Idaho Salaries 2025
America's fastest-growing state with tech and outdoor appeal
Median Household Income
Idaho Salary Overview 2025
Idaho has transformed from a quiet agricultural state into one of America's fastest-growing destinations, driven by California migration, tech expansion, and outdoor lifestyle appeal. The state's median household income of $66,500 approaches the national median, while historically low cost of living has attracted workers seeking better value—though rapid growth has pushed Boise housing costs significantly higher.
The Boise metro has emerged as a legitimate tech hub, anchored by Micron Technology (memory chips), HP's printer division, and numerous California transplants. The "Zoom town" phenomenon accelerated during the pandemic as remote workers discovered Idaho's combination of outdoor recreation, lower taxes, and conservative culture.
Idaho's flat 5.8% income tax, business-friendly environment, and quality of life continue attracting individuals and companies. However, the influx has created growing pains: housing costs have doubled in many areas since 2019, straining affordability for long-time residents. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Idaho Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Idaho | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $66,500 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $84,000 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $33,800 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $7.25/hr (federal) | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 100 |
| State Income Tax | 5.8% flat | Varies |
Salaries by Idaho Region
Boise Metro – State's Economic Engine
Median Household Income: $75,000
Boise drives Idaho's economy with technology, healthcare, and professional services. Micron Technology employs 6,000+ in memory chip manufacturing and R&D; HP maintains significant printer/imaging operations. The tech ecosystem includes Clearwater Analytics, Cradlepoint (Ericsson), and numerous startups. Software engineers earn $85,000-$140,000, hardware engineers $90,000-$145,000.
Healthcare (St. Luke's, Saint Alphonsus) provides substantial employment. State government adds stability. The downtown has transformed with restaurants, breweries, and urban amenities attractive to young professionals. Housing has become expensive ($480,000 median) relative to local wages.
Coeur d'Alene / North Idaho
Median Household Income: $58,000
North Idaho has attracted significant California migration for its lakes, mountains, and conservative culture. The economy centers on tourism, healthcare, and remote work. Housing prices have skyrocketed ($520,000+ median in desirable areas), creating affordability challenges. Local wages in healthcare, retail, and services haven't kept pace with housing costs. Best suited for remote workers or retirees with external income.
Idaho Falls – Nuclear & Engineering Hub
Median Household Income: $62,000
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a major Department of Energy facility, anchors Idaho Falls with nuclear research and engineering employment. Scientists and engineers earn $80,000-$150,000+, with security clearances commanding premiums. The area offers affordable housing ($320,000 median) and access to Yellowstone/Grand Teton. More affordable than Boise with stable technical employment.
Twin Falls – Agricultural Hub
Median Household Income: $52,000
Twin Falls serves as south-central Idaho's agricultural and food processing center. Chobani's largest yogurt plant employs 1,000+. Dairy, food processing, and agriculture dominate. Very affordable housing ($280,000 median) but limited high-wage opportunities outside food processing management.
Pocatello – University Town
Median Household Income: $48,000
Idaho State University anchors Pocatello with education and healthcare employment. Very affordable ($240,000 median home) but limited economic diversity. Faculty salaries $55,000-$120,000.
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise Metro | $75,000 | $480,000 | Tech, Healthcare, Government |
| Coeur d'Alene | $58,000 | $520,000 | Tourism, Remote Work, Healthcare |
| Idaho Falls | $62,000 | $320,000 | Nuclear/DOE, Engineering |
| Twin Falls | $52,000 | $280,000 | Agriculture, Food Processing |
| Pocatello | $48,000 | $240,000 | Education, Healthcare |
Top Paying Industries in Idaho
Technology (Semiconductors & Software)
Micron Technology is Idaho's tech anchor, with 6,000+ employees in Boise. Memory chip engineers $95,000-$160,000, process engineers $85,000-$140,000, technicians $50,000-$80,000. HP's printer division adds hardware engineering. Software companies (Clearwater Analytics, Kount, startups) pay software engineers $80,000-$145,000. Boise tech salaries are 15-25% below Seattle but costs are 30-40% lower.
