer classes in Boise and Nampa, with online and in-person options.
Southwestern Idaho Electrical JATC (IBEW/NECA) provides the union apprenticeship program for the Boise region. It follows the same 4-year model. Apprentices in this program are members of IBEW Local 291.
College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers an electrical apprenticeship certificate. CWI’s program aligns with Idaho’s requirements and uses an “earn-while-you-learn” approach. The full program cost is $1,450 for all four 8-week sessions plus books.
Eastern Idaho Apprenticeship JATC serves the Idaho Falls/Pocatello area with similar training.
Some Idaho high schools and technical colleges partner with apprenticeships or offer pre-apprenticeship electrical courses.
When you are choosing the program, make sure that it is approved by Idaho’s apprenticeship council or recognized by DOPL. All of these programs prepare you for Idaho’s journeyman exam. A common path is to apply to an apprenticeship program, which often requires you to be employed or sponsored by an electrical contractor. Once you are enrolled, the school or JATC will track your classroom hours, and you have to report your OJT hours for licensing credit.
After completing an apprenticeship, you’ll be qualified to apply for the journeyman exam. Many apprentices also take free or low-cost exam prep classes through their JATC or union. DOPL provides exam information bulletins via PSI, and you should study the National Electrical Code and Idaho amendments to prepare for the exam.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an Electrician in Idaho?
The overall cost involved in becoming an electrician in Idaho depends on the schooling, preparation materials, exam fee, initial licensing fee, and insurance. The initial licensing costs are fairly low (mostly application/exam fees), but you should plan for $1,000–$2,000 total when including schooling, insurance, and prep materials. Your employer often covers or reimburses many of these costs if you are in a formal apprenticeship.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the overall cost:
State Licensing Fees: It will cost you roughly $150–$200 in state fees. For example, the journeyman electrician application is $55, the renewal is $45, the exam fee is $75, and the apprentice application is $15. The Master license costs $65, and the Electrical Contractor license costs $125. Renewal fees are generally slightly lower. If you need duplicate licenses or card replacements, there is an additional $10.
Training and School Costs: Trade schools in Idaho typically charge hundreds per quarter. For instance, College of Western Idaho (CWI) charges about $365 per 8-week session, which adds up to $1,450 total for the full four-year series. Some community colleges and electrical associations may have similar or lower tuition. Many apprenticeships offset this by paying apprentices wages while they train.
Exam Preparation and Materials: You might spend a few hundred dollars on exam books or courses if you choose them. There is also a 3% credit-card service fee on DOPL exam payments.
Electrician Insurance/Business Costs: If you plan to be a contractor, the state of Idaho requires $300,000 general liability insurance for your license. Other business costs like licensing, bonds, workers’ compensation insurance, etc., depend on your company.
Continuing Education: Idaho journeymen must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education every renewal. The courses typically cost $20–$40 each.
Permit Fees: Homeowners must pay permit fees for work on their property. Idaho’s Electrical Board provides an online portal (ArcGIS) for homeowner or contractor permits. Permit costs vary by jurisdiction and project scope, but are generally a few tens to a few hundred dollars per permit.
Can I Do My Own Electrical Work in Idaho?
Yes, homeowners are allowed to work on the electrical wiring of their own residence if they obtain the necessary permits and inspections. According to the Idaho Electrical Board, homeowners “are expected to possess the skills and knowledge necessary to install electrical equipment safely”. This means you can wire your own house or garage, but the work must comply with code, and you must pull a permit through your local building department or through the state’s online portal. For example, Idaho provides an ArcGIS permit portal for electrical permits on private property.
However, any work for another person or any business or commercial work requires a licensed electrician. You cannot take a job from someone else without an appropriate license. Unlicensed contractors who perform electrical work can face fines or stop-work orders.
You may do your own home’s electrical projects with a homeowner permit, but you cannot legally advertise or contract electrical work without a license.
What States Accept an Idaho Electrical License?
Idaho has reciprocity agreements with several states for journeyman electrician licenses. Currently, Idaho will accept a valid journeyman electrical license from the following states without requiring another exam:
Colorado, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
So, an electrician licensed in one of these states can apply to Idaho for a reciprocal journeyman license by providing proof of current licensure and passing Idaho’s business law exam. Conversely, Idaho journeymen can work in those states under reciprocity terms.
However, Master electrician reciprocity in Idaho is limited. The only state that currently grants an Idaho Master license by reciprocity is Wyoming.
For all other states, an Idaho-licensed electrician typically must take that state’s licensing exam to work there. Idaho also requires contractor license applicants to pass the Idaho contractor exam, regardless of reciprocal status.
How Much Does IBEW Pay in Idaho?
Union wages for electricians in Idaho are higher than the state average. According to IBEW Local 291 (Boise), a journeyman wireman’s base wage is about $40.00 per hour, which is roughly $80,000 per year for a 40-hour workweek. The total package, including benefits, can be around $55.90/hr per union data. According to Indeed, median electricians in Idaho earn about $57,400 (entry-level), $67,400 (mid-career), and $72,600 (senior). So, a union journeyman in Boise is generally above the statewide median electrician salary.
Salary also varies by license tier and experience. Apprentice electricians typically earn far less (often under $20–$25/hr when they start). A licensed Journeyman in Idaho (non-union) is likely in the mid-$60k range per year. Master Electricians and business owners can earn well into six figures, especially if running their own company. According to Idaho’s workforce data, the average electrician wage in Idaho is roughly $26–$29 per hour (around $55,000 annually), reflecting a mix of non-union and union pay.
IBEW journeyman pay is nearly $80,000 per year, significantly higher than the typical entry-level electrician salary in Idaho. Plus, union jobs usually include good health/dental coverage and pensions.
Salary expectations also depend on location, as wages in Boise are higher than in many rural areas and on market demand.
Here is a summary of the overall electrician pay in Idaho based on license type:
License Type | Typical Hourly Rate |
Electrical Apprentice | $15-$25 |
Journeyman Electrician | $33.70 per hour |
Master Electrician | $37-$45 per hour |
Electrical Contractor | $35-$75 per hour |
Idaho Licensing Exam Details
To sit for Idaho’s electrician exams (journeyman or master), you must submit an online application to DOPL and be approved first. Create a user account first at edopl.idaho.gov before applying. This portal is used for license applications and renewals. Then, in DOPL’s system, apply for the specific license (Journeyman or Master). Attach proof of qualifying experience, which is usually signed affidavits from employers documenting your hours and pay, and the application fee. If you have out-of-state experience, you may also need a letter of good standing.
After DOPL approves you, you’ll receive exam eligibility. Scheduling is typically done through PSI’s online portal (PSI administers NASCLA in Idaho). You have 90 days to schedule once approved.
The journeyman exam is 4 hours, 100 questions (NASCLA format), and you must score a passing grade. Exam centers are in Boise, Blackfoot, and Coeur d’Alene.
However, if you are applying for a Contractor license, Idaho requires an additional business/law exam. This is an open-book test on Idaho contractor laws, administered by DOPL.
After you have passed the exam, DOPL will issue your license. Journeyman and Master licenses renew every 3 years, while Contractor licenses renew annually.
Are Electricians In Demand In Idaho?
According to the Idaho Workforce Development Council, electricians are in-demand occupations. Contributing factors include population growth, especially in Boise and the Treasure Valley, new energy-efficient construction (residential and commercial), and upgrades to electrical infrastructure like renewable energy projects and smart grid expansion.
Nationwide, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth for electrician jobs from 2023 to 33. Idaho’s own projections show about 8% growth through 2031. Even if you only meet the journeyman minimum requirements, you’ll find plenty of work. Veteran Idaho electricians often report more demand than supply, giving apprentices and entry-level workers strong job prospects.
Idaho electricians can work in construction (home builders, remodelers), industrial plants (food processing, manufacturing), utilities (power plants, transmission), and residential service. Solar and wind projects in Idaho also drive demand for qualified electricians.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed electrician in Idaho is a multi-year commitment, but a rewarding one. You’ll start as an apprentice, learning on the job and in the classroom, then pass rigorous exams to earn journeyman and eventually master credentials. Along the way, you should budget for modest fees and training costs, and keep track of permits and continuing education. In return, you’ll enter a stable, growing field with good pay. Even an entry-level journeyman in Idaho earns around $ 60,000–$ 70,000, with a union electrician closer to $80,000. Contractors and masters can surpass that, especially if they run their own business. Idaho’s reciprocity with many states also means your hard-won license can open doors elsewhere.
For aspiring electricians, the path is clear: enroll in a state-approved apprenticeship (for example, at IEC Idaho or the SW Idaho JATC), work the required hours and schooling, and prepare thoroughly for the NASCLA exam. With demand high and technology advancing (electric vehicles, solar, smart homes), licensed Idaho electricians have a bright future.
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