Plumber in Coeur d'Alene, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Coeur d'Alene Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the plumbing trade in North Idaho is a stable, well-compensated field, but it's important to understand the local economic context. The Coeur d'Alene metro area is a unique blend of tourism, service, and construction, with growth driven by both new residents and a booming housing market. This directly impacts demand for skilled trades like plumbing.

The median salary for Plumbers in Coeur d'Alene is $61,715 per year, or approximately $29.67 per hour. This figure, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Coeur d'Alene, ID Metropolitan Statistical Area, is slightly below the national average of $63,350 per year. This isn't necessarily a negative; it's a reflection of our local cost of living, which is notably lower than the national average. The Coeur d'Alene metro has approximately 111 plumbing jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 6%, indicating steady, reliable demand.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our region. Note that these are estimates based on local market trends and BLS data, with the median as the central anchor point.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Coeur d'Alene)
Entry-Level Plumber	0-2	$45,000 - $55,000
Mid-Level Plumber	3-7	$58,000 - $70,000
Senior Plumber	8-15	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert/Foreman	15+	$85,000+ (can exceed $100k with specialization)

Comparison to Other Idaho Cities:
How does Coeur d'Alene stack up against other Idaho metros? The picture varies, largely due to population size and industrial mix.

• Boise City-Nampa: As Idaho's largest metro, Boise has more job openings and higher top-end salaries, often $65,000 - $75,000 for mid-career plumbers. However, the cost of living (especially housing) is significantly higher.
• Idaho Falls: Salaries are often similar to Coeur d'Alene, but the job market is more tied to the energy and agricultural sectors.
• Twin Falls: Slightly lower median salaries than Coeur d'Alene, but with a strong agricultural and food processing base.

Insider Tip: In Coeur d'Alene, your highest earning potential comes from working for established commercial/industrial contractors or specializing in high-end residential service, especially in the new construction around the Spokane River corridor and the Post Falls border. Union shops (like the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 296, which covers North Idaho) often offer the most competitive packages.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $61,715 translates to a gross monthly income of $5,143. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (roughly 20-25% for this bracket), a plumber can expect a net monthly take-home pay of approximately $3,900 - $4,100.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Coeur d'Alene is $1,042/month. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a single plumber earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Estimate)	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$4,000	Conservative estimate after taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,042	City average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities	$250	Includes power, water, gas, internet. Rates are moderate.
Food	$450	Groceries for one person.
Transportation	$350	Car payment, insurance, gas. Essential in CdA.
Health Insurance	$300	If not fully covered by employer.
Tools & Supplies	$150	Maintaining a personal tool kit.
Miscellaneous	$400	Clothing, entertainment, savings, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,942
Remaining Balance	$1,058	For savings, debt, or investments

Can a plumber earning the median salary afford to buy a home in Coeur d'Alene?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Coeur d'Alene has skyrocketed, now hovering around $550,000. For a plumber earning $61,715, a $550,000 home is likely out of reach without a substantial down payment or dual income. Using standard mortgage guidelines (28% of gross monthly income for housing), your maximum monthly payment would be about $1,433. For a $550,000 home with 10% down ($55,000), the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be over $3,300. So, a single plumber at the median income cannot comfortably afford the median home. However, this changes dramatically if:

1. You are a dual-income household.
2. You specialize and earn a senior/expert salary ($80,000+).
3. You purchase a less expensive condo or move to a more affordable nearby community like Rathdrum or Post Falls.

Insider Tip: The "starter home" market in Coeur d'Alene is nearly gone. If homeownership is a primary goal, look in the "North Pole" neighborhood (north of I-90) or in neighboring Hayden, where prices are slightly more accessible, though still high.

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

The plumbing job market here is a mix of residential service companies, commercial contractors, and a few industrial shops. Hiring is steady, driven by both new construction and an aging housing stock needing updates and repairs.

1. Kootenai Health: The region's largest employer and a major hospital system. They have a full-time, in-house facilities maintenance team that includes licensed plumbers for the hospital and its satellite clinics in Post Falls and Hayden. This is a stable, salaried position with excellent benefits—often the most sought-after in the area.

