Coeur d'Alene vs Mountain Home: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Coeur d'Alene, ID and Mountain Home, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Mountain Home, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,251 | $90,434▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.39 | $43.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,888▲ | $64,956 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,190 | $78,074▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,682▲ | $113,781 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,721▲ | $136,981 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Coeur d'Alene and Mountain Home are closely matched on overall mechanical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Coeur d'Alene and Mountain Home is $183 (0.20%). Mountain Home's median is -15.60% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene spans $74,833,Mountain Home spans $72,025. 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, Mountain Home ($94,894 effective) pays 3.35% more than Coeur d'Alene ($91,818 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,721)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Mountain Home if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,434/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,894)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Coeur d'Alene grew -15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Mountain Home over the same period.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
$103,470 (2019) → $87,690 (2025)
Mountain Home, ID
$82,669 (2024) → $87,868 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Mountain Home, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Coeur d'Alene or Mountain Home?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coeur d'Alene and Mountain Home?
Should I relocate from Coeur d'Alene to Mountain Home as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Coeur d'Alene vs Mountain Home?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov