Accountant in Coeur d'Alene, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Coeur d'Alene Stands

If you're an accountant looking at Coeur d'Alene, the first question is about the paycheck. Let's cut straight to the numbers. The median salary for accountants in the Coeur d'Alene metro area is $83,859 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.32. This is a solid figure, especially when you consider the local cost of living. However, it's essential to understand what this means at different career stages and how it stacks up against the competition, both local and national.

The national average for accountants sits at $86,080/year, meaning Coeur d'Alene pays slightly below the U.S. average, a common pattern for mid-sized, scenic metros. The key here is the purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 91.4 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches further here than in many other places, effectively making that $83,859 feel more like a six-figure salary in a high-cost city.

The job market is tight but stable. There are approximately 111 accountant jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates steady demand, particularly for experienced professionals. Coeur d'Alene isn't a hub for Big 4 firms, but it has a robust ecosystem of local firms, healthcare systems, and corporate offices that need skilled financial minds.

Here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level. These are estimates based on local market data and BLS trends, applied to the median $83,859 baseline.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Roles in Coeur d'Alene
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$58,000 - $70,000	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor, Bookkeeper
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$72,000 - $92,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Specialist, Controller
Senior/Expert	8-15 years	$95,000 - $120,000+	Audit Manager, Tax Director, CFO (small to mid-size)
Specialty/Consulting	Varies	$110,000 - $150,000+	Forensic Accountant, IT Systems Consultant

How does Coeur d'Alene compare to other Idaho cities?

• Boise: The state capital and largest metro has higher salaries (median around $92,000) and more corporate HQ jobs, but the cost of living is about 15% higher.
• Idaho Falls: Centered on the energy sector, salaries are competitive with Coeur d'Alene, but the economy is more specialized.
• Twin Falls: A growing agricultural and logistics hub, with slightly lower accountant salaries but a very low cost of living.

Coeur d'Alene's advantage isn't in being the highest-paying city in Idaho; it's in the balance of decent pay against a high quality of life and lower living expenses.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $83,859 sounds good on paper, but let's translate that into a real monthly budget for an accountant in Coeur d'Alene.

Using a standard estimator for a single filer with no dependents (federal, state, FICA taxes):

• Annual Gross Salary: $83,859
• Estimated Annual Taxes (≈22%): ~$18,450
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: $65,409

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,450
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,042/month
• Utilities, Internet, Phone: $200 - $250
• Groceries & Household: $400 - $500
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): $250 - $350 (assuming a car is necessary)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $200 - $400
• Discretionary/Entertainment: $500 - $700
• Savings & Debt: Remaining $1,500 - $2,000

This budget shows a healthy surplus, allowing for savings, travel, or paying down debt. The $1,042 average rent is key. In neighborhoods like downtown or the Northshore, a 1BR might run $1,200-$1,400, but in areas like Midtown or certain parts of Riverfront, you can find quality apartments closer to $900-$1,100.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Coeur d'Alene hovers around $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of approximately $2,160 (including property taxes and insurance). For a single accountant earning $83,859, this is a stretch but feasible with disciplined savings. For a dual-income household, it's very manageable. Many local professionals opt for homes in the $300k-$400k range, often in neighborhoods like Midtown or the Lkfd. Hayden area, which are more affordable.

Where the Jobs Are: Coeur d'Alene's Major Employers

Coeur d'Alene's economy is diverse, anchored by healthcare, tourism, and a growing number of corporate and remote roles. The 111 accountant jobs are concentrated in these sectors.

1. Kootenai Health: The region's largest employer and a Level II Trauma Center. They have a large in-house finance department with roles from staff accountant to financial director. Hiring is steady, with a focus on those with healthcare industry experience (revenue cycle, grant accounting).
2. Lake City Hospital (and affiliated clinics): A major medical group that needs accountants for medical billing, practice management, and corporate finance. Good for those with a CPA or a few years of experience.
3. Coeur d'Alene Tribe (Casino & Resort): The Coeur d'Alene Tribe operates the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort, a massive economic engine. They have a sophisticated finance team for gaming, hospitality, and tribal enterprise accounting. This is a unique employer with its own regulatory environment.
4. Stimson Lumber Company: A major Northwest timber company with a significant presence in Northern Idaho. They need accountants with experience in manufacturing, inventory, and cost accounting. The work is more traditional corporate accounting.
5. Local CPA Firms: Firms like Clark & Associates, O'Donnell & Associates, and Eide Bailly (Coeur d'Alene office) are the backbone of the public accounting scene. They handle local businesses, real estate, and individual tax. Growth is tied to the local small business community.
6. Corporate & Remote Roles: Coeur d'Alene's appeal as a "Zoom Town" has attracted remote workers. Companies like T-Mobile (which has a major call center in nearby Post Falls) and various tech firms hire remote accountants. The local library and co-working spaces (like The Hive in downtown CDA) are hubs for remote professionals.
7. Real Estate & Property Management: With a booming housing market, firms like Tomlinson Sotheby's International Realty and Windermere Real Estate need accountants for property management accounting, sales commission tracking, and corporate finance.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward hybrid roles. Employers are looking for accountants who are not just number-crunchers but can also analyze data, communicate findings to non-finance managers, and use modern software (QuickBooks Online, Xero, advanced Excel, and sometimes ERP systems like NetSuite). The 4% job growth suggests a stable market, so networking and getting your CPA are crucial for landing the best positions.

Getting Licensed in ID

If you're moving from another state, getting licensed in Idaho is a straightforward but necessary process. The Idaho State Board of Accountancy governs this.

Requirements for CPA Licensure:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree (120 semester hours) with a concentration in accounting (at least 24 semester hours in accounting). For the CPA certificate, you need 150 total hours, including 30 hours of upper-division accounting and 24 hours of business courses.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. This can include public accounting, industry, government, or academia. Experience must be verified by a supervising CPA.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Education Review: Submit transcripts to the Idaho Board for evaluation. This can take 2-4 weeks. Cost: ~$150.
• CPA Exam Application & Fees: The application fee is $150, plus exam fees per section. Total exam fees (NASBA) are approximately $1,500 (varies by state). You'll apply through NASBA's Idaho portal.
• Experience & Licensure: After passing the exam and meeting experience, submit the licensure application. Cost: $250.
• Continuing Professional Education (CPE): Once licensed, you need 120 hours of CPE every 3 years, with a minimum of 20 hours per year. Many local firms offer in-house training.

Insider Tip: Idaho is part of the CPA Mobility, meaning if you're already a CPA in another state, you can practice in Idaho without getting a new license, provided your home state is also part of the mobility agreement. However, if you want to open your own firm or sign audit reports in Idaho, you'll need to obtain an Idaho CPA license.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Choosing where to live in Coeur d'Alene depends on your lifestyle and commute. Most accountant jobs are downtown or in the business parks along I-90.

1. Downtown Coeur d'Alene: The heart of the action. Walkable to restaurants, the lakefront, and many offices. Best for young professionals who want a vibrant social scene. Commute: 5-10 minutes by car or bike to most offices. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $1,200 - $1,500.
2. Midtown (Part of Downtown Extension): A more residential feel with older character homes, close to downtown but quieter. More affordable than the core downtown. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment or studio: $950 - $1,200.
3. Northside (Near North Idaho College): Popular with young professionals and families. Good schools, easy access to downtown and the lake. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $1,100 - $1,350.
4. Riverfront / East Sherman: A mix of older homes and new developments. Close to the Centennial Trail and Spokane River. Good value. Commute: 10-20 minutes. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $950 - $1,250.
5. Lkfd. Hayden / Hayden Lake: Suburban, family-oriented, with more space and slightly longer commutes (15-25 minutes). Popular with those who work in Post Falls or the northern business parks. Commute: 15-25 minutes. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartment: $900 - $1,200.

