Here is a comprehensive career guide for Electricians considering a move to Post Falls, Idaho.

Electrician Career Guide: Post Falls, Idaho

If you're an electrician looking for a change of pace, Post Falls offers a compelling mix of small-town living, a booming regional economy, and access to the stunning outdoors of the Idaho Panhandle. This guide provides a data-driven, insider look at what your career and life would look like in this growing Inland Northwest city.

The Salary Picture: Where Post Falls Stands

Post Falls sits within the broader Coeur d'Alene, ID Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). While the city itself is smaller, the job market is heavily influenced by the larger regional economy. The salary outlook for electricians here is competitive, especially when factoring in the local cost of living.

The median annual salary for electricians in this metro is $60,977, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.32. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550, but the lower cost of living in Idaho significantly offsets this difference. With 125 jobs currently advertised in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 11%, the demand is steady and growing, driven by new residential construction, commercial projects, and the need to maintain existing infrastructure.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Post Falls area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range (Post Falls)	Hourly Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00
Mid-Career	2-5 years	$52,000 - $68,000	$25.00 - $32.69
Senior	5-10 years	$68,000 - $80,000	$32.69 - $38.46
Expert/Supervisor	10+ years	$80,000 - $95,000+	$38.46 - $45.67+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the metro median and local job postings. Specialized roles (e.g., industrial, data center) can command higher premiums.

Comparison to Other Idaho Cities

Post Falls is strategically located between two major Idaho cities:

• Coeur d'Alene (11 miles east): Salaries are comparable, but the cost of living is slightly higher. Many Post Falls residents commute to Coeur d'Alene for work, particularly in tourism, healthcare, and retail.
• Spokane, WA (30 miles west): As a larger metropolitan area, Spokane offers higher salary potential (median closer to $65,000) and more specialized industrial jobs. However, Washington has a state income tax (6.5%), which can significantly impact take-home pay compared to Idaho's zero personal income tax.

For an electrician, Post Falls offers a "sweet spot": access to the Spokane job market without the Washington tax burden, and a lower cost of living than Coeur d'Alene.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down what a median salary of $60,977 means for your monthly budget in Post Falls. Idaho has no state income tax, which is a major financial advantage.

Assumptions: Single filer, using 2023 federal tax brackets (standard deduction), and the local average rent of $1,114/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.

• Gross Annual Salary: $60,977
• Gross Monthly Salary: $5,081
• Federal Taxes (approx.): ~$515/month
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): ~$389/month
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,177

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Earner)

Category	Amount	% of Take-Home	Notes
Housing (Rent)	$1,114	27%	Average 1BR. A 2BR is ~$1,350.
Utilities	$200	5%	Includes electricity, gas, water, internet.
Transportation	$400	10%	Gas, insurance, maintenance. Public transit is limited.
Groceries	$350	8%	Moderate household of one.
Healthcare	$200	5%	Employer-sponsored plan premiums.
Debt/Loans	$300	7%	Student loans, car payment, credit cards.
Savings/Retirement	$1,000	24%	401(k) match, Roth IRA, emergency fund.
Discretionary	$613	15%	Dining, entertainment, hobbies, personal care.
Total	$4,177	100%

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The Post Falls housing market is active but more affordable than the national average. A median home price in the area is around $400,000. With a $60,977 salary, a 20% down payment ($80,000) is a significant hurdle, but not impossible with disciplined savings. Many residents use FHA or conventional loans with lower down payments. A monthly mortgage payment (with taxes/insurance) would likely be between $1,800 - $2,200, which would be ~43-53% of the take-home pay on a single median income. This is tight but manageable for a dual-income household or with a larger down payment. Many electricians in the area purchase homes once they reach the Senior ($68,000+) or Expert ($80,000+) level.

Where the Jobs Are: Post Falls's Major Employers

The job market for electricians in Post Falls is driven by a mix of construction, healthcare, and light industrial sectors. Major employers aren't always headquartered in Post Falls proper, but they have significant operations in the city and surrounding area.

