Electrician in Pocatello, ID

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Electricians considering a move to Pocatello, Idaho.

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The Salary Picture: Where Pocatello Stands

As an electrician in Pocatello, your earning potential is solid for the region, but it's important to understand how your experience level maps onto the local market. The median salary here is $59,297/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.51/hour. While this is slightly below the national average for electricians ($61,550/year), the significantly lower cost of living in Pocatello makes your paycheck go much further.

The job market is stable but not booming. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Pocatello metro area shows there are approximately 171 jobs for electricians, with a 10-year job growth projection of 11%. This growth is driven by ongoing maintenance needs, residential developments, and upgrades to local infrastructure.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in the Pocatello area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Pocatello)	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (Apprentice)	$40,000 - $50,000	$19.23 - $24.04	Starting wage for a 1st/2nd year apprentice. Pay increases with each year of training.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$59,297 (Median)	$28.51	This is the benchmark for a licensed, independent electrician with 4 years of experience.
Senior-Level (Master/Journeyman+)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87	Often involves supervision, complex commercial/industrial work, or specialization.
Expert/Owner	$90,000+	$43.27+	Typically business owners, project managers, or highly specialized industrial electricians.

Insider Tip: The jump from apprentice to journeyman is where you see the most significant pay increase. In Pocatello, union electricians (IBEW Local 768) often command the top of the wage scale, especially on prevailing wage projects like school or hospital upgrades.

Compared to other Idaho cities, Pocatello sits in a middle ground. It’s more affordable than Boise or Idaho Falls, and while the salaries in those cities are slightly higher, the difference is often negated by higher housing costs. For a balanced lifestyle, Pocatello offers a compelling value proposition.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get concrete. Using the median salary of $59,297, we can build a realistic monthly budget for an electrician living in Pocatello. This budget assumes you are single and filing as a single filer for taxes.

• Gross Monthly Income: $59,297 / 12 = $4,941
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% = -$1,087
• Net Monthly Income: $3,854

Now, let's factor in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Pocatello is $751/month. The Cost of Living Index is 87.8 (US avg = 100), meaning everything from groceries to utilities is about 12% cheaper than the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR): $751
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet, Water): $220
• Groceries: $350
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $300
• Health Insurance (if not employer-covered): $250
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Personal): $400
• Total Expenses: $2,271

Monthly Savings/Debt Paydown: $3,854 - $2,271 = $1,583

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With nearly $1,600 in monthly savings, a down payment is achievable. The median home price in Pocatello hovers around $280,000. A 20% down payment ($56,000) might take a few years of disciplined saving, but a 5-10% down payment ($14,000-$28,000) is feasible within 1-2 years. With current mortgage rates, a monthly payment on a $280,000 home would be roughly $1,600-$1,800 (including taxes/insurance), which is manageable on this salary, especially with a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Pocatello's Major Employers

The job market isn't vast, but it's stable. Most electricians work for local contractors, but there are several key employers who hire directly or frequently contract out major projects.

1. Idaho State University (ISU): The largest employer in the region. ISU has a constant need for electricians to maintain its sprawling campus, including the new Health District building and research facilities. This is a great source of steady, union-scale work.
2. Portneuf Medical Center (PMC): The primary hospital. Hospital work requires specialized knowledge of life safety systems, backup power, and medical-grade electrical systems. This is complex, high-paying work.
3. Bannock County & City of Pocatello: Municipal governments are always hiring for maintenance electricians and contracting out for public works projects (street lighting, water treatment plants). These jobs often come with excellent benefits.
4. Local Contractors (Residential/Commercial): Companies like Bridger Electric, St. John’s Electric, and K & K Electric are the backbone of the local trade. They handle everything from new home wiring in the growing areas like Pine Ridge to commercial retrofits downtown.
5. Industrial Facilities: While limited, there are opportunities at plants like J.R. Simplot Company (food processing) and Cargill (which has a facility nearby). These roles focus on industrial controls, motors, and high-voltage systems.
6. School District 25 (Pocatello/Chubbuck): The local school district regularly posts jobs for maintenance electricians and contracts out for school renovations and new construction.

Hiring Trends: The market is steady. The biggest demand is for licensed journeyman and master electricians. Apprentices are in demand too, but finding a sponsor is key. The push for energy efficiency (LED retrofits, solar) and EV charging station installation is creating new niches.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process overseen by the Idaho Division of Building Safety. You cannot work as an electrician without the proper credentials.

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years):

• Requirement: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This typically involves 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and 576 hours of classroom instruction.
• Cost: Apprenticeship programs often have minimal tuition, but you pay for books and fees (~$300-$500/year). The key is finding a sponsor (employer).
• Timeline: 4 years minimum.

2. Journeyman Electrician License:

• Exam: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the NEC).
• Cost: Exam fee is ~$120. License fee is ~$100, renewed every 2 years.
• Timeline: You can sit for the exam once you hit your 8,000 hours and have the required classroom hours.

3. Master Electrician License:

• Exam: Requires passing the Master Electrician Exam. In Idaho, you need at least 4 years as a journeyman (or equivalent experience) to sit for this.
• Cost: Exam fee is ~$150. License fee is ~$150.
• Timeline: Minimum 4 years after obtaining your journeyman license.

Insider Tip: The electrical code (NEC) is updated every 3 years. Idaho adopts the most recent version. Stay current. Many local contractors and Idaho State University's Continuing Education program offer refresher courses.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Pocatello's neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles. Where you live affects your commute and daily life.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Pros/Cons for an Electrician
Central Pocatello	Urban, walkable, historic. Commute to most jobs is <10 min.	$725	Pro: Close to downtown shops, restaurants, and the hospital. Con: Older homes, which can mean more repair work but also less new construction.
North Pocatello/Westwood	Family-oriented, quiet. A mix of older and newer homes.	$775	Pro: Close to ISU and a straight shot to the hospital. Good for servicing residential clients in established areas.
Pine Ridge	The "new" Pocatello. Suburban, newer builds, family-focused.	$825	Pro: High demand for new construction wiring and smart home installations. Con: Farther from downtown/hospital, longer commute for service calls.
Chubbuck (East Side)	Essentially a suburb of Pocatello. Affordable, growing.	$750	Pro: Great for residential electricians, as many young families are moving here. Close to the interstate for easy access to surrounding areas.
Old Town/Pioneer Historic District	Quaint, charming, older homes. Very walkable.	$800+	Pro: Beautiful area, potential for restoration/renovation work. Con: Most homes are older, which may require more troubleshooting than new installs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career path in Pocatello can lead to specialization, which comes with premium pay.

• Specialties with Demand:

  • Industrial Controls & Automation: Working with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and motor controls. This is the highest-paid specialty in the area.
  • Renewable Energy (Solar): A growing niche. While Pocatello isn't a solar hotspot like southern Idaho, there's steady demand for residential and small commercial installations. Federal tax incentives are helping.
  • Low-Voltage/Security Systems: Data cabling, fire alarms, and access control systems. Often bundled with electrical work for commercial clients.
  • Green Building/Energy Efficiency: Expertise in LEED standards or energy audits can set you apart on commercial and municipal projects.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Path 1 (Corporate): Apprentice → Journeyman → Master → Electrical Contractor/Business Owner. This is the most common route.
  • Path 2 (Specialist): Journeyman → Specialized Certifications (PLC, Solar) → Lead Technician for a specialized firm. You might work for a company that does only industrial or only solar.
  • Path 3 (Institutional): Maintenance Electrician at ISU, PMC, or the City → Supervisor → Facilities Manager. This path offers stability and benefits, often with a pension.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is promising. As the population grows and infrastructure ages, the need for skilled electricians will remain strong. The biggest opportunities will be in integrating new technologies (EV chargers, smart grids, advanced HVAC controls) into existing systems. Those who adapt to these trends will be in the best position to earn above the median.

The Verdict: Is Pocatello Right for You?

Pros:

• Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary of $59,297 goes much further here than in Boise or the national average.
• Stable Job Market: A consistent demand for electricians in residential, commercial, and institutional sectors.
• Excellent Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, access to outdoor recreation (hiking, fishing, skiing at Pebble Creek), and a relaxed pace of life.
• Clear Career Path: The licensing process is straightforward, and there are clear paths to specialization and higher pay.

Cons:

• Lower Ceiling: Salaries top out lower than in major metros. A master electrician in Pocatello will earn less than one in Seattle or Chicago.
• Smaller Market: Fewer employers mean less job-hopping opportunity. You may need to start your own business to reach the highest earnings.
• Limited "Big City" Amenities: While it has what you need, Pocatello lacks the cultural and entertainment options of a larger city.

Final Recommendation: Pocatello is an excellent choice for electricians who value affordability, work-life balance, and outdoor access over maximum earning potential. It's ideal for journeyman electricians looking to buy a home, start a family, or slow down. It's also a great place for apprentices to get their start, as the cost of living allows for a lower wage during training. If you're a highly ambitious specialist seeking the absolute highest salary, a larger metro might be a better fit, but you'll pay a steep price in rent and commute times.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed to work as an electrician's helper in Idaho?
No, you can work as an unlicensed helper under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. This is the typical entry point for an apprenticeship.

2. How is the weather for electrical work?
Pocatello has a high desert climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are dry and hot (often 90°F+), which is manageable. Winters are cold with snow, which can impact outdoor work and service calls. You'll need appropriate gear for both extremes.

3. Is there a strong union presence?
Yes. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 768 represents electricians in the Pocatello area. Union jobs often pay at the top of the scale and provide robust benefits. It's worth investigating if you're considering a union apprenticeship.

4. What's the best way to find a job as an electrician in Pocatello?
Your best bet is direct contact. Call local contractors (Bridger, St. John's, K & K), check the job boards for ISU, the City of Pocatello, and School District 25, and connect with the local IBEW union hall. Networking is key in a smaller city.

5. Can I live in Pocatello and commute to Idaho Falls for work?
Yes, it's a common commute (about 45 minutes). Idaho Falls has a slightly larger market and may offer more specialized industrial opportunities. However, you'll deal with winter weather on I-15 and higher property prices if you try to live in Idaho Falls itself. You can live in Pocatello for less and still access the Idaho Falls market by car.