Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Coeur d'Alene, ID: $45,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Coeur d'Alene, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,842 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coeur d'Alene's local price level (BEA RPP 98.3 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,638 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,757) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the electrical field, the projected starting electrician salary in Coeur d'Alene, ID, is estimated at $45,842 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range, providing a realistic expectation for entry-level positions. Compared to the overall city median salary of $67,757, there is a notable gap that reflects the potential for earning growth as experience and skills increase. Early-career electricians can expect to progress to $53,266 over the next few years, moving towards the median as they gain hands-on experience and additional responsibilities. With a projected growth rate of 2.12% annually, Coeur d'Alene presents a promising market for new graduates to start their careers in the electrical trade.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coeur d'Alene
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coeur d'Alene
Entry-level electricians in Coeur d'Alene, ID typically start between $45,842 and $53,266 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,217 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,757 — 5% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Idaho of $9,000 represents just 19.63% of the starting electrician pay ($45,842/year) in Coeur d'Alene. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect registered apprenticeship training through NECA/IBEW JATCs or independent electrical contractors. Costs cover union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction. Non-union trade school pathways cost more but are shorter.
ELEC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Coeur d'Alene
- 1Research the Coeur d'Alene market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $45,842 to $53,266, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical field — employers in ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Coeur d'Alene, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Coeur d'Alene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coeur d'Alene's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrician Compensation Range
The electrician wage spread in Coeur d'Alene is $56,217 ( 122.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,842, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,059.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,210
2025 BLS Actual
$44,890
2026 Current Est.
$45,842
2019–2027 Growth
+55.0%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Coeur d'Alene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,814 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene, ID grew 48.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,210 in 2019 to $44,890 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,814. New graduates entering the Coeur d'Alene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coeur d'Alene metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.12% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical Career in Coeur d'Alene
In Coeur d'Alene, several employers actively seek out recent graduates for entry-level electrician roles. Union apprenticeship programs, particularly those associated with the IBEW in partnership with the NECA, offer structured training programs that span 4-5 years. Meanwhile, non-union contractors participate in the ABC apprenticeship, which focuses on on-the-job training for newcomers. For those looking to maximize their starting pay, obtaining credentials such as a journeyman electrician license or participating in specialty training programs—like OSHA certifications or courses in PLC programming—can significantly enhance career prospects. It's also vital for new electricians to consider the lucrative sectors of the industry; markets like solar energy and data center power solutions are on the rise, leading to excellent long-term compensation. By focusing on the right credentials and gaining experience, early-career electricians can realistically expect their salaries to increase substantially in the first few years.
More salary data for Coeur d'Alene, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Coeur d'Alene in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Coeur d'Alene?
Is electrical school worth it in Coeur d'Alene?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Coeur d'Alene?
How do I become a electrician in Idaho?
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical graduates. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Coeur d'Alene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.12%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electricians (SOC 47-2111).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov