Electrician Career Guide: Coeur d'Alene, ID

For electricians considering a move to Coeur d'Alene, you're looking at a market with steady demand, a cost of living that’s favorable compared to many U.S. metros, and a lifestyle that blends small-town charm with outdoor recreation. This guide is written from a local perspective, using hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state agencies to give you a clear, unvarnished look at the career landscape.

The Salary Picture: Where Coeur d'Alene Stands

Electricians in Coeur d'Alene earn a median salary of $59,962/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $28.83/hour. This is slightly below the national average for electricians, which sits at $61,550/year. However, the lower cost of living in the Coeur d'Alene metro area (Cost of Living Index: 91.4) means your dollar goes further here than in many parts of the country.

The local job market for electricians is modest but stable, with approximately 166 jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 11%, which is healthy and suggests consistent demand for skilled tradespeople, driven by residential construction, commercial development, and infrastructure maintenance.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression for electricians in Coeur d'Alene typically follows a standard trajectory. The table below outlines typical earnings based on experience, reflecting local market rates.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts as an apprentice. Focus on residential work or basic commercial tasks.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $65,000	Journeyman status. Can handle most residential and light commercial projects independently.
Senior	8-15 years	$65,000 - $75,000	Master electrician potential. Supervisory roles, complex commercial/industrial work.
Expert	15+ years	$75,000+	Specialized (e.g., data centers, high-voltage) or business ownership. Top of market in Cd'A.

Insider Tip: While $59,962 is the median, you can push toward the higher end of these ranges by specializing early. Look into low-voltage systems, solar installation, or industrial controls—skills that are in demand at local employers like Kootenai Health or the local data center operations.

Comparison to Other Idaho Cities

Coeur d'Alene’s salary is competitive within Idaho, especially when considering the cost of living. Here’s how it stacks up against other major Idaho metros (based on BLS data for the broader Boise City-Nampa and Idaho Falls metros; exact Cd'A data is the focus here).

City	Median Salary (Electricians)	Cost of Living Index (Approx.)	Relative Value
Coeur d'Alene	$59,962	91.4	Strong value due to lower living costs.
Boise Metro	~$62,000	96.5	Slightly higher pay, but higher costs.
Idaho Falls metro	~$58,000	92.0	Similar pay and costs, but more industrial focus.
National Average	$61,550	100.0	Cd'A offers a better quality-of-life adjusted income.

Local Insight: Coeur d'Alene doesn't have the massive industrial base of the Treasure Valley (Boise), but it has a more stable, year-round construction market due to the tourism and senior living sectors. The trade-off is a slightly lower salary ceiling but a better work-life balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is crucial. For an electrician earning the median salary of $59,962, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for Coeur d'Alene.

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,997
• Estimated Take-Home (After Taxes): ~$3,900 (assuming single filer, standard deductions, and including FICA. State income tax in Idaho is progressive, with a top rate of 6.5%).
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,042/month

Monthly Budget Example (Single Person, No Dependents):

• Rent (1BR): $1,042
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): $600
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $250
• Savings/Retirement (10%): $390
• Discretionary Spending: $968

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Coeur d'Alene hovers around $425,000. For a 20% down payment, you’d need $85,000. On a $59,962 salary, a lender would likely approve a mortgage of around $275,000 - $300,000. This means buying a median-priced home is challenging without a significant down payment or dual income. However, many electricians in the area partner with a spouse or invest in a multi-family property (like a duplex) to offset costs. Starter homes in neighborhoods like the "North End" or parts of Post Falls can be found in the $300,000 - $350,000 range, making homeownership an attainable goal with a few years of saving.

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

The job market for electricians here is diverse, spanning from large institutions to specialized contractors. Here are the key players:

1. Kootenai Health: The region's largest hospital and a major employer. They have an in-house facilities team that hires electricians for maintenance, renovation projects (like the new cancer center), and 24/7 operational needs. They value experience in healthcare settings (NFPA 99 compliance) and offer stable, union-backed employment with excellent benefits.

2. North Idaho College (NIC): As a public community college, NIC maintains its campus in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Their facilities department hires electricians for building maintenance, classroom tech upgrades, and new construction projects for their growing STEM programs.

3. The Resort at Silver Lake / Hagadone Hospitality: This massive hotel and conference center complex is a constant source of work for electrical contractors. Renovations, event tech support, and seasonal expansions mean steady subcontracting opportunities for journeymen electricians.

4. CDA Electric / North Wind (Local Contractors): These are the two largest electrical contracting firms in the area. CDA Electric focuses heavily on residential and light commercial new construction. North Wind (part of the larger North Wind Group) handles more complex commercial, industrial, and government projects, including work for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and local data centers. They are often the first call for large-scale projects.

5. Coeur d'Alene Tribe (CDFI & Tribal Enterprises): The Tribe is a significant economic driver, with investments in gaming (Casino Resort), housing development, and a growing financial services arm. Their construction and facilities departments hire or contract electricians for tribal-owned properties, often requiring knowledge of specific codes for government-funded projects.

6. Local Data Centers & Tech Hubs: While not as large as in Boise, Coeur d'Alene has seen growth in data center and tech infrastructure. Companies like Inland Cellular and smaller tech firms require specialized low-voltage and backup power electricians. This is a niche but growing area.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest from April to October, peaking with the construction season. However, facilities roles at Kootenai Health and the Tribe offer year-round stability. There's a noted shortage of electricians with 5+ years of experience, making mid-career professionals highly sought after.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho has a straightforward but strict licensing process managed by the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS). It’s a two-step path: apprenticeship to journeyman, then journeyman to master.

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years):

• Requirements: Be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a math aptitude test.
• Process: Enroll in an approved apprenticeship program. The Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute and Idaho Electrical JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) serve the region. You’ll need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction over 4 years.
• Cost: Apprenticeship programs are typically free or very low cost through union partnerships. You pay for tools and books (~$500-$1,000).

2. Journeyman Electrician License:

• Requirements: Complete your apprenticeship (8,000 hours + 576 hours), pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the NEC), and apply to the Idaho DBS.
• Exam Cost: ~$150 for the exam fee.
• Timeline: After completing your apprenticeship, you can sit for the exam. Processing the license takes 4-6 weeks.

3. Master Electrician License:

• Requirements: Hold a journeyman license for at least 2 years (4 years if you didn't complete an Idaho apprenticeship) and pass the Master Electrician Exam.
• Cost: ~$150 for the exam.
• Note: A Master license is required to pull permits for your own work and to start your own electrical contracting business.

Insider Tip: The Idaho DBS website is your best friend. Keep copies of all your training hours and documentation. The state doesn't require continuing education for journeyman renewal, but it's wise to stay current with NEC changes, especially if you work on commercial projects.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Electricians
Downtown Core	Urban, walkable. 5-10 min commute to most office jobs.	$1,200+	Close to NIC, Kootenai Health, and contractor offices. Best for those who want to ditch the car.
North End	Historic, quiet, residential. 10-15 min commute.	$1,100	Older homes mean consistent renovation work. Close to I-90 for commuting to Post Falls or Spokane Valley.
South Hill	Suburban, family-friendly. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$1,050	Affordable rents, newer housing stock. Many contractors (like CDA Electric) are based in this area.
Harrison/Thompson Lake	Semi-rural, scenic. 20-25 min commute.	$950	Lower rent, more space. Ideal if you work in the trades or for a contractor with yard space for a work van.
Post Falls (Just West)	Growing suburb, big-box stores. 10-15 min commute.	$1,000	Lower rents than Cd'A proper, easy access to I-90. Many electricians live here and commute to Cd'A for work.

