Home Inspector in Idaho: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Local services
Idaho employs 1,000 home inspectors, with a statewide median of $63,570 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Idaho licensing picture, and where to train.
What Home inspectors Earn in Idaho (May 2025)
- Idaho median pay
- $63,570 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,840
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $83,600
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $102,000
- Employed in Idaho
- 1,000
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $72,120 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for home inspectors in major Idaho markets:
- Idaho Falls
- $79,770 (80 employed)
- Twin Falls
- $75,730 (30 employed)
- Coeur d'Alene
- $67,270 (100 employed)
- Boise City
- $62,700 (490 employed)
- Pocatello
- $61,570 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Idaho
Prices in Idaho run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 95.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,570 median stretches to roughly $66,565 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Idaho (2024–2034)
Idaho is projected to grow home inspectors employment +2.9%, faster than the -0.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Idaho License and Certification Requirements
No state license; voluntary national certification (InterNACHI/ASHI) — regulated by the No Idaho state license.
- Idaho does not require a state home-inspector license.
- Complete home-inspection training and earn a voluntary national certification (InterNACHI or ASHI) to build credibility.
- Carry E&O and liability insurance, and build a referral network with real-estate agents.
Official requirements: No Idaho state license →
Training in Idaho
No license is required, so you can start quickly — but national certification and strong sample reports set you apart and win agent referrals. A construction background helps.
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Practical communicators who like buildings and independent local service work.
Think twice if: You dislike sales, liability, crawl spaces, or uneven self-employment income.
Why it's resilient: Inspection work combines physical site review, judgment, documentation, and buyer trust.
First Steps
Check your state licensing rules and shadow a local inspector if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do home inspectors make in Idaho?
The median wage for home inspectors in Idaho is $63,570 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,840, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $102,000. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Home Inspector in Idaho?
No state license; voluntary national certification (InterNACHI/ASHI), overseen by the No Idaho state license. Idaho does not require a state home-inspector license.
Is being a Home Inspector a good career in Idaho?
Inspection work combines physical site review, judgment, documentation, and buyer trust.
Which Idaho metros pay home inspectors the most?
Among Idaho metro areas, Idaho Falls leads at $79,770, followed by Twin Falls ($75,730), Coeur d'Alene ($67,270). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Is Home Inspector a growing career in Idaho?
Idaho projects home inspectors employment to change +2.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Idaho statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-4011. Licensing summary compiled from the No Idaho state license (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Idaho wages · Idaho licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.