Physical Therapist in Coeur d'Alene, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Coeur d'Alene Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Coeur d'Alene offers a compelling salary proposition for Physical Therapists, especially when you weigh it against the cost of living. The median salary for a PT here is $97,137/year, which breaks down to a robust $46.7/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, the local economic context makes it a financially sound choice.

The region supports 111 jobs in the metro for Physical Therapists, a solid number for a community of our size. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is 14%, indicating a stable and growing demand for therapeutic services, driven by an aging population and increased focus on outpatient rehab and sports medicine.

To understand where you fit in the salary spectrum, here’s a realistic breakdown based on experience:

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Notes for Coeur d'Alene |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $78,000 - $88,000 | Often starts in hospital acute care or larger outpatient clinics. |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $90,000 - $102,000 | Where the median sits. Specializing (e.g., ortho, neuro) boosts you here. |
| Senior (8-15 years) | $105,000 - $118,000 | Typically involves clinical leadership, mentoring, or niche specialties. |
| Expert (15+ years) | $120,000+ | Often in private practice, specialized outpatient centers, or management. |

How does this compare to other Idaho cities?
Coeur d'Alene's salary is competitive within the state. It typically trails Boise (the state capital and largest metro) by about 5-8% due to its smaller market size, but it significantly outpaces smaller rural Idaho towns. The key differentiator is the lifestyle. You earn nearly a Boise-level salary while living in a mountain-lakeside community with a lower cost of living, which is a trade many find favorable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The $97,137 median salary is just the starting point. Let's break down the monthly take-home for a single Physical Therapist living in Coeur d'Alene.

Assumptions: Filing as single, using standard deduction, with state and federal taxes (approx. 22-25% effective tax rate). Take-home after taxes is roughly $5,800/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR Average): $1,042
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $600 (Critical in Cd'A; public transport is minimal)
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): $810
• Misc. (Entertainment, Dining, Gear for lake/mountain activities): $600
• Remaining Buffer: $1,848

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With a Cost of Living Index of 91.4 (US avg = 100), your dollar goes further here. The median home price in Coeur d'Alene is currently around $525,000. For a single PT earning the median salary, a 20% down payment ($105,000) is a significant but achievable goal with disciplined saving over 3-5 years. A more common path for local professionals is to buy a smaller, older home in a centrally located neighborhood (like the Eastside or part of the North Shore) for closer to $400,000 - $450,000, which is very manageable on a $97,137 salary. Many local PTs I know prioritize proximity to clinics (Mineral Ridge, downtown) over square footage to minimize commute times.

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

The job market is stable but not as vast as a major metro, so knowing the key players is essential. Here’s a local's guide to the major employers:

1. Kootenai Health: The region's largest employer and only Level III Trauma Center. They have a massive outpatient rehab department, plus inpatient PT/OT. Hiring is frequent. Insider Tip: They offer excellent benefits, including tuition reimbursement, which is valuable for those pursuing a DPT or specialty certifications.
2. Northwest Specialty Hospital: A unique, patient-centered hospital focusing on rehabilitation. They specialize in neurological and spinal cord injury rehab. A great place for PTs seeking deep, specialized experience in a less traditional hospital setting.
3. Benedictine Living (Benedictine Health System): Runs several senior living and skilled nursing facilities in the area (e.g., St. Joseph's Senior Living). A major employer for PTs in geriatrics. Demand is consistently high due to the aging population.
4. Providence Health & Services: Operates a clinic in downtown Cd'A and has a hospital presence in nearby Post Falls. Their outpatient clinics are a prime source of jobs, especially in orthopedics.
5. The Core Clinic (Orthopedic & Sports Medicine): A prominent private practice focused on orthopedics and sports medicine. They attract athletes from the local community and beyond. Insider Tip: This is a competitive place to get into; networking here is key.
6. Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic (Coeur d'Alene): A federal employer with good stability and benefits. They have a small but dedicated PT department serving the veteran population.
7. Local Private Practitioners: Numerous small, independent PT clinics dot the city, particularly in the Rathdrum Prairie and Post Falls areas. These often offer more flexible schedules and a close-knit team environment.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. Most hiring is for full-time, permanent roles. There's a noticeable trend towards outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine, reflecting the active local lifestyle. Travel PT contracts are less common here than in Boise, but they do pop up occasionally, especially at Kootenai Health to cover vacancies.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

• Requirements: You must have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program, pass the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination), and complete a state jurisprudence exam. You also need to complete a background check.
• Costs: Expect to pay $200-$300 for the initial license application, plus the cost of the NPTE ($485) and background check (~$50). If you're coming from another state, Idaho is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PTLC), which streamlines the process if you hold a license in another compact state.
• Timeline: If you're a new graduate, you can typically start the application process before you have your final grades. It can take 4-8 weeks to receive your license after submitting all materials and passing the NPTE. For out-of-state licensees, the timeline is often shorter if you're in the compact.
• Pro-Tip: The Idaho Board of Physical Therapy website is your best friend. Start the process before you move, as some employers (like Kootenai Health) may require a license number for final interview stages.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Your neighborhood choice will define your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of popular areas for healthcare professionals:

