Plumber in Pocatello, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Pocatello Stands

Pocatello’s plumbing job market is defined by stability and a reasonable cost of living, making it a solid choice for skilled tradespeople, especially those looking to stretch their income. The median salary for a plumber in the Pocatello metro area is $61,031/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.34/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, the crucial context is the local economy. The cost of living in Pocatello is significantly lower than the national average, which can make this salary feel more substantial than the raw number suggests.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in this market. It’s important to note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports, as BLS data is aggregated at the metro level.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Pocatello)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $52,000	Assisting senior plumbers, basic pipe fitting, drain cleaning, learning local codes.
Mid-Career	$58,000 - $68,000	Independent service calls, installation of fixtures, water heater replacements, initial project management.
Senior	$70,000 - $85,000+	Complex installations (e.g., commercial systems), leading crews, troubleshooting advanced issues, customer relations.
Expert	$85,000 - $100,000+	Specialization (e.g., medical gas, industrial), business ownership, consulting, master-level code official work.

When comparing to other Idaho cities, Pocatello sits in a unique spot. It’s a major hub for the eastern part of the state, but it doesn’t have the intense competition or the high rent of Boise. For example, Boise plumbers might see higher nominal salaries, but the cost of living and housing pressure is dramatically different. In Pocatello, the market is driven by a mix of residential growth, institutional needs (from hospitals and the university), and commercial projects for agriculture and food processing.

Insider Tip: The 6% 10-year job growth for the metro is a key indicator. This growth is tied to Pocatello’s role as a regional trade and education center. Idaho State University (ISU) and Portneuf Medical Center are steady employers, and the surrounding agricultural and logistics sectors create consistent demand for industrial and commercial plumbing services.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

To understand the true purchasing power of a $61,031/year salary in Pocatello, we need to look at the local tax burden and housing costs. Idaho has a progressive income tax system (1% to 6.5%), and federal taxes apply. For a single filer with standard deductions, estimated take-home pay after federal and state taxes is roughly $48,000 - $50,000/year, or about $4,000 - $4,166/month.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Pocatello is a very manageable $751/month. This low housing cost is the cornerstone of the city’s affordability.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay (after taxes)	$4,100	Based on median salary.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$751	City average. Can be higher in Old Town or near ISU.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; heating costs can rise in winter.
Groceries & Household	$400	Based on USDA low-cost food plan for one.
Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maint.)	$350	Assumes one owned vehicle; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$200	Deductibles vary by employer.
Retirement & Savings (10%)	$410	Critical for long-term wealth.
Misc. / Discretionary	$1,739	Covers entertainment, dining, clothing, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home pay of ~$4,100/month and an average rent of $751, you could allocate over $1,000/month toward a mortgage and still have a comfortable buffer. The median home price in Pocatello is around $275,000. A 20% down payment ($55,000) would lead to a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of approximately $1,400-$1,500. This is highly feasible for a plumber at the median salary, especially one with mid-career experience. Insider Tip: Many local plumbers eventually buy homes in neighborhoods like Alameda or the Benchlands, where lots are larger and you can park a work truck.

Where the Jobs Are: Pocatello's Major Employers

Pocatello’s economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and logistics. This creates diverse opportunities for plumbers beyond just residential service calls.

1. Portneuf Medical Center: The largest hospital in the region. They have a dedicated in-house facilities team with master plumbers on staff. Jobs here are stable, often come with excellent benefits, and require knowledge of medical gas and high-grade sanitation systems. Hiring is competitive but steady.
2. Idaho State University (ISU): A massive complex with dorms, labs, athletic facilities, and historic buildings. The Facilities Management department is a major employer. Projects range from routine maintenance to major renovations in the College of Engineering and the new nursing building. They value local licensure and experience with complex systems.
3. Mountain View Hospital: A growing competitor to Portneuf. They are expanding their campus, which means continuous renovation and new construction projects for local plumbing contractors. They often hire specialized subcontractors for these projects.
4. Local Construction & Mechanical Firms: Companies like Clyde’s Heating & Air Conditioning (which also does plumbing), Morgan & Sons Mechanical, and R&R Plumbing are the backbone of the residential and commercial trade. They handle the vast majority of new home construction in growing areas like Chubbuck and the new subdivisions off of Yellowstone Ave. Insider Tip: Getting in with a firm that does both plumbing and HVAC can make you more versatile and valuable in the slow seasons.
5. Food Processing & Agriculture: The area is home to large facilities like J.R. Simplot Company (potato processing) and dairy farms. These facilities require industrial plumbing for water, steam, and sanitation. These jobs are less common but pay a premium for specialized skills.
6. The City of Pocatello: The Public Works department hires plumbers for municipal projects, water main repairs, and sewer system maintenance. These are city jobs with strong union benefits (IBEW Local 76) and pension plans. They are highly sought-after and often filled internally or through a competitive testing process.

Hiring Trends: The demand is most consistent for journeyman plumbers (3-5 years of experience) who are licensed and can work independently. There is a growing need for plumbers with knowledge of modern water-efficiency codes and PEX systems in new residential construction.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho’s licensing is handled by the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS), which contracts with ProVista (formerly PSI Exams) for testing. The process is straightforward but requires documented experience.

• Licensing Tiers:

  • Apprentice: No license required, but you must register with the state and be employed by a licensed plumber. You need 4,000 hours of work experience under a journeyman or master.
  • Journeyman Plumber: Requires 4,000 hours of experience as an apprentice and passing the Idaho State Journeyman Plumber exam (based on the International Plumbing Code). Exam cost is approximately $150.
  • Master Plumber: Requires 4,000 hours as a journeyman and passing the Master Plumber exam (business and law emphasis). You must also provide proof of a $10,000 surety bond.

• Timeline to Get Started:

  1. Immediate: Secure an apprenticeship with a local licensed plumbing contractor. Start logging your 4,000 hours. You can work as an apprentice while you complete your training.
  2. 1-2 Years: Once you’ve logged your hours, register for the Journeyman exam through ProVista. Study the Idaho-specific amendments to the IPC.
  3. After 1-2 Years of Journeyman Work: If you aim for Master status, you can now log the required journeyman hours and eventually take the Master exam.

• Costs: Apprenticeship programs (like those through the Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. - Eastern Idaho Chapter) cost a few thousand dollars over the program length, but many employers reimburse tuition. The exam fees are modest. Insider Tip: Many local contractors in Pocatello will sponsor your apprenticeship and help you study for the license, as they need licensed plumbers to grow their business.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Pocatello impacts your commute, lifestyle, and access to the best job sites. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Old Town Pocatello: Charming, walkable, and full of character. You’re close to Main Street’s restaurants and the historic downtown core. Commute to Portneuf Medical Center or ISU is under 5 minutes. However, you’ll find less parking for a work truck and older homes with more plumbing quirks.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $650 - $800

2. Alameda / The Benchlands: This is a popular area for families and tradespeople. It sits on the bench above town, offering great views and larger lots. Homes here are from the 1960s-80s, which means plenty of renovation work. Commute is easy via Yellowstone Ave. You’ll see many plumbers’ trucks parked in driveways here.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $800 - $950

3. Chubbuck (Just South of Pocatello): Technically a separate city, but part of the metro. This is where the majority of new residential construction is happening. For a plumber in new construction, living here can mean a minimal commute to job sites. It’s more suburban, with big-box stores and chain restaurants.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $775 - $900

4. The ISU Area / South 5th Ave: Ideal if you work for the university or hospital. It’s a mix of student housing and older single-family homes. Rent can be competitive near campus, but you save on fuel. Walkable to the Portneuf Greenway for biking and walking.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $700 - $850

5. Southside / Westwood: A quieter, established neighborhood with mid-century homes. Good for families, with easy access to the interstate (I-86) if you need to travel to job sites in surrounding areas like American Falls or Idaho Falls.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $725 - $875

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in Pocatello isn’t a ceiling; it’s a ladder. The 6% job growth is a foundation, but your earning potential is what you make of it.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas: Plumbers certified to install and repair medical gas systems (for hospitals) can command a 10-15% premium over standard journeyman rates.
  • Industrial & Food Processing: Experience with high-pressure steam, sanitary systems, and industrial piping for agriculture is rare and highly valued.
  • Drain-Jetting & Camera Inspection: Mastering advanced diagnostic tools makes you indispensable for service companies.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Foreman/Supervisor: Move from a crew member to leading a team on larger projects. Pay jumps to the $70,000+ range.
  2. Project Manager: For those with strong organizational skills, managing budgets and timelines for construction projects. Can reach $85,000-$100,000.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. Starting a small residential service company in Pocatello has a low barrier to entry compared to larger metros. With the low cost of living and steady demand, a successful one or two-truck operation can be highly profitable.
  4. Code Official: Transition to the City of Pocatello’s Building Department. This requires becoming a certified inspector, a stable government job with a pension.

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is positive. As the population of Pocatello and Chubbuck grows, and as older housing stock (from the 70s and 80s) requires major updates, the demand for skilled plumbers will remain strong. The key will be adapting to new technologies like tankless water heaters, PEX systems, and high-efficiency fixtures, which are becoming standard in new construction and replacements.

The Verdict: Is Pocatello Right for You?

Pocatello offers a compelling package for plumbers who value stability, affordability, and a high quality of life over the hustle and high costs of a major metropolis.

Pros	Cons
Strong Purchasing Power: $61,031 goes very far here due to low rent and cost of living.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries in Pocatello may be lower than in Boise or Seattle.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by ISU and Portneuf Medical Center, providing consistent work.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It’s a quiet, family-oriented city. If you crave a big-city vibe, this isn’t it.
Outdoor Access: Unbeatable for fishing, hunting, and hiking in the nearby mountains and Portneuf River.	Weather: Winters are cold and can have snow; you’ll need a reliable 4x4 truck.
Friendly Community: A true “big small town” where networking is easy and reputations matter.	Limited Specialization: Fewer opportunities for ultra-niche fields like historic restoration or mega-commercial projects.
Path to Homeownership: Very attainable on a plumber’s salary.	Job Competition: While jobs are available, the best positions at top employers can be competitive.

Final Recommendation: Pocatello is an excellent choice for a plumber at the mid-career stage who is looking to buy a home, start a family, and build a long-term career. It’s particularly well-suited for someone who appreciates an outdoor lifestyle and wants to be part of a community. For an entry-level apprentice, it’s a great place to start, but be prepared to potentially move for a higher-paying specialist role later in your career unless you advance into management or business ownership.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed to work as a plumber in Pocatello?
Yes. Idaho state law requires plumbers to be licensed. You can work as an unregistered apprentice under a licensed plumber, but to work independently or pull permits, you need a Journeyman or Master Plumber license from the Idaho Division of Building Safety.

2. Is the job market competitive for new plumbers?
It’s competitive for the best jobs at major employers like ISU and Portneuf Medical Center, but there is a consistent need for journeyman plumbers in residential and commercial service. New construction is also a steady source of work, especially in the Chubbuck and new subdivision areas.

3. What is the weather like for working as a plumber?
Pocatello has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and dry, ideal for outdoor projects. Winters are cold, with average lows in the 20s and snowfall. You’ll need to be prepared for working in cold conditions, especially for emergency service calls or outdoor sewer line repairs. A reliable, heated truck is key.

4. Can I make more than the median salary of $61,031/year?
Yes. The median is a starting point. Specializing in medical gas, industrial systems, or moving into a foreman or management role can push your salary well into the $70,000 - $85,000 range. Starting your own business is the most lucrative path, with successful owner-operators often earning $100,000+.

5. How does the cost of living in Pocatello compare to other Idaho cities?
It is significantly lower than Boise and the Treasure Valley, which have seen explosive growth and cost increases. While salaries in Pocatello may be slightly lower on paper, the Cost of Living Index of 87.8 (vs. US avg of 100) and the average 1BR rent of $751 make it a much more affordable place to live and save money. Compared to Idaho Falls or Twin Falls, costs are relatively similar, but Pocatello’s unique position as a university town gives it a distinct character and steady institutional employment base.