Coeur d'Alene vs Idaho Falls: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Coeur d'Alene, ID and Idaho Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Idaho Falls, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,035▲ | $100,280 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.06▲ | $48.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,458 | $67,777▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,295▲ | $78,789 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,737 | $132,495▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,131 | $175,887▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls is $1,755 (1.75%). Coeur d'Alene's median is -1.41% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene spans $113,673,Idaho Falls spans $108,110. Coeur d'Alene has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($106,215 effective) pays 2.32% more than Coeur d'Alene ($103,807 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coeur d'Alene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,035/year)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,887)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,215)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Coeur d'Alene grew 39.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.3% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
$71,420 (2019) → $99,420 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$69,130 (2019) → $97,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Coeur d'Alene or Idaho Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls?
Should I relocate from Coeur d'Alene to Idaho Falls as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Coeur d'Alene vs Idaho Falls?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov