Regional labor market information
- Labor demand in northern Idaho was robust in May 2025, with a total of 1,874 unique job postings in the region. This number was slightly lower than the previous month, with 2,140 postings in April 2025. However, this month was consistent year over year with seasonal trends, with May 2024 having 1,864 postings. Unemployment decreased slightly to 4.6% in May, compared to 4.7% in April and has unchanged year over year. Total employment and labor force both increased slightly year over year.
| Northern Idaho seasonally adjusted data | May-25 (P) | Apr-25 (R) | May-24 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 130,999 | 132,250 | 129,014 |
| Total employment | 124,924 | 126,065 | 123,056 |
| Unemployment | 6,075 | 6,185 | 5,958 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 4.6% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
| Source: Idaho Department of Labor | P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked |
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in northern Idaho | Postings, May-25 | Postings, May-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurses | 90 | 77 |
| Retail salespersons | 68 | 80 |
| Home health and personal care aides | 66 | 57 |
| Customer service representatives | 40 | 33 |
| Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners | 34 | 20 |
| Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand | 32 | 29 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 30 | 34 |
| Medical and health services managers | 29 | 39 |
| Fast food and counter workers | 25 | 36 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
| Top 10 industries by unique job postings in northern Idaho | Postings, May-25 | Postings, May-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 296 | 283 |
| Retail trade | 196 | 244 |
| Administrative and support services | 169 | 151 |
| Accommodation and food services | 117 | 112 |
| Finance and insurance | 85 | 98 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 82 | 58 |
| Manufacturing | 79 | 84 |
| Wholesale trade | 73 | 66 |
| Other services | 58 | 48 |
| Construction | 55 | 46 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in northern Idaho | Median duration, May-25 | Median duration, May-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Business operations specialists and all other | 26 | N/A |
| Loan officers | 25 | N/A |
| Social science research assistants | 24 | N/A |
| Manicurists and pedicurists | 24 | N/A |
| Educational, guidance, career counselors and advisors | 23 | N/A |
| Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers | 23 | N/A |
| Parts salespersons | 22 | N/A |
| Tire repairers and changers | 22 | N/A |
| Recreational therapists | 22 | N/A |
| Security guards | 20 | N/A |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
Regional news
Kootenai County
- Coeur d’Alene Ironman was held on Sunday, June 22. The 70.3-mile triathlon, which has become a fixture summer event in Coeur d’Alene, drew more than 1,000 athletes to northern Idaho this year. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- A new retail center in Coeur d’Alene is nearing completion and has begun announcing tenants. A Five Guys restaurant and EyeMart Express will anchor the new Heritage Square on U.S. 95 in northern Coeur d’Alene. The property has additional retail spaces available, with Five Guys set to open in July. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- The Post Falls City Council approved a construction improvement agreement for a 148-lot subdivision in northern Post Falls. The project, dubbed Crown Reserve, will be located north of the Crown Pointe Subdivision and will require significant infrastructure improvements. No timeline has been published for construction. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- Lyon Living, a California based developer, is planning a $165 million luxury residential project at the Coeur d’Alene National Reserve, which is a private golf resort on Lake Coeur d’Alene. The developer plans to break ground this summer and build 55 homes. The first phase, named The Fairway Lodges, will consist of 24 three-bedroom homes along the 17th fairway of the Coeur d’Alene National Reserve course, with prices starting at $2 million. Source: Journal of Business
- North Idaho College is launching a new Culinary Arts Sous Chef apprenticeship, which will include classroom instruction and 4,000 hours of paid employment at local restaurants across six semesters. College representatives said that the “earn as you learn” apprenticeship model will not only help participants maintain employment while earning their credential but also help the local food service industry with pressing labor shortages. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
Openings
- Indigo Urgent Care (Hayden).
- Gem State Primary Care (Hayden).
- Café Rio (Post Falls).
- Alani Bakery LLC (Coeur d’Alene).
- Anchored Coffee Company (Coeur d’Alene).
- Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop (Post Falls).
- Copow Café (Coeur d’Alene).
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of the Workforce Information grant (40%) and state/nonfederal funds (60%) totaling $885,703.
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