Cold winters and warm summers with fast-growing metro corridors drive heavy four-season HVAC demand across Idaho. Average pay tracks $60,010/year with 4,550 HVAC techs employed across Boise City, Coeur d'Alene, and Lewiston.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$38,660
entry-level
25th Pct
$47,250
early career
Median
$56,240
typical wage
75th Pct
$67,030
experienced
90th Pct
$80,780
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Idaho Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses (DOPL) — HVAC Section
License type: Apprentice / Journeyman / Contractor
Threshold or scope: None — statewide tiered licensing
Continuing education: 8 hours (Journeyman) / 16 hours (Contractor) per 3-year renewal cycle
Key details: Journeyman: 4-yr apprenticeship (8,000 hrs + 576 classroom) OR 16,000 hrs equivalent + exam. Contractor: active journeyman + exam + $2,000 bond.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
3
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
208
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
4,550
SOC 49-9021
11.52¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#2 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
5B
Cool-Dry
heating_dominant
Idaho is in a Cool-Dry zone where heating demand defines the HVAC market. Furnace, boiler, and heat pump work dominate the trade, with emergency winter service driving demand. Summer cooling work is shorter but real.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Idaho earn a mean annual wage of $60,010, about 7.4% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $38,660, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $80,780. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Idaho are Boise City with about 2,270 HVAC mechanics, Coeur d'Alene with about 570 HVAC mechanics, and Idaho Falls with about 390 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Idaho are North Idaho College, College of Western Idaho, and Lewis-Clark State College. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
