The state of Idaho, well-known for its breathtaking scenery and diverse topography, is home to a network of pipelines and plumbing systems that facilitate efficient community operations.
There is always a need for qualified tradesmen, particularly plumbers, as the Gem State grows and prospers.
Plumbers are essential to the health of the people of Idaho, supplying clean water and protecting against plumbing problems.
If you are an aspiring plumber and an Idaho resident this article will help you on your journey to becoming a licensed professional in the plumbing field.
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How to Become a Plumber in Idaho – Step by Step
You must be at least 16 years old to start your plumbing career in Idaho.
To legally work as a plumber in Idaho, you are required to get licensed with one of the plumbing licenses the state offers.
To get your plumbing license you need to undergo a 4-year training program that is approved by the board.
Your training should consist of both classroom education and on-the-job experience.
You need to obtain:
- 144 hours of classroom education per year (576 hours total)
- 2,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed plumber per year (8,000 hours total)
Your grade average within the classroom instructions should be 70% or higher.
It is important to note that Idaho issues the following plumbing licenses:
- Journeyman Plumber License
- Master Plumber License (Plumbing Contractor License)
Journeyman Plumber License
You will be qualified to apply for the Journeyman Plumber license after completing your 4-year training (8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom education)
With the application form, you should provide a copy of legal identification (Passport, Driver’s License, ID).
The application fee is $22.50.
After your application has been approved you will go on to take the trade exam.
It is an open-book exam with 94 questions total and a 4-hour time limit.
You need a score of 75% or higher to pass the exam and proceed to get your license.
Master Plumber License (Plumbing Contractor License)
You must have a valid Journeyman license and at least 2.5 years of Journeyman plumbing experience to apply for a Master Plumber license.
The application process is the same as the Journeyman license, and the fee is $22.50.
The exam fee is $75.
It is an open-book exam with 76 questions total and a 4-hour time limit.
You need a score of 75% or higher to pass the exam.
Exams for both types of licenses are being held in the following cities:
- Blackfoot
- Coeur d’Alene
- Meridian
Plumbing Schools in Idaho
The state of Idaho requires you to obtain 576 hours of formal classroom education, and they offer some of the best plumbing school options you can choose from to become a highly trained and knowledgeable professional.
Here we’ll share with you some of the best apprenticeships, schools, and exam prep courses to choose from.
Idaho Plumber Exam Prep
The Plumbers Training Institute offers the Idaho Exam Prep course. 
They offer online prep courses for both the Journeyman and Master plumber exams.
It is important to note that this is only an exam prep course that is made to help you pass the exam on the first try, it cannot replace the experience and classroom education you must obtain to be qualified to apply for the licenses.
The package contains:
- Uniform Plumbing Code Individual Prep Course
- Pricing Plumbing for Profit Individual Prep Course
The course costs $289.
To learn more and purchase the package visit their website.
CSI Workforce Development and Training
CSI Workforce Development and Training offers a 4-year program. 
It is a combination of on-the-job training and a classroom education program that prepares you to become a Journeyman plumber.
You get to choose if you want to do the program hybrid or fully online:
- Hybrid: One evening each week of in-person lectures and conversations are combined with online course materials
- Online: An instructor-led course that consists entirely of course materials is provided online; nevertheless, it does need time commitment and material upkeep from the motivated learner
Requirements to start the program include:
- Being 16 or older
- Working under the constant supervision of a licensed Plumber Journeyman or Master Plumber
- Apply for an Apprentice Plumbing License through the Division of Building Safety
To learn more about this program and how to apply visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Plumbers Training Institute | Online |
| CSI Workforce Development & Training | 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States |
Salary
Becoming a plumber in Idaho is not an easy task, from the long and tiring hours of school work to the years of on-the-job training, however, the years-long process is more than worth it taking into consideration the fair pay, and respected status that plumbers in this state receive.
Annual wages can go from $43855 to $74398.
The average annual salary is currently $59067.
Plumbers in the city of Lewiston earn the most annually with estimated wages currently averaging around $65205.
Just like in any other profession, plumbers’ pay rates also go up the more qualifications and experience you have.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Lewiston | $65,205 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $62,117 |
| Moscow | $62,117 |
| Boise | $59,246 |
| Meridian | $59,182 |
| Nampa | $58,610 |
| Caldwell | $58,546 |
| Idaho Falls | $57,832 |
| Pocatello | $55,284 |
| Twin Falls | $55,221 |
Regional Salary in Idaho
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 1,620 | $60,070 | $28.88 | $86,190 | $37,040 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 290 | $62,790 | $30.19 | $95,810 | $37,180 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 190 | $61,280 | $29.46 | $89,350 | $36,470 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | 90 | $64,780 | $31.14 | $97,500 | $36,960 |
| Pocatello, ID | 90 | $57,360 | $27.58 | $83,060 | $33,800 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 140 | $56,190 | $27.02 | $89,940 | $32,630 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a plumbing license required to work as plumber in Idaho?
Yes, to legally work as a Journeyman or Master plumber in Idaho you are required to obtain a plumbing license.
When should I renew my Idaho plumbing license?
In Idaho, plumbing licenses should be renewed every 3 years, from the date of initial licensure.
How much does plumbing license renewal cost in Idaho?
The renewal fees are different depending on the license you have.
For Journeyman Plumber:
- Renewal: $21.60
- Late renewal: $29.40
For Master Plumber:
- Renewal: $108
- Late renewal: $147
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