2. J-U-B Engineers, Inc.: While an engineering firm, they are a major player in regional infrastructure. They frequently hire or contract with plumbing subcontractors for public works projects, including water/sewer lines for the City of Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County. Networking with their project managers is key for commercial plumbers.

3. Local Construction Contractors (Residential): Companies like Pohl Construction and Hayden Homes (which has a significant presence in the region) are consistently building new subdivisions. They hire plumbing subcontractors in bulk. Getting on the preferred vendor list with these builders is a long-term career strategy.

4. Coeur d'Alene Tribe: The Tribe owns the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort and other commercial properties. They employ maintenance staff and often hire contractors for facility upgrades. The work can be high-end and specialized.

5. City of Coeur d'Alene / Kootenai County: Public works departments have their own plumbing and utility crews. These are civil service positions with pensions and strong job security. Hiring is sporadic but worth monitoring.

6. Commercial Plumbing Companies: Firms like R&R Plumbing (serving the region) and Paradise Plumbing (based in Post Falls) handle both commercial and high-end residential. They are the primary source of journeyperson and master plumber jobs outside of the public sector.

Hiring Trends: There is a noticeable trend toward hiring plumbers with water treatment and filtration expertise, especially for irrigation and whole-house systems in the newer, affluent neighborhoods like the Spokane River corridor and south of the city. Green building (water-efficient systems) is also a growing niche.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho has a straightforward but rigid licensing process managed by the Idaho Division of Building Safety (IDBS) and the Idaho State Board of Plumbing Examiners. You cannot work as a journeyman or master plumber without a license.

Requirements & Timeline:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 Years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This typically involves 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 288 hours of classroom instruction per year. You can start as an apprentice with a high school diploma or GED.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber Exam. The exam fee is $150. You must apply to the state and provide proof of your apprenticeship hours.
3. Master Plumber License: To become a master plumber (required to pull permits and run your own business), you need at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman and must pass the Master Plumber Exam. The exam fee is $200.

Total Cost to Get Started: Expect to pay for tool kits (initial investment of $500 - $1,500), textbooks, and exam fees. Apprenticeship programs are often union-sponsored or contractor-based, and you are typically paid while you learn (starting around $18-$22/hour as an apprentice).

Timeline: It takes a minimum of 4-5 years to become a licensed journeyman. The entire process from apprentice to master can take 6-7 years.

Insider Tip: The most efficient path is to apply to a registered apprenticeship program before you move. The Local 296 union has a strong presence in Coeur d'Alene. Alternatively, contact local plumbing companies directly and ask if they sponsor apprentices. Starting your apprenticeship in Coeur d'Alene is better than trying to transfer hours from another state, as Idaho has specific curriculum requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Coeur d'Alene is compact, but traffic on I-90 and Highway 95 can be a bottleneck.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Downtown/ Lake Drive	Urban, walkable, touristy. 5-10 min to most jobs.	$1,200 - $1,500	Proximity to all downtown service calls and commercial jobs. Walk to tools stores. High rent, but saves on gas.
North Pole (North of I-90)	Residential, family-friendly, quieter. 10-15 min commute.	$950 - $1,150	More affordable rents. Close to the industrial park and commercial zones. Easy access to I-90 for regional work.
Harrison Hill	Older, established neighborhoods. 10-20 min commute.	$900 - $1,100	Good mix of older homes (service/repair work) and new infill. Lower rents than downtown.
South of the City	Sprawling, newer developments. 15-25 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,300	Where most new construction is happening. Ideal for new construction plumbers. Less traffic than downtown.
Post Falls (Just East)	Suburban, growing fast. 15-30 min to Coeur d'Alene.	$900 - $1,100	Insider Tip: Many plumbers live here. It's more affordable, and you're right on the I-90 corridor. Rent is lower, but you'll have a commute.

