Pharmacist in Coeur d'Alene, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Coeur d'Alene Stands

Let’s cut right to the numbers, because in a town of 55,558 people, every data point matters. For Pharmacists in Coeur d'Alene, the median salary lands at $132,520 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.71. That’s a solid wage, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. But how does it break down by experience? Here’s a realistic look.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Roles in Coeur d'Alene
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$110,000 - $125,000	Staff Pharmacist at a retail chain (Walgreens, CVS), Hospital Pharmacy Technician II
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$125,000 - $140,000	Clinical Pharmacist at Kootenai Health, Lead Pharmacist at a local independent, Specialty Pharmacy roles
Senior (10-15 years)	$140,000 - $155,000	Pharmacy Manager, Ambulatory Care Specialist, Informatics roles within a health system
Expert (15+ years)	$155,000+	Director of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Consulting Pharmacist for long-term care

When you compare this to other Idaho cities, Coeur d'Alene holds its own. While Boise’s metro area, with its larger population and corporate presence, might edge out slightly in top-tier salaries, the gap isn't as large as you'd think. The statewide median is similar, but the real differentiator is the lifestyle you can afford here. The national average for Pharmacists is $136,030/year, meaning Coeur d'Alene sits just about 2.7% below the national figure. For a lakeside community with mountain access, that’s a trade many are willing to make.

The job market itself is tight. The BLS notes there are only about 111 Pharmacist jobs in the metro area. This isn’t a sprawling market; it’s a close-knit one. The 10-year job growth is projected at -3%, a trend reflecting the industry’s shift towards automation, mail-order, and consolidation. This means openings are competitive, but not impossible to find. It often comes down to networking and having a specialized skill set that goes beyond dispensing.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $132,520 looks great on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s do the math for a single person filing as an individual, assuming no dependents.

• Gross Annual Salary: $132,520
• Estimated Federal Tax (2023 brackets): ~$22,500
• FICA (OASDI + Medicare): ~$10,137
• Idaho State Tax: ~$7,500
• Net Annual Pay (after taxes): ~$92,383
• Net Monthly Pay: ~$7,699

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Coeur d'Alene costs $1,042/month. Let’s build a sample monthly budget:

• Income (Net): $7,699
• Rent (1BR avg): -$1,042
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): -$250
• Groceries: -$400
• Car Payment/Insurance (public transit is limited): -$600
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): -$300
• Retirement Savings (10% of gross): -$1,104
• Discretionary/Entertainment: -$1,000
• Remaining Buffer: $3,003

With a buffer of $3,000+ per month, buying a home is absolutely feasible. The median home price in Coeur d'Alene is roughly $450,000 - $500,000. A 20% down payment is $90,000-$100,000. With the savings potential shown above, a dedicated saver could accumulate a down payment in 3-4 years. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for a $450k home would be around $2,500 - $2,800, which is still manageable within your net monthly income.

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

The job market here is dominated by healthcare systems and retail chains. Your best bet is to build relationships with these key players.

1. Kootenai Health: This is the largest employer in the region, a 191-bed hospital and medical center. They are the primary source for hospital and clinical pharmacist roles. Hiring trends are stable, but they often prefer candidates with 2-3 years of experience. They invest in their staff, offering good benefits and opportunities for specialization in areas like oncology or critical care.

2. Walgreens & CVS Health: With over a dozen locations combined between them, these are the most consistent sources of openings. They often hire new graduates and offer structured training. The pace is faster than an independent, but the benefits are robust. Insider tip: The Walgreens on N 4th St and the CVS on W Seltice Way are high-volume stores; expressing interest here can lead to faster placements.

3. Northwest Specialty Hospital (Post Falls, 15 min away): A specialized hospital focusing on long-term acute care. They have a dedicated pharmacy team and offer a different pace from a general hospital. It’s a fantastic niche for pharmacists interested in complex cases.

4. Safeway Pharmacy (Albertsons Companies): The Safeway on N Ramsey St and others in the area offer community pharmacy roles. They often have tie-ins with local medical groups, providing a good mix of retail and minor clinical work.

5. Long-Term Care Facilities (e.g., Schneidmiller House, Life Care Center of Coeur d'Alene): The aging population in Idaho drives demand here. These facilities often hire consultants or full-time pharmacists to manage medication regimens for residents. This is a growing, stable sector.

6. Independent Pharmacies (e.g., Marimn Health Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy): Don’t overlook independents. They offer more personalized work environments and direct relationships with local providers. Marimn, serving the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, is a notable employer with a community-focused mission.

Hiring Trend Note: Due to the -3% growth projection, most hiring is for replacement, not expansion. This makes it crucial to have an Idaho license before applying. Many employers won't consider out-of-state candidates unless they're already licensed.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho is an e-licensed state, which streamlines the process, but it’s not instant. The Idaho State Board of Pharmacy (ISBP) oversees this.

Requirements:

1. Graduation: A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from an ACPE-accredited school.
2. Foreign Graduates: Must have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certificate.
3. Examination: Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). Idaho also requires the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Idaho-specific laws.
4. Internship Hours: You must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of practical experience under a preceptor, typically done during school. If you’re an out-of-state pharmacist, you may need to complete a specific number of hours in Idaho under a temporary permit.
5. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required.

Costs & Timeline (Estimates):

• Application Fee: ~$100
• NAPLEX Fee: ~$475
• MPJE Fee: ~$200
• Fingerprinting: ~$50
• Total Licensing Cost: Approximately $825

Timeline: If you’re a new graduate, start the application process immediately after graduation. It can take 6-12 weeks to get your ATT (Authorization to Test) and schedule your exams. Once you pass, the final license issuance can take another 2-4 weeks. Plan for a 3-4 month window. For out-of-state pharmacists, the process can take longer if additional documentation or verifications are needed.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Where you live will define your daily life. Coeur d'Alene is compact, but each area has a distinct feel.

1. Downtown / City Center: Living in the heart of Coeur d'Alene means walking to Lake Coeur d'Alene, the boardwalk, and restaurants. Commute to Kootenai Health or downtown pharmacies is a 5-10 minute drive. Rent for a 1BR is higher, around $1,200-$1,400/month. Best for those who want an active, social lifestyle.

2. The Northwest / Haycraft Park Area: A quiet, residential neighborhood with larger homes and mature trees. It’s a short drive (10-15 min) to Kootenai Health and major shopping centers. 1BR apartments are closer to the city average, $950-$1,100/month. Great for professionals seeking a quieter home base.

3. The South / Harrison Area: This area is growing rapidly, with newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. Commute to the hospital is easy via I-90 or Sherman Ave. You’ll find the most modern amenities for your rent dollar. 1BR rents are competitive, around $1,000-$1,200/month. Ideal for those seeking value and space.

4. The East / Atlas Road Area: More rural and spread out. You’ll find larger properties, more privacy, and a shorter commute to Post Falls employers like Northwest Specialty Hospital. Rent for 1BR here is similar to the South, but you can find more unique housing options. Best for those who prefer a bit of land and don’t mind a slightly longer drive to the lake.

5. The North / Rathdrum (15 min away): While technically in a smaller town, many pharmacists live here for the larger homes and slightly lower cost of living. Commute to Coeur d'Alene is straightforward via US-95. 1BR apartments are cheaper, around $850-$1,000/month. A practical choice for saving money.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Pharmacy in Coeur d'Alene isn't about rapid corporate ladder-climbing; it’s about building deep expertise and community reputation.

Specialty Premiums: To earn above the median, you need to specialize. Clinical roles at Kootenai Health (e.g., inpatient oncology, critical care) can add a 5-15% premium to your base salary. Pharmacy informatics—a blend of IT and pharmacy—is a growing field within larger health systems and can command a higher wage. Ambulatory care pharmacists working directly with primary care clinics (like those associated with Kootenai) are also in demand.

Advancement Paths: The traditional path is Staff Pharmacist → Pharmacy Manager → Director. However, a more lucrative path is moving into a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist role, which focuses on direct patient care and may involve teaching. Another path is Long-Term Care Consultant, where you manage medication for multiple facilities, often as an independent contractor, which can significantly increase your income.

10-Year Outlook: The -3% growth projection is sobering. The role of the pharmacist is shifting. The future belongs to those who can provide clinical services, manage data, and collaborate with physicians. Automation will handle more dispensing (as seen with Amazon Pharmacy), but the human element—counseling, medication therapy management, and complex case reviews—will remain vital. In Coeur d'Alene, where healthcare access can be a challenge in outlying areas, a pharmacist who can step into a more advanced clinical role will be highly valued.

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

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $132,520 salary goes much further here than in a major metro.	Limited Job Market: Only 111 jobs and -3% growth mean competition is fierce, and you must be intentional.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Unparalleled access to hiking, boating, and skiing. A major draw for work-life balance.	Relatively Lower Ceiling: Top-tier salaries may be lower than in Boise or national hubs. Career advancement can be slower.
Major Employer Stability: Kootenai Health provides a stable, large employer.	Seasonal Economy: Tourism drives summer and winter, which can affect some retail pharmacy hours and demand.
Small-Town Feel with City Amenities: You get a true community feel without sacrificing essential services.	Licensing Hurdle: You must secure an Idaho license before a serious job offer, which requires time and cost.
Strong Buffer for Home Buying: The math supports a path to homeownership within a few years.	Dependence on a Car: Public transit is limited; you will need and use a vehicle daily.

Final Recommendation: Coeur d'Alene is an outstanding choice for a pharmacist who values work-life balance over maximum salary potential. If you enjoy the outdoors, don’t mind a slower, more deliberate pace of life, and are proactive about specializing, this place offers a high quality of life that is hard to beat. It’s perfect for a mid-career pharmacist looking to plant roots or a new graduate willing to start in retail and network their way into a clinical role. It’s less ideal for someone focused solely on climbing the corporate ladder as fast as possible. For you, the numbers and the lifestyle align beautifully.

FAQs

Q: I’m a new graduate. Is it hard to get a job in Coeur d'Alene?
A: It’s competitive due to the limited openings (111 jobs). Your best strategy is to apply for retail positions (Walgreens, CVS) to get your foot in the door, obtain your Idaho license, and immediately start networking. Express interest in covering shifts or part-time roles to build local connections.

Q: Can I commute from Spokane, WA?
A: Yes, many people do (it’s about a 30-40 minute drive). However, you’ll need to get licensed in both states if you work in Idaho. The cost of living in Spokane is also higher than in Coeur d'Alene, which may negate any financial benefit.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
A: Yes, especially in retail and at long-term care facilities. This can be a great way to gain experience and meet employers before securing a full-time role. Check with local agencies like “NeighborCare Pharmacy” or similar staffing firms.

Q: How does the cost of living really feel day-to-day?
A: With a Cost of Living Index of 91.4 (US avg=100), your dollar stretches. A $5 coffee, a $15 lunch, and gas prices are typically on par or slightly below national averages. The biggest relief is housing; that $1,042 average rent is a fraction of what you’d pay in Seattle or San Diego for a comparable unit.

Q: What’s the best way to prepare for a move to Coeur d'Alene as a pharmacist?
A: 1) Get your Idaho license immediately. 2) Research employers listed above and tailor your resume. 3) Be open to a retail start. 4) Visit to understand neighborhoods firsthand. 5) Budget for the initial licensing costs (~$825) and moving expenses. The local market rewards those who are already here and licensed.