An electrician’s duties in Idaho can be quite comprehensive. These professionals can perform electrical maintenance, installation, repairs, and upgrades in various environments under tough conditions.
Some professionals in the field choose to specialize, while some choose to focus on more general projects. To become a successful electrician in Idaho, candidates must follow various steps decided by relevant authorities. The guide on this page introduces residents to these requirements so they can navigate them as smoothly as possible.
The guide contains basic prerequisites, educational options, licensure requirements, and projected annual average salary figures.
How to Become an Electrician in Idaho
Electricians in Idaho typically start their careers by following the broad steps outlined below.
Step 1: Becoming an Electrical Apprentice
Candidates must register as electrical apprentices to become a licensed electrician in Idaho. They may then secure admission into an approved training program to meet the classroom and hands-on training requirements.
Most training programs require candidates to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Physical fitness is also important; students should be prepared to take an aptitude test.
Step 2: Classroom Training
Classroom training is important for aspiring electricians in Idaho because it helps them understand the fundamental principles of the job. They will learn basic theories, develop safety consciousness, and acquire an in-depth knowledge of national and state electric codes and regulations.
Classroom training programs at community and technical colleges can also help candidates acquire valuable associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, or even bachelor’s degrees.
Step 3: Hands-On Training
Idaho specifies 6,000 hours of hands-on experience for candidates looking to become licensed electricians. For this, most candidates secure on-the-job training opportunities under a licensed contractor.
Another option is to attend an apprenticeship program. There are two options in this regard: apprenticeship programs organized by trade unions and those organized by non-union organizations.
Step 4: Job Placement & Continuing Education
Lastly, candidates may secure employment in an official capacity after completing the licensure steps outlined below. Notably, electricians in Idaho are expected to keep improving by attending continuing education classes.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
To become an electrician in Idaho, you must receive a license from the Idaho Division of Building Safety. After completing the steps above (registering as an electrical apprentice and receiving relevant training through a state-approved program), you may apply for the journeyman electrician licensing exam.
The passing score for this exam is 70% or more. Those who have passed the examination will become licensed electricians, but they must renew their licenses every three years. Electrician license renewal in Idaho requires 24 credits of continuing education.
Journeyman electricians in the state who have acquired 4 years of training in this position may proceed to take the master electrician examination. A score of at least 75% in this exam will make them master electricians.
Afterward, they may take the Electrical Contractor examination to become Electrical Contractors and take on large contracts of their own.
Top Electrician Schools in Idaho
Residents of Idaho may receive top-quality electrical technology training from any of the programs below.
College of Western Idaho
Nampa , ID Campus + Online
College of Western Idaho in Boise offers an academic electrical Technology program with an apprenticeship component reminiscent of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers programs.
Tuition
$1,295 - $8,560 per ProgramContact
(208) 562-2700
wd@cwi.edu
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID Campus Only
Idaho State University in Pocatello offers a two-year electrical training program. Graduates leave with an associate degree and in-depth knowledge of electrical circuits, drafting, safety, hazard recognition, residential and industrial electrical installations, and more.
Tuition
$8,356 - $16,712 per ProgramContact
(208) 282-2800
ctech@isu.edu
Lewis-Clark State College
Lewiston, ID Campus Only
Lastly, candidates may consider enrolling in the electrical technology program at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston to start their careers.
Tuition
$389 - $510 per CreditContact
(208) 792-2220
tidoff@lcsc.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
The average annual salary of an electrician in Idaho may vary according to factors such as experience level and chosen specialty area. Their specific locations within the state can also profoundly influence these figures.
Currently, the most common annual average salary for electricians in the state is $73,284, which is relevant for those in the midpoint of earners. From the factors above, candidates can increase their yearly earnings to around $100,278, which is good enough to propel them into the highest-paid category.
The lowest-paid electricians in Idaho still manage an annual average salary of $53,556.
As for the best locations to work as an electrician in Idaho (based on yearly earnings alone), we have Coeur d’Alene, with an annual average salary of $94,037; Twin Falls, with an annual average salary of $78,753; and Nampa, with an annual average salary of $78,322.