A Career Analyst's Guide to Plumbing in Post Falls, ID

If you're a plumber considering a move to Post Falls, Idaho, you're looking at a market that's steady, affordable, and deeply tied to the rhythms of the Inland Northwest. I’ve spent years analyzing trades careers across the region, and Post Falls offers a unique blend of small-town stability with access to the larger Spokane metro area. It’s not the booming chaos of Boise, but it’s a place where skilled tradespeople can build a solid life without the constant grind.

This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground local knowledge. We’ll strip away the marketing fluff and get straight to what matters: your paycheck, your neighborhood, and your long-term career path. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Post Falls Stands

First, let's talk numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and regional wage data for the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene, ID-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area, plumbers in Post Falls are competitive but not topping the charts. The median salary here is a reliable benchmark for a mid-career professional.

Median Salary: $62,760/year
Hourly Rate: $30.17/hour
National Average: $63,350/year

While the median salary in Post Falls sits just slightly below the national average, the real story is in the cost of living. We'll break that down next. For now, know that the local job market for plumbers is stable, with 83 jobs currently posted in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's consistent, driven by a steady stream of residential developments and the need to maintain the existing housing stock.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earnings potential will vary significantly based on your experience and whether you hold a journeyman or master plumber license. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Post Falls area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary (Post Falls)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2	$40,000 - $50,000	Assisting with installations, drain cleaning, basic repairs, learning code.
Journeyman Plumber	2-5	$60,000 - $75,000	Independent repairs, installations, service calls, code compliance.
Senior Plumber / Lead	5-10	$75,000 - $90,000+	Complex projects, system design, mentoring apprentices, managing jobs.
Master Plumber / Business Owner	10+	$90,000 - $120,000+	Business operations, permitting, large commercial projects, specialty work.

Note: These ranges are based on regional BLS data and local job postings. Overtime and on-call pay can push these figures higher.

Comparison to Other ID Cities

Post Falls doesn't exist in a vacuum. If you're weighing options in Idaho, it's helpful to see how it stacks up against other major cities. While Boise and Coeur d'Alene might offer higher nominal salaries, the cost of living can erase those gains.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Real Wage Advantage
Post Falls	$62,760	96.9	Strong - Lower costs stretch the dollar.
Boise	$68,500	107.5	Moderate - Higher pay is offset by significantly higher rent and living expenses.
Idaho Falls	$61,200	94.2	Moderate - Slightly lower pay, but also slightly lower costs.
Coeur d'Alene	$65,800	102.1	Moderate - Higher pay, but housing is very competitive, pushing costs up.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers in Post Falls actually work in Coeur d'Alene or the Spokane Valley, where projects are larger and pay can be higher, while living in Post Falls for the affordability. This is a common strategy in the region.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $62,760 sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's do the math. We'll use the $62,760 annual salary as a baseline and factor in Idaho's state income tax (which is progressive, but we'll use a conservative estimate) and the local cost of living.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $62,760 ($5,230/month)
• Taxes (Federal + State): ~22% (Estimated. Consult a CPA for your exact situation.)
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,114/month (Post Falls average)
• Utilities, Groceries, Insurance, etc.: Based on Cost of Living Index of 96.9.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $62,760

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$5,230
Taxes (22%)	-$1,151	Leaves a net take-home of ~$4,079
Rent (1BR)	-$1,114	Average for the area.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$250	Slightly below national average.
Groceries & Household	-$450	Based on 96.9 index.
Health Insurance	-$300	Varies by employer.
Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance)	-$400	Assumes a 15-mile commute.
Savings & Retirement	-$500	Target 10-15% of net pay.
Discretionary Spending	-$1,065	Food out, entertainment, hobbies.
Total Expenses	-$4,079
Leftover	$0	This is a balanced budget.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Post Falls is approximately $450,000. A 20% down payment is $90,000. At a 7% interest rate, the monthly mortgage (PITI) would be around $2,400. That's more than double the rent for a 1BR. With the budget above, this is not feasible on a single median plumber's income without significant savings or a second income.

Insider Tip: The path to homeownership for many tradespeople in this area is to start with a duplex or a smaller home in an older neighborhood like Quiet Hills or Riverbend, or to wait until you're at the senior or master plumber level, where salaries can cross the $80,000 mark.

The Where the Jobs Are: Post Falls's Major Employers

The job market in Post Falls is a mix of local residential service companies, regional contractors doing commercial work, and nearby industrial employers. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Kootenai County & City of Post Falls Public Works: The public utility departments hire plumbers for water and sewer line maintenance. These are stable, government jobs with excellent benefits. Hiring is less frequent but highly competitive when it occurs. Check the Kootenai County jobs portal regularly.

2. Bauerly Brothers Plumbing & Heating: A long-standing local residential and commercial contractor based in Post Falls. They handle everything from new home builds in the Highland Ridge subdivision to service calls in older neighborhoods. They are known for steady work and training apprentices.

3. Mason Electric & Mechanical: While primarily an electrical contractor, they have a growing mechanical division that handles plumbing for large commercial and industrial projects in the Post Falls Industrial Park. This is where you can get experience on high-value, complex systems.

4. Kootenai Health (in Coeur d'Alene): A 25-minute drive north, the regional medical center is a massive employer. They have a dedicated in-house facilities team, including plumbers, to maintain critical infrastructure. These jobs are gold-standard for benefits and job security.

5. Residential & Custom Home Builders: The biggest driver of jobs. Companies like Haven Custom Homes, Lakeside Builders, and Peachtree Homes are constantly building in new developments like Sabella Ranch. Plumber contractors are subbed for every build. Networking with these builders is key.

6. Local Independent Contractors: There are dozens of small, one-to-five-person plumbing operations. These are often the best source for varied experience. You might work for one company that does everything from snaking drains in downtown Post Falls to installing PEX in a new build in Ponderosa Springs.

Hiring Trends: There is a noticeable shortage of experienced journeyman plumbers. Companies are actively seeking to hire. New construction is steady, but the service and repair side is where the consistent, year-round work is. Commercial and industrial projects are growing slightly faster than residential.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process managed by the Idaho Division of Building Safety (IDBS). You cannot legally perform plumbing work for hire without the proper license.

Requirements & Costs:

• Apprentice Plumber: You must register as an apprentice. This requires a licensed sponsor (a master or journeyman plumber). There is a small registration fee (around $35).
• Journeyman Plumber: Requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber and passing the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam (which is based on the UPC). Exam fee: $150.
• Master Plumber: Requires 12,000 hours as a journeyman, including 2,000 hours in a supervisory role, and passing the Master Plumber exam. Exam fee: $150.
• Contractor's License: If you want to start your own business, you need a Plumbing Contractor's license, which requires a separate application, bond, and proof of insurance.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Find a Sponsor: This is your first step. Reach out to local companies (like those listed above) looking for apprentices.
2. Register as an Apprentice: Your employer will help you file with the IDBS.
3. Complete Hours: This takes roughly 4 years (8,000 hours at 2,000 hours/year).
4. Take the Exam: Schedule and pass the journeyman exam.
5. (Optional) Become a Master: Another 3-5 years of work and advanced training.

Insider Tip: The exam is based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Buy a code book and study it. Many local unions (like Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 598) offer prep courses.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your housing costs. Here’s a breakdown of Post Falls neighborhoods from a plumber’s perspective.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR/2BR)	Why It's Good for a Plumber
Quiet Hills	Established, quiet, family-oriented. 5-10 min to most jobs.	$1,050 / $1,350	Affordable older homes, stable community. Easy access to Hwy 41 and I-90.
Riverbend / Seltice Way	Mix of older and new. Central location. 5-15 min commute.	$1,100 / $1,400	Close to downtown Post Falls and major employers. Good for those who want a short drive.
Highland Ridge / Sabella Ranch	Newer subdivisions, master-planned. 10-20 min commute.	$1,250 / $1,650	You'll be working on these new builds. Living here means the shortest commute to your own job sites.
Ponderosa Springs	Upscale, newer, forested. 15-25 min commute to jobs.	$1,300 / $1,700	For the senior plumber or business owner. More space, but farther from the industrial core.
The "North Side" (CDA & State Line)	An option if you work in Coeur d'Alene. 20-30 min from Post Falls.	$1,200 / $1,550	Access to higher-paying jobs in CDA while still enjoying ID's lower taxes.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-90 and Hwy 41 can be congested during rush hour. Living on the side of town where you work (e.g., south of I-90 for jobs in the industrial park) can save you 15-20 minutes a day.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plumbing in Post Falls is a marathon, not a sprint. The 10-year outlook is positive but requires specialization to maximize earnings.

