Coeur d'Alene vs Pocatello: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Coeur d'Alene, ID and Pocatello, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Pocatello, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,035▲ | $91,967 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.06▲ | $44.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,458 | $59,731▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,295▲ | $75,638 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,737▲ | $112,441 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,131▲ | $146,391 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Coeur d'Alene, ID offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.
The salary gap between Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello is $10,068 (10.95%). 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,Pocatello spans $86,660. 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, Coeur d'Alene ($103,807 effective) pays 0.35% more than Pocatello ($103,443 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,131)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,807)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓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 29.9% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
$71,420 (2019) → $99,420 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$68,980 (2019) → $89,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Coeur d'Alene or Pocatello?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello?
Should I relocate from Coeur d'Alene to Pocatello as a civil engineer?
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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