Here are 5-7 specific local employers and contractors to target:

1. McDonald's Construction & Electric: A major local contractor for residential and commercial projects. They are consistently hiring for journeymen and apprentices. They handle everything from new home builds to commercial tenant improvements.
2. North Idaho College (NIC): Located in Coeur d'Alene but a major employer. They have ongoing facilities maintenance needs and periodically hire for electrical maintenance positions.
3. Kootenai Health: This is the largest hospital in the region, located in Coeur d'Alene. It's a major source of steady, union-backed (IBEW Local 73) maintenance electrician jobs with excellent benefits. Commute from Post Falls is straightforward via I-90.
4. Kootenai County: The county government employs electricians for facilities management, including schools, administrative buildings, and parks. These are stable, public-sector jobs.
5. Honeywell / Schweitzer Engineering Labs (SEL): While their main facilities are in Spokane and Pullman, respectively, these high-tech manufacturers have a strong presence in the Inland Northwest and often source skilled tradespeople from the Post Falls/CDA area. They represent higher-paying, specialized industrial electrical roles.
6. Local Electrical Contractors: Firms like A-1 Electric, Keystone Electric, and Mountain View Electric are staples in the region. They handle a lot of the new residential construction in the Rathdrum Prairie and Post Falls hillsides.
7. Retail & Hospitality: Large retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and the many hotels in the area have in-house maintenance teams that hire electricians for preventative maintenance and repairs.

Hiring Trends: The market is heavily skewed toward new residential construction in the Post Falls foothills. There is also steady demand for service and repair electricians due to the aging housing stock in older neighborhoods like the "North Side." The shift toward energy efficiency and smart home systems is creating new opportunities for electricians with certifications in those areas.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho has a straightforward licensing process managed by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional (IDOP). The state does not have a statewide journeyman license, but it does require registration and certification for electrical work.

• Apprentice Electrician: Must be registered with the state. No experience required to start, but you must be employed by a licensed electrical contractor. Registration fee is minimal (~$25).
• Journeyman Electrician: To become a journeyman, you need:
  • 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (typically 4 years).
  • 288 hours of classroom instruction.
  • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the NEC).
  • Total cost: Exam fee (~$150), plus study materials. Once licensed, there is no renewal fee for the journeyman license itself.
• Master Electrician: Requires 12,000 hours as a journeyman (2 additional years) and passing the Master Electrician exam. This is needed to pull permits and run your own contracting business.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting as an apprentice today, expect to be a licensed journeyman in 4 years. Insider Tip: The Idaho exam is known for being less difficult than Washington's. Many electricians who live in Post Falls but work in Washington get their Idaho license first, then reciprocate to Washington as needed.

Important Note: While Idaho doesn't have a statewide journeyman license, you must be licensed in the jurisdiction where you work. For example, if you work in Spokane, WA, you need a Washington license. Kootenai County and the City of Coeur d'Alene have adopted the NEC and require permits for most work, so proper licensing is essential.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Post Falls has distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute profile. Here’s a breakdown:

1. The North Side (Old Post Falls): This is the historic core, with older homes (1950s-1970s) and a walkable main street. Great for service electricians who want a short commute to downtown jobs. Rent is moderate here for older units.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,100/month.

2. Rathdrum Prairie: Technically south of Post Falls but part of the same metro. Explosive growth in new, large-lot subdivisions. Ideal for electricians in new construction. Commute to Post Falls is 10-15 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,200 - $1,400/month (premium for new units).

3. Highland: Located in the foothills above Post Falls, this area features newer homes with stunning views of the valley. It's popular with families and professionals. The commute is short, but roads can be icy in winter.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300/month (mostly larger units/townhomes).

4. The "Spokesman-Review" Area (Near I-90): This is the commercial corridor with large apartment complexes and proximity to shopping centers. Best for those who prioritize easy highway access for commuting to Spokane or Coeur d'Alene.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,050 - $1,250/month.