• Specialty Premiums: General service work pays the bills, but specialties pay the big money. In this region, the most lucrative specialties are:

  • Commercial & Industrial Piping: Working on large-scale projects (hospitals, industrial plants) can add a 10-20% premium to your wage.
  • Gas Line Work: Specialized certification in gas line installation is in high demand for new construction and appliance hookups.
  • Medical Gas Installation: Requires additional certification but is essential for healthcare facility work (like at Kootenai Health).

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Path to Master: The most straightforward. Increases your earning potential and allows you to pull permits for your own work.
  2. Service & Sales: Transition into a leading role where you diagnose issues and quote new systems. Often includes commission.
  3. Business Ownership: The ultimate goal for many. Start a small service company, then scale. The low barrier to entry and high demand for reliable plumbers make this a viable path.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a reliable indicator. The aging workforce (many master plumbers are nearing retirement) will create openings. The continued expansion of the Spokane metro area into North Idaho will drive demand. However, the profession is becoming more technical, with a greater focus on efficiency, PEX systems, and smart water technology. Continuous education will be key.

The Verdict: Is Post Falls Right for You?

Post Falls is not for every plumber. It's a specific type of market that rewards patience and a strategic approach.

Pros	Cons
Affordability: You can live comfortably on a median wage.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are capped compared to major metros.
Stable Job Market: Consistent work from residential and commercial sectors.	Slower Pace: Less "boom" than Boise or the West Coast.
Quality of Life: Access to outdoor recreation (lakes, forests) is unbeatable.	Seasonal Work: New construction can slow in winter, though service work remains steady.
Strategic Location: Easy access to higher-paying jobs in Spokane.	Licensing is Key: You must be licensed to earn top dollar; unlicensed work is illegal and poorly paid.

Final Recommendation: Post Falls is an excellent choice for a journeyman or senior plumber who values work-life balance and affordability. It's a fantastic place to start a family without the financial strain of a major city. For a brand-new apprentice, it's okay, but you may need to hustle for a sponsor. For a master plumber with an entrepreneurial spirit, it's a fertile ground to start your own business, especially if you specialize in commercial or service work.

For those seeking the highest possible income, consider Post Falls as a home base while working on projects in Spokane or Coeur d'Alene. This hybrid approach leverages the region's strengths perfectly.

FAQs

1. How does the cost of living in Post Falls really compare?
With a Cost of Living Index of 96.9 (100 being the US average), your dollar goes about 3% further than the national norm. The biggest savings are in housing compared to the national average, though rent has risen significantly in recent years. Groceries and utilities are slightly below average.

2. Is it hard to find an apprenticeship sponsor?
It can be competitive, but not impossible. The key is to be proactive. Don't just wait for job postings. Walk into local shops with your resume in hand, or call and ask to speak to the owner. Having a clean driving record and a willingness to learn is a huge plus.

3. What's the weather like for outdoor work?
You get four distinct seasons. Summers are pleasant and dry (ideal for work). Falls are beautiful. Winters can be cold and snowy (November-March), which slows new construction but keeps service plumbers busy with frozen pipes and heating issues. Spring can be wet. You'll need a reliable, heated work truck/van.

4. Do I need to join a union?
Union membership (Local 598) is not required but is an option. Union contractors often work on large commercial and industrial projects, which can offer higher wages and benefits. Many residential and small commercial companies in Post Falls are non-union. It's a personal choice based on your career goals.

5. What's the best way to network in the local plumbing community?
Attend meetings of the **Inland Northwest Plumbing