Plumber in Idaho Falls, ID

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Plumbers considering a move to Idaho Falls, ID.

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The Salary Picture: Where Idaho Falls Stands

As a plumber in Idaho Falls, you’re entering a market that’s stable, affordable, and quietly growing. The city sits in the heart of Eastern Idaho’s agricultural and energy corridor, which means steady demand for residential and commercial plumbing services. Let’s break down the numbers.

Based on the latest available data, the median salary for a plumber in Idaho Falls is $61,430 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.53. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but the lower cost of living here more than compensates for the difference. The local job market is modest but consistent, with an estimated 135 plumber jobs in the metro area. Over the next decade, the field is projected to see a 10-year job growth of 6%, driven by ongoing construction, aging infrastructure, and the steady maintenance needs of the region’s housing stock.

Experience-Level Earnings Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your actual earnings will depend heavily on experience, specialization, and whether you work for a company or run your own business. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Idaho Falls area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $55,000	Apprentice work, basic repairs, drain cleaning, assisting senior plumbers.
Mid-Level	$61,430 (Median)	Full license, independent service calls, rough-in and finish work on residential builds.
Senior	$75,000 - $90,000+	Complex commercial projects, gas line work, backflow certification, team leadership.
Expert / Owner	$100,000+	Business ownership, specialized industrial work, high-end custom installations.

Comparison to Other Idaho Cities

Idaho Falls offers a compelling balance compared to the state's other major markets. While Boise salaries are higher, they are offset by a significantly higher cost of living. Twin Falls is a closer competitor but lacks the same density of healthcare and energy employers.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Notes
Idaho Falls	$61,430	89.9	Best balance of affordability and steady demand.
Boise	$68,500	~102	Higher pay, but 12% higher living costs and more competition.
Twin Falls	$59,800	~91	Comparable cost, but smaller job market (fewer than 100 jobs).
Pocatello	$60,200	~90	Similar to Idaho Falls, but more tied to education sector.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers in Idaho Falls live in outlying communities like Ammon or Iona to save on housing costs while still having a short, 10-15 minute commute to the city center.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary looks good on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life? Let’s run the numbers for a plumber earning the median salary of $61,430.

Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, taking the standard deduction. We’ll estimate a 22% effective tax rate (federal, state, FICA). Idaho has a progressive income tax, ranging from 1.125% to 6.925%.

• Annual Gross Salary: $61,430
• Estimated Annual Taxes (~22%): -$13,515
• Annual Take-Home Pay: $47,915
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: $3,993

Monthly Budget Breakdown

With a monthly take-home of $3,993, here’s how a reasonable budget might look:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$903	Citywide average. You can find cheaper in Rigger or more expensive in Ammon.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, natural gas, water, and trash.
Groceries	$350	Based on USDA low-cost food plan for one adult.
Transportation	$300	Car payment, insurance, and gas. Car ownership is a necessity in Idaho Falls.
Health Insurance	$250	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous	$500	Savings, entertainment, clothes, cell phone, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,453
Remaining / Savings	$1,540

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. The Idaho Falls housing market is one of the most affordable in the nation for the salary level. The median home price in the metro area hovers around $280,000 - $320,000.

With a $1,540 monthly surplus, a plumber can comfortably save for a down payment. For a 3.5% FHA loan on a $300,000 home (~$10,500 down), the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, and PMI) would likely be around $1,700 - $1,900. This would consume about 45% of your take-home pay, which is on the higher end but manageable with a partner's income or if you advance to a higher salary bracket.

Where the Jobs Are: Idaho Falls's Major Employers

The job market is a mix of residential service companies, commercial construction firms, and institutional facilities. Here are the key players:

1. Mountain Valley Plumbing & Heating: A large local residential and commercial contractor. They handle everything from new construction in the fast-growing Ammon area to service calls throughout the metro. They often hire apprentices and offer steady, year-round work.
2. Idaho Falls Power: The municipal utility employs plumbers and pipefitters for water and wastewater treatment facilities. These are union jobs with excellent benefits, but positions are competitive and open infrequently.
3. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC): As the largest hospital in the region, EIRMC has an in-house facilities maintenance team. They need plumbers skilled in medical gas systems, backflow prevention, and high-pressure maintenance. This is a stable, high-benefit employer.
4. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL): This federal research facility is the region’s economic engine. While many engineering roles require clearances, INL hires numerous plumbers and pipefitters through its vast network of primary contractors (like Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center). Work is often on specialized, high-security systems, commanding a premium wage.
5. Homes by Trademark / Ball Ventures: These are the dominant residential developers in the area. They subcontract with numerous local plumbing companies for all their new builds. Getting on with one of their preferred subs means consistent work on housing developments in neighborhoods like Taylorview Meadows and Sandcreek.
6. Bannock/Fremont County Plumbing Services: A handful of strong local companies serve the broader region. Hiring trends show a shift toward tech-savvy plumbers comfortable with diagnostic cameras and electronic leak detectors.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable push toward service and repair specialists. New construction is steady, but the real growth is in residential service, especially for older homes in neighborhoods like Rigger and North Hill.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho is a “reciprocity” state, making it relatively straightforward for out-of-state plumbers to get licensed, but the process is tightly controlled by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).

The Path:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed plumber. You can start work immediately as an apprentice but must be registered with the state.
2. Journeyman Exam: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the state journeyman plumber exam. The exam fee is approximately $180. You’ll need to prove your work hours.
3. Master Plumber License: To work independently or run your own business, you need a Master Plumber license, which requires 2,000 additional hours as a journeyman and a separate exam (~$180).

