Firefighter in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

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The Salary Picture: Where Coeur d'Alene Stands

As a local, I’ll be straight with you: Coeur d’Alene’s salary for firefighters is slightly below the national average, but the trade-offs in lifestyle and cost of living often balance the equation. The median salary for a firefighter here is $55,646/year, translating to an hourly rate of $26.75/hour. This compares to the national average of $57,120/year. While the gap isn't massive, it's real. However, the Coeur d’Alene metro area, with a population of roughly 55,558, supports about 111 jobs in this field, offering a stable but competitive market. The 10-year job growth projection sits at a modest 4%, indicating steady demand rather than explosive expansion.

Salary isn't just about the number on the offer letter; it’s about where you fit in the experience ladder. Here’s how the pay typically breaks down within the Coeur d’Alene area and North Idaho at large.

Experience Level	Local Annual Salary Range (Estimated)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Firefighter I	$48,000 - $53,000	Basic fire suppression, EMS support, equipment maintenance.
Mid-Level / Firefighter II/EMT	$53,000 - $62,000	Advanced life support (ALS), technical rescue, driver/operator.
Senior / Captain	$62,000 - $75,000	Company officer, mentorship, incident command, budgeting.
Expert / Battalion Chief	$75,000 - $95,000+	Strategic planning, multi-company command, policy development.

Insider Tip: The jump from a Firefighter II to a Captain role is significant, both in responsibility and pay. In Coeur d’Alene, many firefighters pursue their paramedic certification (P) early on, as the $55,646 median often reflects a mix of EMT and ALS providers. Holding a "P" after your name can push you toward the higher end of the mid-level scale.

How do we compare to other Idaho cities?

• Boise/Meridian: Salaries are higher here (often $58k-$65k for similar roles), but the cost of living and housing prices have skyrocketed, often 20-30% above Coeur d’Alene.
• Idaho Falls/Pocatello: Salaries are comparable to Coeur d’Alene (around $52k-$58k), but the job market is smaller and the climate is more extreme.
• Lewiston/ Twin Falls: Similar pay scales, but with different trade-offs in lifestyle and job availability.

In Coeur d’Alene, you get a unique blend of Western access and lakeside living that is hard to find elsewhere in the state. The salary is competitive for the region when you factor in the lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real: the $55,646 median salary sounds manageable, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Coeur d’Alene? We need to factor in taxes and the critical cost of rent.

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Firefighter Earning $55,646

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$4,637
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,000 (varies by filing status)
• Net Take-Home (Approximate): $3,637/month

Expense Breakdown (Single Person/Shared Housing):

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,042
• Utilities (Heat, Elec, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $350
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): $250
• Health Insurance (if not covered): $150
• Miscellaneous (Gear, Food Out, Hobbies): $400
• Total Expenses: $2,372
• Remaining for Savings/Debt: $1,265

Can they afford to buy a home?
It’s possible, but tight. The median home price in Coeur d’Alene hovers around $450,000 - $500,000. With a $3,637 net monthly income, a standard mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would eat up over 40% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30%. Most local firefighters achieve homeownership through three avenues:

1. Dual Income: A partner with a second salary.
2. Time & Seniority: Moving up to Captain/Battalion Chief levels (which can push income $75k+).
3. Living Outside the City: Buying in neighborhoods like Post Falls or Rathdrum, where home prices are 10-15% lower.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real: the $55,646 median salary sounds manageable, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Coeur d’Alene? We need to factor in taxes and the critical cost of rent.

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Firefighter Earning $55,646

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$4,637
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,000 (varies by filing status)
• Net Take-Home (Approximate): $3,637/month

Expense Breakdown (Single Person/Shared Housing):

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,042
• Utilities (Heat, Elec, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $350
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): $250
• Health Insurance (if not covered): $150
• Miscellaneous (Gear, Food Out, Hobbies): $400
• Total Expenses: $2,372
• Remaining for Savings/Debt: $1,265

Can they afford to buy a home?
It’s possible, but tight. The median home price in Coeur d’Alene hovers around $450,000 - $500,000. With a $3,637 net monthly income, a standard mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would eat up over 40% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30%. Most local firefighters achieve homeownership through three avenues:

1. Dual Income: A partner with a second salary.
2. Time & Seniority: Moving up to Captain/Battalion Chief levels (which can push income $75k+).
3. Living Outside the City: Buying in neighborhoods like Post Falls or Rathdrum, where home prices are 10-15% lower.

