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Idaho's average hourly wage climbed to $29.41 in 2025. That is up 4.7%, or $1.31, from $28.10 in 2024.
The Idaho Department of Labor released the numbers on July 22, drawing on Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Idaho ranked third in the country for the biggest percentage increase in average wage, behind only Kentucky and Montana.
For anyone living in the Treasure Valley, or thinking about moving here, the regional picture matters most. Southwestern Idaho posted the highest average in the state at $30.76 an hour. It was the only labor market region to clear $30. Its median wage, $23.53, also led the state. That is the corner of Idaho that includes Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and the rest of the valley that most movers ask about first.
Statewide, the median wage rose to $23.06 in 2025, up from $22.34 the year before, a 3.2% gain. Every labor market region in Idaho pushed past $22 an hour on both average and median pay. North central Idaho's median sat at $23.08. In plain terms, the whole state moved up together, even as the southwest stayed out in front.
Employment also grew. Idaho counted 857,440 jobs in 2025, more than 12,000 above the 844,910 jobs counted in 2024, a 1.5% increase. That is a steady climb rather than a boom, but it is still more people working than the year before.
All seven metro areas saw average and median wages rise. Coeur d'Alene had the largest average wage jump at $1.68. Pocatello had the largest median jump at $0.95. Lewiston led metro job growth at 2.8%, and the north central region rose 2.3%. So the wage story is not only a Boise story. North Idaho and eastern Idaho posted real gains too.
The biggest occupation groups by headcount were familiar ones. Fast food and counter workers numbered more than 25,000. General and operations managers followed at 24,880. Those two groups sit at very different pay levels, which helps explain why the average and the median tell slightly different stories. The average gets pulled up by higher-paid roles. The median shows what the middle worker earns.
If you are coming from a higher-cost West Coast market, a $29.41 statewide average and a Treasure Valley average over $30 do not erase the cost of housing. They do show that pay here has been moving up, and that the southwestern corner of the state is leading that climb. A rising wage ladder and a job count that is still growing are part of the story people weigh when they look at Boise and the valley.
A few numbers are worth keeping next to each other. Average wage up 4.7%. Median up 3.2%. Jobs up 1.5%. Third in the nation for the size of the average-wage jump. Southwestern Idaho alone above $30. That is the shape of Idaho's 2025 wage report in short form.
Stay tuned to Treasure Idaho for continued coverage of the numbers behind the move.
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What You’ll Find Inside:
Welcome to Idaho: An overview of the unique charm and culture of the state, highlighting its friendly communities and breathtaking landscapes.
Moving Logistics: Practical tips on planning your move, including timelines, packing strategies, and selecting reliable moving services.
Cost of Living Insights: An analysis of housing prices, and everyday expenses to help you budget for your new life in Idaho.
City Guides: Detailed descriptions of popular cities and towns such as Boise, Coeur d'Alene, and Idaho Falls, along with their unique features and attractions.
Outdoor Adventures: An exploration of Idaho's stunning natural beauty, from hiking and biking trails to national parks and recreational activities.
Tips for New Residents: Practical advice on adjusting to life in Idaho.
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