Salaries in Coeur d'Alene, ID
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s the thing about Coeur d’Alene in 2026: you can make a six-figure salary here and still feel like you’re winning. The city’s median household income—$70,845—sits just above the national average, yet the cost of living index is 99.4, basically a tie. That’s the magic number. It means your paycheck doesn’t get instantly devoured by rent or groceries the way it would in a major coastal city.
Let’s talk purchasing power. A one-bedroom apartment runs you about $1,042 a month. Compare that to the national average salary of $77,340 (adjusted to $77,807 here), and you see the math works. It’s not a steal, but it’s not a grind. You’re not hemorrhaging cash just to live. For a professional making the city’s top salaries—like a marketing manager at $153,553 or a pharmacist at $132,520—this place feels like a financial sweet spot. You get the lake and the mountains without the paycheck-to-paycheck panic.
Who actually thrives here? The economy leans on healthcare, tech, and construction. Kootenai Health is a massive employer, and you’ve got a growing base of remote software developers who’ve realized they can code for a Seattle company while paying Idaho rent. The construction manager role, at $105,418, isn’t just a number—it reflects the constant building happening around the lake. It’s a city that’s growing, but carefully.
Here’s my honest take: wages aren’t exploding, but they don’t need to. With unemployment at a tight 3.0% and only 30.5% of folks holding a bachelor’s degree, skilled trades and licensed pros (pharmacists, project managers) have real leverage. The catch? If you’re in a low-skill service job, you’re probably feeling the squeeze. But for the educated or the licensed, Coeur d’Alene offers a rare balance.
The data below breaks down the top-paying jobs and what you can actually afford. It’s a blueprint for making this city work for your wallet.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Coeur d'Alene
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Coeur d'Alene
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (99/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing Manager | $153,553 |
| 2 | Pharmacist | $132,520 |
| 3 | Software Developer | $123,976 |
| 4 | Construction Manager | $105,418 |
| 5 | Project Manager | $98,666 |
| 6 | Physical Therapist | $97,137 |
| 7 | Financial Analyst | $96,455 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $90,357 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $85,271 |
| 10 | Accountant | $83,859 |
| 11 | Registered Nurse | $83,849 |
| 12 | Data Analyst | $81,209 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $72,977 |
| 14 | Human Resources Specialist | $65,904 |
| 15 | Elementary School Teacher | $62,027 |
| 16 | Plumber | $61,715 |
| 17 | Paralegal | $61,131 |
| 18 | Electrician | $59,962 |
| 19 | Real Estate Agent | $59,893 |
| 20 | Graphic Designer | $59,757 |
| 21 | Firefighter | $55,646 |
| 22 | Carpenter | $55,451 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $54,233 |
| 24 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,720 |
| 25 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $49,910 |
| 26 | Welder | $48,310 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $37,282 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Coeur d'Alene
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Coeur d'Alene?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Coeur d'Alene. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Coeur d'Alene Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Coeur d'Alene Worth It?
Here’s the honest verdict: Coeur d’Alene is not a gold rush, but it’s a smart grind. With the COL index at 99.4 and rent at $1,042, your paycheck stretches better than in Seattle or Denver. The average salary of $77,340 won’t make you rich, but the Marketing Manager role—topping out at $153,553 with a COL-adjusted $154,480—shows that high-skill roles can thrive here.
Who wins? Tech workers who can telecommute, healthcare pros needed in local clinics, and tradespeople riding the construction wave. If you’re in marketing or remote tech, you’re set. If you’re in hospitality or retail, expect a tougher climb.
My advice: Lock in a remote gig or a high-demand local role before you move. The lifestyle is unbeatable, but salaries lag behind big cities. If you can bridge that gap, Coeur d’Alene is a financial and lifestyle win. If not, you’ll feel the pinch.