Blue Collar Career Path

Is Becoming a Plumbers Worth It in Idaho? ROI Analysis

A data-driven look at the costs, earnings, and return on investment of a plumbers career in Idaho — compared to a 4-year college degree.

Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters in Idaho

ROI Analysis

Payback Period

$0

out of pocket

Excellent
Median Salary$57,380
Job Growth (10yr)+2%
Annual Openings48,600
Take-Home/Month$3,730
Training Cost$0 (earn while learning)
Training Time4-5 years
Avg. Debt$0
After Housing$2,448/mo

Apprenticeship Available — Earn While You Learn

Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters apprentices earn ~$212,880 during 4-5 years of training with $0 tuition.

Training Cost Breakdown

Training Cost

FREE

Training Time

4-5 years

Debt

$0

Payback

Instant

Typical path: UA apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license required

Plumbers vs. College Degree

Training Cost

Plumbers
$0
College Degree
$108,000

Average Debt

Plumbers
$0
College Degree
$37,088

Time to First Paycheck

Plumbers
4.5 years
College Degree
4.5 years

Cumulative Earnings Over 30 Years

Plumbers vs. 4-year college degree (2.5% annual raises)

Plumberss start earning immediately

By the time a college graduate starts working, a plumbers has already earned $189,928. After 25 years, the trade path nets $1,769,081 vs. $1,359,148 for a college degree — a clear financial advantage.

Debt Advantage

$37,088

less debt

Head Start

0 years

earning sooner

25-Year Trade

$1.8M

cumulative

25-Year College

$1.4M

cumulative

Salary Details in Idaho

Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters Salary Distribution in Idaho

Annual wages by percentile

Salary by Percentile

Annual salary distribution from entry-level to top earners

$39,340 (entry)$57,380 (median)$79,550 (top)

Purchasing Power in Idaho

Nominal Salary

$57,380

COL-Adjusted

$55,493

RPP: 103.4

Monthly Take-Home

$3,730

after taxes

After Housing

$2,448

rent: $1,282/mo

Employment Outlook

10-Year Growth

+2%(As fast as average)

Annual Openings

48,600

Current Employment

496,100

Education: High school diploma or equivalent · Training: Apprenticeship

Idaho Economy

Median Income

$71,250

Median Home

$304,000

Unemployment

3.7%

Bachelor's Rate

33.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a plumbers in Idaho through an apprenticeship costs $0 in tuition. Apprentices earn approximately $212,880 during their 4-5 years of training. This is the most common and recommended path.
The median annual salary for plumberss in Idaho is $57,380 ($27.59/hr). Salaries range from $39,340 (10th percentile) to $79,550 (90th percentile) based on experience and specialization.
Financially, plumberss in Idaho earn $1,769,081 in cumulative earnings over 25 years, compared to $1,359,148 for the average college graduate. The trade path has a 0-year head start on earning income and $37,088 less in student debt. However, the right choice depends on your interests, career goals, and personal situation.
With an apprenticeship, there's no cost to pay back — you earn while you learn. This makes the plumbers career path one of the best financial investments available.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2% employment growth for plumberss over the next decade (As fast as average). There are approximately 48,600 annual job openings nationwide.

Related ROI Analyses

View complete Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters salary data in Idaho →

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