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship School: Some programs have tuition; many are paid through employer sponsorship. Expect books and fees to be a few hundred dollars per year.
• Exam Fees: ~$360 total for journeyman and master exams.
• Licensing Fees: ~$160 for journeyman, ~$200 for master, plus annual renewal fees.
• Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to holding a Master license typically takes 5-7 years.

Insider Tip: If you’re already a licensed journeyman from another state, check Idaho’s reciprocity agreements. States like Washington, Montana, and Utah have streamlined processes. Always call the Idaho DOPL at (208) 334-3233 to confirm your specific situation before moving.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Idaho Falls is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a lay of the land:

1. Ammon (East Side): The fastest-growing suburb. Full of new construction, which means plenty of rough-in and finish work. Rent for a 1BR: ~$950/month. It’s family-friendly with new shopping centers but has a 15-minute commute to downtown Idaho Falls.
2. Downtown / Historic District: For those who want walkability and a vibrant scene. Mix of older homes (great for service work) and new apartments. Rent for a 1BR: ~$1,100/month. Very short commute to most job sites. Limited parking can be a hassle if you have a work van.
3. Rigger: An older, established neighborhood with modest, affordable housing. Many homes here are 1950s-70s builds, which translates to steady repair and repipe work. Rent for a 1BR: ~$750/month. It’s centrally located with easy access to I-15.
4. Taylorview Meadows / Sandcreek: Primarily newer subdivisions. Ideal if you work for a high-volume residential plumbing sub. Rent for a 1BR: ~$900/month. A bit farther east, but the commute is still easy, and the neighborhoods are quiet.
5. South Idaho Falls / Edgemont: More rural and spacious, with larger lots. Appeals to those who want a workshop or RV storage. Rent for a 1BR: Hard to find; typically 2BR houses are ~$1,200/month. Commute is 10-20 minutes depending on traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Idaho Falls depends on your goals. The market rewards specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Backflow Prevention Certification: Can add $5-$10/hour to your rate. Crucial for commercial and agricultural clients.
  • Medical Gas Certification: Required for hospital work, commands a premium, especially at EIRMC or INL contractors.
  • Gas Line Specialization: High demand for both residential (BBQ grills, heating) and commercial (restaurant hoods) work.
  • Industrial Pipefitting: The INL is the main driver. Requires specific training and often a security clearance, but pays at the top of the scale.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. From Tech to Supervisor: Move from a field plumber to a lead tech, managing a small crew for a company like Mountain Valley.
  2. Commercial Estimator: Use your field experience to bid on large projects for companies doing work at the hospital or new schools.
  3. Business Owner: The most lucrative path. Start a small service company targeting the growing Ammon and new construction markets. Overhead is low, and word-of-mouth is powerful in Idaho Falls.

• 10-Year Outlook: With 6% job growth, demand will outpace the national average. The key will be the retirement of the existing workforce. Plumbers who get licensed in the next 5 years will be in the driver’s seat for the next decade. The expansion of the INL and new healthcare facilities will create specialized, high-wage opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Idaho Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $61,430 salary goes much further than in Boise or nationally.	Lower Absolute Pay: The salary number is below the national average.
Stable, Growing Job Market: 6% growth is solid, driven by defense, energy, and healthcare.	Smaller Metro Area: Fewer total jobs (135) than larger cities; less variety in employers.
Excellent for Homeownership: You can realistically buy a home on a plumber’s salary.	Isolation: You’re 2+ hours from a major airport (Idaho Falls Airport is regional); limited cultural/dining options.
Outdoor Access: World-class fishing, hiking, and skiing (Grand Targhee, Mesa Falls) are minutes away.	Weather: Winters are cold and snowy; you must be prepared for long drives in bad weather.
Tight-Knit Trade Community: Easy to network with other plumbers, contractors, and suppliers.	Political Climate: Idaho is deeply conservative; social and political views may not align for everyone.

Final Recommendation:
Idaho Falls is an excellent choice for a plumber who values quality of life, affordability, and stability over maximum salary. It’s ideal for those looking to buy a home, start a family, and enjoy easy access to the outdoors. If you’re a self-starter who can secure a Master license and potentially start your own business, the earning potential is strong. If you’re seeking the highest possible paycheck or a bustling urban environment, Boise or out-of-state markets might be a better fit.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a license to work as a plumber in Idaho?
A: Yes. You must be licensed to perform plumbing work that involves installing, altering, or repairing plumbing systems. Apprentices can work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber.

Q: How long does it take to get a journeyman license in Idaho if I’m an apprentice?
A: It typically takes 4 years of full-time work (8,000 hours) plus completing the required classroom instruction. The exam is the final step.

Q: Is there a high demand for commercial plumbers in Idaho Falls?
A: Yes, but it’s a niche market. The main commercial drivers are the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC), and new school construction. Commercial work often pays more but may require specialized certifications (e.g., medical gas, backflow).

Q: What’s the best way to find a plumbing job in Idaho Falls?
A: Start with local companies like Mountain Valley Plumbing and check postings on the Idaho Department of Labor website. Also, connect with the Idaho Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (IPHCCA). For INL jobs, you’ll need to apply through their primary contractors (like INL-TEC or Battelle).

Q: How does the weather affect plumbing work?
A: Winters are cold and snowy. This means more emergency calls for frozen pipes and heating system issues. It also requires reliable 4WD vehicles and being prepared for delays. Summers are dry and busy with new construction. The work is year-round but the nature of the calls changes with the seasons.