Insider Tip: If you work for a company that services the entire region, living in Post Falls or Hayden gives you quick access to both Coeur d'Alene and Spokane Valley (WA), where some contractors also work.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 6% is modest but solid, and it underestimates the potential for specialization and business ownership.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas & Backflow Prevention: Certified specialists can command $5-$10/hour more than standard journeymen. This is crucial for hospital and industrial work (Kootenai Health, local manufacturers).
  • Fire Sprinkler Installation: A separate but related certification that can open doors to commercial construction.
  • Water Treatment & Softening: High demand in the new builds and affluent neighborhoods. Not a state-licensed specialty but a lucrative skill.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Foreman/Project Manager: With 10+ years of experience, you can lead crews on commercial jobs. Pay can reach $90,000 - $110,000.
  • Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Starting a solo operation or a small crew in Coeur d'Alene is viable due to the strong local network. A successful small business owner can earn $120,000+, but it comes with overhead, marketing, and administrative work.
  • Estimator/Inspector: Some plumbers move into office roles, using their field knowledge to bid jobs or perform inspections for the city.

10-Year Outlook: The construction boom may slow, but Coeur d'Alene's aging housing stock (much of the city was built in the 70s-90s) guarantees steady repair and replacement work. The influx of retirees moving to the area also ensures a continuous need for reliable service plumbers. Specializing in energy and water efficiency will keep you relevant.

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

Coeur d'Alene offers a high-quality lifestyle for skilled tradespeople, with outdoor recreation (lakes, mountains, trails) right outside your door. It's not a get-rich-quick market, but a solid, stable career path with a great work-life balance.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: 91.4 index vs. national 100. Your dollar goes further.	High Housing Costs: Home prices have outpaced wage growth. Rent is manageable but buying is tough.
Steady Job Market: 6% growth and 111 jobs indicate demand.	Seasonal Fluctuations: Construction slows in winter; service work is year-round but can dip.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Unbeatable access to lakes, forests, and skiing.	Traffic & Growth: Summer traffic is intense; the city is growing fast, which can strain infrastructure.
Strong Community: A tight-knit trades network where reputation matters.	Limited High-End Specialization: Fewer ultra-high-rise or industrial projects than Boise or Spokane.
Just Right Size: Big enough for opportunity, small enough to know people.	Lower Median Salary: $61,715 is below the national average, though offset by lower living costs.

Final Recommendation: Coeur d'Alene is an excellent choice for a journeyman or master plumber who values quality of life over maximizing salary. It's ideal for those who want to work hard during the week and have a lake or mountain to play on by Friday. It's less ideal for a single person aiming to buy a home quickly on a median salary. If you're willing to specialize, earn a master's license, or join a union shop, you can significantly beat the median salary and build a very comfortable life here.

FAQs

1. I'm a licensed plumber from another state. Can I work in Coeur d'Alene immediately?
No, Idaho does not have reciprocity with most states. You will likely need to apply for a license by examination. Your out-of-state experience will count towards the required hours, but you must pass the Idaho state exam. Contact the Idaho State Board of Plumbing Examiners for the specific process.

2. Is union or non-union work better in Coeur d'Alene?
Both exist and are strong. Union (Local 296) jobs offer better benefits, pensions, and wage scales, especially on large commercial projects. Non-union shops often provide more flexibility and may be the only option for small residential service companies. It's common for plumbers to move between both sectors.

3. What are the biggest challenges for plumbers new to the area?
Understanding the local permitting process with the City of Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County. The codes are strict, and the inspectors are by-the-book. Building relationships with local suppliers (like Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Spokane Valley) is also key for getting materials quickly.

4. How competitive is the job market?
For licensed journeymen and masters, the market is competitive but healthy. Companies are always looking for reliable, skilled help. The market is less competitive for apprentices, but you must be proactive in applying to programs. The key is networking—attend local trade events and get your name known.

5. Can I make a good living as a solo plumber here?
Yes, but it takes time. The community is small, and word-of-mouth is everything. You'll need to invest in marketing (a simple website, Google My Business), and you'll need to be reliable and excellent at customer service. The high cost of living for homeowners means they are willing to pay for quality work. Start with a service truck and build from there.