Insider Tip: If you're looking for your first home, Post Falls’s "Riverbend" or "Selle" neighborhoods often have more affordable starter homes than Coeur d'Alene proper, with a manageable commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 11% job growth over 10 years is promising, but advancement requires strategy. Standard residential/commercial work has a ceiling around $65,000-$70,000 unless you move into supervisory roles. To break into the $75,000+ range, consider these paths:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial/Controls: Working on automated systems for local manufacturers or the Tribe’s facilities can add a 15-20% premium.
  • Low-Voltage/Data: Certifications from BICSI or fiber optic training are invaluable. The data center projects in the region pay significantly more than standard wiring.
  • Solar/Alternative Energy: Idaho has strong sun exposure. Becoming a certified solar installer can tap into the growing renewable energy market.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Foreman/Supervisor: At firms like North Wind, you can move from a crew lead to a project manager, overseeing multiple jobsites.
  • Business Ownership: With a Master Electrician license, you can start your own small contracting business. The local market supports niche players (e.g., residential service specialists, smart home integrators).
  • Public Sector: City of Coeur d'Alene or Kootenai County facilities departments offer stable jobs with pensions, though the pay may be near the median.

10-Year Outlook: The core demand will remain in residential and commercial construction, driven by population growth and the tourism industry. However, the biggest growth potential is in energy efficiency and technology integration. Electricians who adapt to smart home systems, EV charging station installation, and energy management systems will be the most valuable in the coming decade.

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

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your salary goes further, especially compared to coastal metros.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end earnings are lower than in major metros (e.g., Seattle, Denver).
Outdoor Recreation: Unbeatable access to lakes, mountains, and trails. Great for work-life balance.	Seasonal Work Fluctuations: Construction can slow in winter, though facilities jobs provide stability.
Steady Job Demand: 11% growth and a diverse employer base mean less volatility.	Competitive Housing Market: Home prices have risen sharply; buying a home requires a solid plan.
Strong Community: The trades community is tight-knit. Networking at local events (like the North Idaho Fair) is key.	Limited High-End Specialization: Fewer opportunities for ultra-specialized fields like aerospace or marine electrical.
Favorable Tax Environment: No sales tax in Idaho; state income tax is moderate.	Smaller Network: Fewer large contractors than in Boise, so you must be proactive in job hunting.

Final Recommendation: Coeur d'Alene is an excellent choice for electricians who prioritize quality of life and job stability over maximizing salary. It’s ideal for mid-career journeyman electricians looking to buy a home, raise a family, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s less suitable for those at the very top of the pay scale seeking ultra-specialized, high-stakes industrial work. For most, the trade-off is overwhelmingly positive.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as an electrician in Coeur d'Alene?
Yes, absolutely. While downtown is walkable, job sites are spread across the metro area and into Post Falls. A reliable vehicle is essential for commuting and transporting tools.

2. Is the job market seasonal?
It can be. New construction slows in the winter months (November-March). However, this is offset by steady work in facilities maintenance, renovations, and service calls. To ensure year-round income, consider targeting employers like Kootenai Health or joining a contractor that specializes in service and repair.

3. How do I find an apprenticeship?
Start with the Idaho Electrical JATC (you can find them online) or contact local contractors like CDA Electric directly. Many companies sponsor apprentices. Union apprenticeships through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 73 (serving the Pacific Northwest) are also a pathway, though you must confirm their current jurisdiction and sign-up process.

4. What's the cost of living really like?
The Cost of Living Index of 91.4 means it's about 8.6% cheaper than the U.S. average. The biggest savings are in housing and utilities. Groceries and healthcare are near the national average. You will feel the strain if you have significant debt or dependents on a single median income.

5. Can I commute from Spokane for better pay?
It's common, but consider the trade-off. Spokane, WA, has a larger job market and potentially higher wages, but also a state income tax (7%) and a longer commute (45-60 minutes) that adds vehicle wear and tear. For many, the lower cost of living and no state income tax in Idaho make working in Coeur d'Alene more financially sound in the long run, even if the gross salary is slightly lower.