5. Harrison Area: Just east of downtown, along the Spokane River. A mix of older and newer housing. Very close to the Centennial Trail for outdoor recreation. Good balance of accessibility and quiet.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,000 - $1,200/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

For an electrician in Post Falls, career growth isn't just about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about specialization and business ownership.

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial/Maintenance: Working for Kootenai Health or a manufacturer like SEL can add a $5-$10/hour premium over standard residential/commercial rates.
• Low-Voltage/Data: With the growth of tech in Spokane and local data centers, electricians with BICSI or fiber-optic certs can command higher rates.
• Renewables: Idahans love solar. While not as prevalent as in sunnier states, there's a niche market for off-grid and grid-tied solar installs. This is a growth area.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Technician: Move from construction to service/repair, which often leads to higher and more stable hourly wages.
2. Foreman/Project Manager: Oversee crews and jobs for a contractor.
3. Business Owner: Idaho has a relatively low barrier to entry for starting a contracting business. Many successful local electricians started as solo operators and grew it into a small company.

10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is solid. The demand will be driven by the continued influx of new residents (retirees and remote workers) moving to the Inland Northwest, requiring new housing and infrastructure. The aging workforce also means many experienced electricians are retiring, creating opportunities for those with 5-10 years of experience to step into leadership roles.

The Verdict: Is Post Falls Right for You?

Post Falls offers a fantastic quality of life for electricians, but it's not for everyone. Here’s a final, balanced look:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your dollar goes further, especially with no state income tax.	Competitive Housing Market: While affordable nationally, local prices have risen sharply.
High Quality of Life: Unparalleled access to lakes, rivers, mountains, and forests.	Seasonal Work Slowdown: Some residential construction can slow in deep winter.
Strategic Location: Easy commute to Spokane for higher wages/taxes, or Coeur d'Alene for local jobs.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable vehicle.
Stable Job Market: 11% growth and steady demand from construction and healthcare.	Smaller Community: Fewer networking events and specialized training options than a major metro.
Friendly Business Environment: Idaho is business-friendly, which is great for future entrepreneurs.	"Inland Northwest" Winters: Can be long, dark, and cold, which affects outdoor work.

Final Recommendation: Post Falls is an excellent choice for electricians who are early to mid-career, value work-life balance, and love the outdoors. It's a place where you can afford a home, build a career, and spend your weekends on a boat or a mountain. It's less ideal for those seeking a high-energy urban nightlife or who are unwilling to commute for more specialized industrial work. For the right person, Post Falls isn't just a place to work—it's a place to build a life.

FAQs

1. Do I need a union card to get a good job?
Not necessarily. While IBEW Local 73 is active in the region (especially at Kootenai Health and major projects), the majority of residential and small commercial work is done by non-union contractors. Your skills, reputation, and license matter most. Union jobs offer great benefits but may have more competition.

2. How is the winter weather for driving to job sites?
It's a real factor. Post Falls gets about 40-50 inches of snow annually. Roads can be icy, especially in the foothills. A vehicle with 4WD or AWD is highly recommended. Employers understand this and build weather delays into schedules, but you must be prepared.

3. Is it easy to find work as a new apprentice?
Yes, if you're motivated. The best way is to apply directly to local contractors (like McDonald's or A-1 Electric) and also check the Idaho Department of Labor website. Showing up in person, boots on, can make a big impression. Networking at local hardware stores (like Miller's) can also yield leads.

4. What's the best way to get my Idaho license if I'm already licensed in another state?
Idaho has reciprocity with several states, including Washington. If you hold a valid journeyman license in a state with reciprocal agreement, you can often get an Idaho license by simply applying and paying the fee—no exam required. Contact the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional for the current list and process.

5. Can I live in Post Falls and work in Spokane?
Absolutely, and many do. The reverse commute on I-90 is very common. Just remember you'll need to comply with Washington's electrical licensing and tax laws. The pay difference often justifies the 30-40 minute commute, especially for specialized industrial or commercial jobs in Spokane.