Nuclear & Energy (Idaho National Laboratory)
INL is a premier DOE facility for nuclear research. Nuclear engineers $90,000-$160,000, scientists $80,000-$140,000, cybersecurity specialists $85,000-$140,000. Security clearances required for most positions. Stable federal contractor employment with good benefits.
Healthcare
St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus health systems serve the region. Physicians $250,000-$420,000+, nurses $60,000-$85,000. Growing population creates sustained healthcare demand. Rural areas offer loan forgiveness and signing bonuses.
Agriculture & Food Processing
Idaho's agricultural heritage continues with potatoes, dairy, and food processing. Chobani, Clif Bar, and dairy processors provide manufacturing employment. Plant managers $80,000-$130,000, production workers $35,000-$55,000, agricultural engineers $65,000-$100,000.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor Engineering | $80,000 | $115,000 | $155,000+ |
| Software Engineering | $70,000 | $100,000 | $140,000+ |
| Nuclear Engineering | $80,000 | $110,000 | $150,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $250,000 | $320,000 | $420,000+ |
| Nursing (RN) | $55,000 | $70,000 | $85,000+ |
Idaho Tax Analysis
Flat 5.8% Income Tax
Idaho simplified to a flat 5.8% rate in 2023, making tax calculation straightforward:
| Salary | ID Tax (5.8%) | CA Tax | WA Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $4,350 | $4,800 | $0 |
| $100,000 | $5,800 | $7,100 | $0 |
| $150,000 | $8,700 | $12,500 | $0 |
Idaho's tax is higher than neighboring Washington (0%) and Wyoming (0%), but lower than California and Oregon. The overall tax burden remains moderate.
Property Tax: Idaho property taxes average 0.63%—below the national average. However, rapidly appreciating home values have increased actual tax bills significantly.
Sales Tax: 6% statewide with no local additions—straightforward and moderate.
Idaho Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense | Idaho | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 105 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $420,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,350 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 95 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation Index | 92 | 100 |
Housing by Region
| Area | Median Home | Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Boise | $480,000 | $1,500 |
| Eagle/Meridian | $550,000 | $1,700 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $520,000 | $1,600 |
| Idaho Falls | $320,000 | $1,100 |
| Twin Falls | $280,000 | $950 |
| Pocatello | $240,000 | $850 |
Boise housing has more than doubled since 2019, eroding the state's affordability advantage. Eastern Idaho remains genuinely affordable.
Highest Paying Jobs in Idaho 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $280,000 | $420,000+ |
| Dentists | $175,000 | $270,000+ |
| IT Directors | $140,000 | $185,000+ |
| Semiconductor Engineers | $125,000 | $165,000+ |
| Software Engineers | $105,000 | $145,000+ |
| Nuclear Engineers | $115,000 | $155,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $120,000 | $145,000+ |
| Financial Managers | $115,000 | $160,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idaho still affordable?
Mixed. Boise and North Idaho have become expensive—housing prices doubled since 2019. Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls) remains genuinely affordable. The "cheap Idaho" narrative is outdated for desirable western areas but still accurate elsewhere.
How does Boise compare to other tech hubs?
Boise is a legitimate but smaller tech hub. Micron provides semiconductor anchor; software ecosystem is growing. Salaries are 15-25% below Seattle/Bay Area but costs are lower (though gap has narrowed). Good for those prioritizing outdoor lifestyle over maximum salary. Limited opportunities in certain specialties.
Is Idaho good for remote workers?
Excellent—if you can maintain a coastal salary. The combination of outdoor recreation, lower taxes than California, and improving amenities attracts remote workers. Consider eastern Idaho for maximum value. Boise offers best urban amenities but prices have caught up.
What's the outdoor lifestyle like?
Exceptional. World-class skiing (Sun Valley, Bogus Basin), whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, hunting, and mountain biking. Boise offers urban access to outdoor recreation rivaling any U.S. city. Four seasons with genuine winter (prepare for cold and snow).
How's the job market outside Boise?
Limited. Idaho Falls has INL (technical jobs). Twin Falls has food processing. Pocatello has the university. Coeur d'Alene has tourism and healthcare. Outside these areas, opportunities are scarce. Remote work has changed the equation for some.