Electrician in Idaho
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ID
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.
Electrician Requirements in Idaho
| Detail | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), Idaho Electrical Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a 4-year approved apprenticeship program, including 576 hours of instruction OR 16,000 hours of electrical work experience without schooling. |
| Experience Required | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam ($75) |
| Application Fee | $55 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum 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
License Tiers
Idaho offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | N/A |
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 16,000 |
Electrician Salary in Idaho
The median electrician salary in Idaho is $60,670 per year, which is 2.7% below the national median of $62,350.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,220 |
| 25th | $46,820 |
| 50th (median) | $60,670 |
| 75th | $77,420 |
| 90th (experienced) | $89,890 |
Idaho employs approximately 5,380 electricians.
Electrician Job Outlook
AI Impact on Electricians
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming an Electrician in Idaho Worth It?
Factors to consider: Idaho's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.