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

The job market here is stable but hyper-local. You won't find dozens of independent departments; instead, you'll find a few key players. Here are the places to watch:

1. Coeur d'Alene Fire Department (CdAFD): The primary municipal employer. They operate from 4 stations covering 12 square miles. They are an ISO Class 2 department, indicating high readiness. They are currently focused on modernizing apparatus and expanding their wildfire mitigation team.
2. Kootenai County Fire & Rescue (KCFR): Covers the unincorporated areas of the county, including Hayden Lake and parts of Honeysuckle Beach. They often have a slightly higher call volume for medicals and are a great stepping stone into the CdAFD if you live outside city limits.
3. Post Falls Fire Department: Located just west of Cd’A. They are a fast-growing department due to the Post Falls suburbs. They often have more frequent hiring cycles than Cd’A due to population growth.
4. Hayden Lake Fire Department: A smaller, volunteer-based structure that supports the career staff of KCFR. Good for networking if you're starting out.
5. Kootenai Health: While not a fire department, this is the region's only major hospital (Level II Trauma Center). Many firefighters here work as EMTs or Paramedics for private ambulance services (like North Bench Ambulance) or pick up PRN shifts at the hospital, which is a common way to boost that $55,646 base salary.
6. Idaho Department of Lands (IDL): This is the gateway to wildland firefighting. The Coeur d’Alene River and St. Joe districts are massive employers during the summer. Many structural firefighters work here seasonally to supplement income and gain experience in forestry.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is cyclical and often depends on retirements. Cd’A Fire typically runs a recruitment cycle every 12-18 months. The process is rigorous, often including a CPAT, written exam, panel interviews, and a chief’s interview. Insider Tip: Having your NREMT (National Registry) and a valid driver's license with a clean record is non-negotiable.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho has a straightforward licensing process, but you must follow it to the letter. The Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses (BOL) oversees this.

1. Firefighter Certification:

• Requirement: You must be certified through the Idaho Fire Commission. This usually involves completing a Firefighter I/II Academy (often 200+ hours).
• Cost: If you complete a self-sponsored academy, costs can range from $2,000 - $4,000. Many departments sponsor recruits through their own academy (paid training).
• Timeline: 6 months to 1 year if starting from scratch.

2. EMT/Paramedic License:

• Requirement: Idaho requires an EMT-Basic license for all structural firefighters. For higher pay, a Paramedic license is highly recommended.
• Process: Pass an approved EMT/Paramedic course and the National Registry (NREMT) exam. Then apply via the Idaho BOL.
• Cost: EMT course: ~$1,500. Paramedic: $8,000 - $12,000 (often paid for by employers if you sign a contract).
• Timeline: EMT (6 months), Paramedic (12-18 months).

3. Driver’s License & CPAT:

• You must have a valid Idaho driver's license. The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is standard. You must pass it within 5 seconds of the allotted time to qualify for most postings.

Insider Tip: If you are coming from out of state, you can often transfer your NREMT certification directly to Idaho. However, if you have a structural firefighting certification from another state (like California or Washington), you will likely need to challenge the Idaho Fire Commission exam or attend a bridging course. Contact the Idaho Fire Commission directly before moving.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Living in Coeur d’Alene means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a local breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It Works for Firefighters
Downtown / Old Coeur d'Alene	Walkable, historic, "beat the traffic" vibe.	$1,100 - $1,400	Close to Station 1 (City Hall). Perfect for walking to work. High energy, great for singles.
The Bench / Northern Lights	Residential, family-friendly, mid-century homes.	$950 - $1,200	Central location. Easy access to I-90 or Sherman Ave. Quiet for sleeping after night shifts.
Honeysuckle / South Hill	Established, wooded, lake views.	$1,000 - $1,300	Near KCFR Station 2. Good mix of affordability and lake access.
Rathdrum (10 min north)	Rural/suburban, affordable, tight-knit.	$800 - $1,000	Significantly cheaper rent. Home of the "Rathdrum Mountain" training ground.
Post Falls (10 min west)	Growing suburb, new developments, strip malls.	$900 - $1,150	Closer to the Cd’A River for recreation. Slightly longer commute to Cd'A stations but easy highway access.