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Mineral Ridge / Downtown Cd'A	Urban, walkable, close to hospitals & clinics. Minimal commute (5-10 mins).	$1,100 - $1,300	Those who want to live where they work, love walkable amenities, and enjoy a historic feel.
Eastside (Harrison Hill, etc.)	Established, quiet residential. Easy access to Kootenai Health (5 mins).	$950 - $1,100	PTs seeking a quiet home life with a very short commute to the largest employer. Family-friendly.
North Shore / Lakeview Dr.	Scenic, lake-focused, slightly more upscale. Commute to downtown is 10-15 mins.	$1,200 - $1,500+	Those who prioritize lake access and views and have a higher housing budget.
Rathdrum Prairie	Suburban, newer developments, more affordable. Commute to Cd'A is 15-20 mins.	$850 - $1,000	New grads or those wanting more space for less money. Commuting to Post Falls clinics is easy.
Post Falls (adjacent city)	Fast-growing suburb, very family-centric, cheaper than Cd'A proper. Commute to Cd'A is 15-25 mins.	$800 - $950	PTs working in Post Falls (Providence, private clinics) or who are budget-conscious.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Coeur d'Alene is what you make of it. The 14% growth indicates opportunity, but specialization is key to breaking the median salary ceiling.

• Specialty Premiums: Ids with Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) credentials can command $5,000-$15,000 more than the median, especially in private practice or sports clinics. Neurologic (NCS) specialists are in high demand at Kootenai Health and Northwest Specialty Hospital.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is from clinician to lead PT or clinic manager. In a smaller market, many experienced PTs open their own cash-based practices (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular rehab) to serve niche needs. The local outdoor culture also creates opportunities in treating climbers, skiers, and bikers—a potential entrepreneurial avenue.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is strong. With the 14% growth, the number of jobs will increase, but competition for the best positions will also rise. The aging population ensures a steady stream of work in geriatrics and orthopedics. The rise of telehealth may impact some roles, but hands-on manual therapy is still highly valued here. I predict a growing need for PTs with skills in aquatic therapy (due to our lakes) and outpatient cardiac rehab.

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

Pros	Cons
Excellent Work-Life Balance: The culture here is about enjoying the outdoors. You'll finish your shift and be at the lake or a trailhead in minutes.	Limited Job Market: Only 111 jobs. It's not a place to job-hop easily. You'll need to commit to an employer for a few years to build experience.
High Quality of Life: Clean air, safe communities, and stunning natural beauty are free.	Seasonal Tourism: Traffic and rental demand spike in summer. If you hate tourist crowds, this can be a downside.
Below-Average Cost of Living (91.4): Your $97,137 salary stretches significantly further than on the coasts.	Weather: Winters are colder with significant snowfall. Summers are perfect, but you must be prepared for winter (AWD car is recommended).
Stable, Growing Demand (14%): You're unlikely to be out of a job.	Social Scene: It's a smaller, family-oriented city. Nightlife is limited; the "scene" is outdoorsy.

Final Recommendation: Coeur d'Alene is an ideal choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize lifestyle and stability over constant career movement. If you love the outdoors, don't mind a smaller community feel, and are looking for a financially comfortable life where you can afford a home and a rich life outside of work, this is a fantastic fit. It’s less ideal for those seeking the fast pace of a big city or who expect to change jobs frequently.

FAQs

Q: I'm a new grad. Is it hard to get hired in Coeur d'Alene?
A: It can be competitive, but not impossible. The key is flexibility. Be open to starting in a less "glamorous" setting like geriatrics (Benedictine) or acute care (Kootenai Health) to get your foot in the door. Many new grads here get their start in these settings before moving to outpatient. Start applying 3-4 months before your intended move date.

Q: Should I live in Coeur d'Alene or a neighboring town like Post Falls?
A: This is the classic local decision. Post Falls offers a lower cost of living and is very family-friendly, but you'll have a 15-25 minute commute to most jobs in Cd'A. Coeur d'Alene proper offers a shorter commute and a more vibrant, albeit pricier, downtown life. For a single professional, Mineral Ridge or Eastside in Cd'A is ideal. For a future family, Post Falls or Rathdrum Prairie offers more house for your money.

Q: How does the PT job market here handle economic downturns?
A: It's relatively resilient. Healthcare is a necessity, and Kootenai Health is a dominant, stable employer. During the 2008 recession, the local PT market saw less contraction than in other sectors. However, new private practice openings may slow during tough economic times.

Q: Is the $46.7/hour rate realistic for work-life balance?
A: Yes. Most full-time PT jobs in Coeur d'Alene are 40-hour weeks, typically in 8-hour shifts. Overtime is not common unless you're in a hospital setting with on-call duties. The typical work-life balance is excellent, aligning with the local culture.

Q: What's the best way to network before moving?
A: Join the Idaho Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) and attend their events (often virtual). Connect with local PTs on LinkedIn from employers like Kootenai Health or The Core Clinic. Be direct—ask for a 15-minute informational interview. Locals are generally friendly and willing to share insights if you're respectful of their time.