Idaho, known for its stunning natural landscapes, including rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and expansive forests, has been increasingly attracting attention as a growing hub for both individuals and businesses.
With its affordable cost of living, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and a rapidly developing economy, Idaho offers a range of job opportunities across diverse industries.
However, the state’s salaries reflect a mix of higher-paying sectors, traditional agricultural roles, and emerging technology and healthcare fields. This article takes an in-depth look at the salaries in Idaho, key industries, cost of living, and other factors influencing compensation.
Overview of Idaho’s Economy
Idaho’s economy is multifaceted, with agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and tourism playing significant roles.
Historically, Idaho has been recognized for its agricultural output, particularly in potatoes, livestock, and dairy production. However, in recent years, the state’s economy has diversified with substantial growth in technology, healthcare, and business services.
In addition to its economic diversity, Idaho boasts a relatively low unemployment rate, making it an attractive place for job seekers. The state’s relatively low cost of living, particularly compared to its West Coast neighbors, has made it a popular choice for people looking to relocate for work and lifestyle reasons.
Median Salaries Across Key Sectors in Idaho
Salaries in Idaho can vary widely depending on industry, experience, and location within the state. While Idaho’s overall salary levels are lower than the national average, many professionals are able to stretch their incomes further due to the state’s lower cost of living.
Here’s a closer look at the average salaries in some of the most significant sectors in Idaho:
- Agriculture and Farming
Agriculture has long been the backbone of Idaho’s economy, and the state is a national leader in potato production, as well as other crops like wheat, barley, and sugar beets. Agriculture-related jobs, including farming, ranching, and food processing, remain a major source of employment in rural areas. However, wages in these fields tend to be lower compared to more urbanized sectors.
- Average salary: $35,000–$50,000 annually for farm workers, with managers and agricultural specialists earning higher salaries ranging from $60,000–$85,000 annually.
- Technology
Idaho’s tech industry has been rapidly growing in recent years, particularly in cities like Boise, which has earned recognition as a burgeoning tech hub.
With the rise of remote work and demand for technology professionals, Idaho has attracted significant investments in software development, IT services, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.
- Average salary: $65,000–$120,000 annually for software developers, network administrators, and IT professionals, with higher salaries for tech executives or specialized roles.
- Healthcare
The healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in Idaho, with increasing demand for healthcare professionals driven by the state’s aging population.
Idaho offers opportunities for nurses, doctors, physical therapists, and medical technicians. In urban areas like Boise, healthcare workers tend to earn competitive salaries, but rural areas often face staffing shortages, which can increase demand for professionals in those regions.
- Average salary: $60,000–$150,000 annually, depending on the role. Physicians, surgeons, and specialized healthcare providers can earn even more, with salaries reaching up to $200,000 annually.
- Education
Idaho’s education sector, encompassing K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities, plays a vital role in the state’s economy.
The demand for teachers, administrators, and support staff remains steady, particularly in rural areas. While teachers in Idaho are paid relatively well compared to the national average, compensation can still vary significantly based on district budgets, experience, and certifications.
- Average salary: $45,000–$70,000 annually for teachers, with administrators and higher education professors earning between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience and position.
- Manufacturing
Idaho’s manufacturing sector is diverse, with key industries including food processing, electronics, and equipment manufacturing.
Companies in Boise, Twin Falls, and other industrial cities offer positions in production, engineering, quality control, and management. Manufacturing wages are often competitive, especially for skilled labor and managerial roles.
- Average salary: $50,000–$80,000 annually for manufacturing workers, with plant managers and engineers earning between $75,000 and $120,000 annually.
- Retail and Customer Service
Idaho’s retail and customer service industries provide a large number of jobs, especially in tourism-driven cities and towns.
Wages in retail can be relatively low, particularly in entry-level positions. However, supervisors, managers, and experienced salespeople can earn more competitive salaries.
- Average salary: $25,000–$45,000 annually for retail employees, with higher earnings for managers, with salaries ranging from $50,000–$75,000 annually, depending on the size and location of the store.
- Construction
Construction and building trades are integral to Idaho’s growing economy. The state has experienced rapid population growth, leading to increased demand for residential, commercial, and infrastructure development. Skilled laborers, engineers, and construction managers are in high demand, and salaries in the construction industry are competitive.
- Average salary: $40,000–$65,000 annually for construction workers, with project managers and construction engineers earning between $70,000–$100,000 annually.
- Finance and Insurance
The finance and insurance sector in Idaho is relatively small but continues to grow, particularly in cities like Boise. Roles in banking, financial planning, and insurance offer solid opportunities for individuals with expertise in finance, accounting, or insurance.
- Average salary: $50,000–$100,000 annually for financial analysts, loan officers, and insurance agents, with top earners in investment banking or finance management earning more.
Cost of Living in Idaho
Idaho’s cost of living is one of the most appealing aspects for people considering relocation. Compared to many states in the western U.S., Idaho offers a more affordable living experience. Housing is especially affordable in smaller cities and rural areas, although urban areas like Boise have seen rising prices in recent years as the state’s popularity grows.
- Housing: The median home price in Idaho is around $400,000, which is relatively affordable when compared to states like California and Washington. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boise can range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while prices in smaller towns are often much lower.
- Groceries and Utilities: While grocery prices and utilities in Idaho are higher than the national average, they remain relatively affordable compared to the more expensive states along the coast. Idaho’s energy costs are lower than those in many other western states, due in part to the state’s abundant hydropower resources.
- Healthcare: Healthcare costs in Idaho are slightly below the national average, with a range of options for medical care from public healthcare facilities to private providers.
Factors Influencing Salaries in Idaho
Several factors contribute to the salary levels in Idaho:
- Industry Demand
The state’s rapidly growing tech and healthcare sectors are helping push wages up, while agriculture and retail sectors continue to offer lower pay for entry-level positions. - Education and Skill Levels
Higher education and specialized skills contribute to higher wages. Idaho’s universities and colleges provide opportunities for individuals to enter higher-paying fields such as engineering, healthcare, and technology. - Cost of Living
Lower housing and utility costs in Idaho help to offset the lower-than-average salaries in some sectors. However, as the population grows, particularly in cities like Boise, salaries may need to increase to accommodate rising living costs. - Geography and Location
Urban areas such as Boise and Meridian tend to offer higher salaries due to greater demand for skilled labor and higher living costs, while rural areas may offer lower wages, but the cost of living is also significantly lower.
Conclusion
Salaries in Idaho vary across different industries, with higher-paying jobs in technology, healthcare, and management, while sectors like agriculture, retail, and customer service offer more modest wages.
The state’s low cost of living, particularly in comparison to coastal states, makes it an attractive option for professionals seeking a better work-life balance and a more affordable lifestyle.
Despite the relatively lower overall salaries, Idaho provides ample opportunities for growth and career advancement, particularly in rapidly developing sectors like technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.
For individuals seeking a combination of affordability, natural beauty, and career prospects, Idaho remains an appealing choice.