Insider Tip: If you get a job with Coeur d’Alene Fire, living within the city limits isn't required, but it helps with the "community feel" during your probationary period. However, many firefighters live in Rathdrum or Spirit Lake to afford a single-family home on a starter salary.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for fire service in Coeur d’Alene is stable, with a 4% growth rate. This isn't a boomtown, but it's not a dead end either.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement:

• Hazmat Technician: Cd’A Fire and KCFR both run Hazmat teams. Certification usually comes with a small stipend or pay bump.
• Technical Rescue (TRT): High angle, confined space, water rescue. This requires significant training but is often mandatory for promotion to Lieutenant.
• Investigator/Fire Marshal: A path for those who prefer investigative work over suppression. This role is highly respected and offers a standard 8-5 schedule.
• Battalion Chief: This is the ultimate goal for many. In Coeur d’Alene, a Battalion Chief can earn $90,000+. Competition is fierce; you need a strong track record and often a degree in Fire Science or Public Administration.

10-Year Outlook: Expect more integration of technology (drones for wildfire mapping) and a continued emphasis on wildland-urban interface (WUI) training. As drought patterns increase, the seasonal demand for structural firefighters on IDL crews will likely grow, offering overtime opportunities even for full-time city employees.

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

Pros	Cons
Lifestyle: Unmatched access to lakes, mountains, and hiking. A true outdoor paradise.	Salary Gap: $55,646 is below the national average. Purchasing power is real.
Cost of Living (Rent): At $1,042, rent is 10-15% below the US average.	Job Competition: Small market (only 111 jobs). You must be top-tier to get hired.
Department Stability: Established departments (CdAFD, KCFR) with good ISO ratings.	Growth Ceiling: The 4% growth rate means advancement is slow; seniority is king.
Community: Tight-knit fire service family. You know your counterparts across the county.	Seasonality: Summer brings wildfire stress and potential deployment.
Training: Access to diverse terrain (lakes, forests, urban interface).	Seasonality: Summer brings wildfire stress and potential deployment.

Final Recommendation:
Coeur d’Alene is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values lifestyle over maximizing income. If you are willing to start at $55,646, live in an apartment or a shared home for a few years, and work your way up, the quality of life is unbeatable. It is not the place for someone looking for a quick path to homeownership or rapid salary growth. It is a long-term play for those who want to live where they vacation.

FAQs

1. What is the hiring process like for Coeur d’Alene Fire?
It is multi-stage: Written exam (often the CPS test), CPAT, panel interview, and a final interview with the Fire Chief/Board. The entire process can take 4-6 months. Background checks are strict; a DUI or theft charge is usually disqualifying.

2. Can I use my out-of-state certification?
Maybe. If you are certified to the NFPA 1001 standard (Firefighter I/II), you can challenge the Idaho Fire Commission exam. For EMS, you need to transfer your NREMT to Idaho. Always contact the Idaho Fire Commission (idsafety.idaho.gov/firecommission) before moving.

3. Is the cost of living really that low?
Rent is low compared to the US, but home prices are high for Idaho. The Cost of Living Index of 91.4 (US=100) is accurate for goods and services, but housing is the outlier. Budget carefully.

4. How dangerous is the job here compared to big cities?
We have fewer multi-story fires, but we have a high volume of medical calls (often 70-80% of runs). The wildfire risk is significant in the summer. Traffic accidents on I-90 and Highway 95 are constant. Overall, the risk is moderate but diverse.

5. Do I need a Paramedic license to get hired?
It is not mandatory for every posting, but it is highly advantageous. In a competitive pool of applicants, having your "P" will put you in the top tier. Most departments offer a pay premium for paramedics (often **$5,000 - $8,000