Pipefitter in Idaho: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Idaho employs 3,090 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $52,380 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Idaho licensing picture, and where to train.

What Pipefitters Earn in Idaho (May 2025)

Idaho median pay: $52,380 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $39,430
Experienced (75th percentile): $69,640
Top earners (90th percentile): $82,620
Employed in Idaho: 3,090
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major Idaho markets:

Logan: $60,390 (170 employed)
Boise City: $56,940 (1,760 employed)
Idaho Falls: $51,420 (260 employed)
Twin Falls: $50,700 (180 employed)
Coeur d'Alene: $50,270 (260 employed)
Pocatello: $50,020 (100 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 $52,380 median stretches to roughly $54,848 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Idaho (2024–2034)

Idaho is projected to grow pipefitters employment +22.6%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 650 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Idaho License and Certification Requirements

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship — regulated by the No standalone Idaho pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under DOPL).

Idaho has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
Note: plumbing-scope piping work falls under Idaho DOPL plumbing rules.

Official requirements: No standalone Idaho pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under DOPL) →

Training in Idaho

High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. Idaho's food-processing and manufacturing sectors drive demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Idaho include:

Idaho State University — Associate
Lewis-Clark State College — Associate
North Idaho College — Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.

Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

First Steps

Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do pipefitters make in Idaho?

The median wage for pipefitters in Idaho is $52,380 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $39,430, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $82,620. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in Idaho?

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship, overseen by the No standalone Idaho pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under DOPL). Idaho has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.

Is being a Pipefitter a good career in Idaho?

Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

Which Idaho metros pay pipefitters the most?

Among Idaho metro areas, Logan leads at $60,390, followed by Boise City ($56,940), Idaho Falls ($51,420). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Pipefitter in Idaho?

Real Idaho options include Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, North Idaho College. Most pipefitters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Pipefitter a growing career in Idaho?

Idaho projects pipefitters employment to change +22.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 650 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 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone Idaho pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under DOPL) (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.