How to Become a Journeyman Electrician in Idaho
The full path in Idaho: licensing requirements (8,000 documented hours), the state exam, fees, IBEW and registered apprenticeship options, realistic apprentice pay, the master tier, and reciprocity with other states.
8,000 hrs
Required documented experience
$155 / $155
journeyman / master fees
5 IBEW locals
Union apprenticeship paths
$61/hr
State median, all tiers (from 6 postings)
1. Idaho journeyman licensing requirements
Idaho requires 8,000 documented hours of electrical experience for the journeyman path, administered by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — Idaho Electrical Board. Typical timeline from application: 4–8 weeks.
- Exam: may be waived for reciprocal applicants — Reciprocal applicants exempt from Idaho exam if original license was obtained by examination in home state.
- journeyman fee: $155 ($15 application + $75 exam + $65 initial license ($45 renewal every 3 years))
- master fee: $155 ($15 application + $75 exam + $65 initial license ($45 renewal every 3 years))
2. Apprenticeship paths: IBEW union + registered programs
5 IBEW locals serve Idaho (Locals 73, 77, 283, 291, 449). Union apprentices train through the local JATC while earning a scaled wage. Browse Idaho IBEW locals →
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapters also run accredited programs — chapter directories are being added to this guide.
3. Timeline and cost: what apprentices earn
Apprentice-specific postings are still thin for Idaho. Across 6 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $61/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this. See live ranges on our pay page for Idaho →
4. Going further: the master electrician tier
The master license application runs $155. Master-level reciprocity extends to MT, WY, SD, UT. Masters can pull permits, supervise journeymen, and run contracting businesses.
5. Take your license on the road: reciprocity
Idaho holds reciprocal agreements with 15 states. Full partner list and transfer steps: Idaho reciprocity guide →
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to become a journeyman electrician in Idaho?
The standard path documents 8,000 hours of electrical experience.
What does an electrical apprentice earn in Idaho?
Based on 6 disclosed postings, the state median across all tiers is $61/hr; apprentices typically earn 40–60% of this.
Can I apprentice through the union in Idaho?
Yes — 5 IBEW locals serve Idaho with registered apprenticeship programs.
Keep exploring
Journeyman pay in Idaho
Market rates from live postings vs BLS vs IBEW scale.
IBEW locals in Idaho
Union halls, apprenticeship programs, and scales.
Idaho prevailing wage
Davis-Bacon rates by county and classification.
Where the work is
Data center builds on the live construction map.
Idaho reciprocity guide
Partner states, fees, timelines, and transfer steps.
All state pathways
Compare the journeyman path across all 51 jurisdictions.