Insider Tip: The biggest commute factor is the I-90 corridor. If you work at a business park in Post Falls (like near the T-Mobile call center), living in Hayden or even Liberty Lake (just across the WA border) can be a smart, cost-effective choice. The commute is easy, and you avoid downtown CDA traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career path for accountants in Coeur d'Alene is less about climbing a corporate ladder at a massive multinational and more about broadening your expertise and building a strong local network.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA Certification: The single biggest salary booster. Expect a 10-15% premium over a non-CPA at the same experience level. It's non-negotiable for senior and management roles.
• Forensic Accounting/ Fraud Exam: High demand in insurance (many regional insurers are based in Coeur d'Alene) and litigation support. Can command a 20%+ premium but requires additional certifications (CFE).
• IT Systems & ERP (NetSuite, SAP): As more local businesses scale, they need accountants who can manage financial software. This niche skill can push salaries into the high $90k-$110k range for mid-career professionals.
• Non-Profit & Grant Accounting: With Coeur d'Alene's strong non-profit scene (e.g., Community Action Partnership, local arts organizations), this specialty is valuable and offers stable, mission-driven work.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Track: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Partner (in a local firm). This path requires the CPA and people skills. Partnership at a local firm can be very lucrative.
2. Corporate/Industry Track: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Controller → CFO (for a small to mid-sized company). Many local businesses (manufacturing, healthcare, real estate) need controllers. This is a common and stable path.
3. Government/Institutional: Accountant at Kootenai Health, the City of Coeur d'Alene, or North Idaho College. Excellent benefits and pension, but salaries may cap lower than the private sector.
4. Entrepreneurial: Start a virtual bookkeeping or fractional CFO firm. With Coeur d'Alene's many small businesses and remote work culture, this is a growing path. You can serve clients locally and nationally.

10-Year Outlook (2024-2034):
The 4% job growth is conservative. The real growth will come from remote work integration and specialization. Accountants who can work virtually for companies outside Idaho while living in Coeur d'Alene will see the highest earning potential. The local market will remain stable, with demand for professionals who understand the nuances of Idaho's tax code, real estate, and tourism/hospitality sectors. The path to a $120k+ salary is achievable but typically requires a CPA, 8-10 years of experience, and either a management title in a local firm or a senior role in a growing local company.

The Verdict: Is Coeur d'Alene Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Quality of Life: Unmatched outdoor recreation (lakes, mountains, trails) right outside your door.	Limited High-End Career Ceiling: Few Fortune 500 HQs; top salaries are in the $120k-$150k range, not $200k+.
Lower Cost of Living: Housing, groceries, and utilities are significantly cheaper than national averages.	Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home requires a significant down payment and patience.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in healthcare, real estate, and local business services.	Smaller Job Pool: Fewer than 200 accountant roles at any given time; networking is critical.
Remote Work Haven: Ideal for hybrid or fully remote accountants seeking a beautiful home base.	Wages Slightly Below National Average: The $83,859 median is below the $86,080 national average, though cost of living offsets it.
Strong Community & Networking: Close-knit professional community; easier to build meaningful connections.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity for almost all jobs and errands.

Final Recommendation:
Coeur d'Alene is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize lifestyle over relentless career climb. It's perfect for:

• Mid-career professionals (3-10 years experience) looking to buy a home and enjoy a high quality of life.
• CPAs seeking a less stressful, more community-focused practice than in a major metro.
• Remote workers who want a stunning backdrop for their virtual career.

If your primary goal is to maximize salary at all costs and you're in the early stages of your career, a larger metro like Boise or a national hub might offer faster track growth. But for balance, stability, and living where you vacation, Coeur d'Alene offers a compelling and financially sustainable package.

FAQs

Q: I'm not a CPA. Can I still find a good accounting job in Coeur d'Alene?
A: Yes, but your options will be more limited. Many staff accountant, bookkeeper, and accounts payable/receivable roles don't require a CPA. However, for senior, management, or controller positions, the CPA (or at least progress toward it) is often a preferred or required credential. The median salary of $83,859 is more likely for a CPA with experience.

Q: Is the job market flooded with remote workers?
A: There's definitely an influx of remote professionals, but it's not overwhelming the local accounting job market. Local employers still need on-site or hybrid staff for roles requiring physical presence (e.g