Which industries are growing?
From 2024 to 2025, education and health services added about 6,200 jobs (up 7%) and construction about 2,800 (up 8%). Manufacturing pays the most of the big industries, about $82,969 a year on average.
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Jobs & the job market
Pay, unemployment, the biggest employers and where to find work
By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 22, 20269 sources
In short
A steady market: unemployment is 3.4% against 4.2% for the U.S., private-sector pay averages $38.02 an hour, about even with the nation, and health care, schools, government, construction and Micron hire the most.
- Unemployment
- 3.4% (Sept 2026)
- Average hourly pay
- $38.02 (private, Sept 2026)
- Labor force
- 453,026 (Sept 2026)
- Biggest industry
- Education and health services, 89,847 jobs
What is the Boise job market like?
Unemployment3.4%U.S. 4.2% · Sept 2026
Median household income$88,695U.S. $81,604 · 2024
Average hourly pay$38.02U.S. $37.69 · Sept 2026
Labor force453,026Sept 2026
Boise-Nampa metro. Pay is private-sector jobs. 2025 income data is released Oct 29, 2026.
Who is hiring in Boise?
The valley’s biggest employers by sector. Each name opens its careers page.
01
Health care
The largest source of jobs
- St. Luke's Health System10,000+
- Saint Alphonsus5,000+
- Primary Health
- West Valley Medical CenterCaldwell
- Boise VA Medical CenterFederal
02
Tech and manufacturing
Highest average pay of the big industries
- Micron Technology5,000+
- Clearwater AnalyticsSoftware
- J.R. Simplot1,000+
- Lamb WestonEagle
- Amalgamated SugarNampa
03
Headquarters and big companies
Corporate roles plus store and branch jobs
04
Government and schools
Boise is the state capital
Employee counts are 2025 metro ranges from the Idaho Department of Labor.
What is changing in the job market?
- Mid-2027Micron’s first new Boise fab starts production
Construction hiring now, permanent plant jobs as it opens.
- End of 2027HP closes its Boise campus
The company announced the closure in March 2026.
- Late 2028Micron’s second fab follows
More engineering and technician roles.
What else do people ask about working in Boise?
Is pay enough for the cost of living?
Private-sector pay ($38.02 an hour) is about even with the U.S., and median household income is above it. Housing is the main squeeze. Pay for some occupations is still below the national level, so check your own field.
Do I need an Idaho license for my job?
Nursing, contracting, cosmetology, real estate and many other jobs need an Idaho license or a transfer. Check with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses before you move.
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Sources (9) · Checked Oct 22, 2026
- Idaho Department of Labor: Boise-Nampa MSA labor force and economic profile (Oct 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational employment and wages in Boise City, May 2025
- Idaho Department of Labor: Local office directory
- KBOI/Idaho News: Micron posts record year as Boise fab nears production (Oct 2026)
- BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2024
- Boise State Public Radio: HP to leave Boise in 2027 (Mar 2026)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013
- BLS average hourly earnings, Boise City metro, private (via FRED)
- BLS average hourly earnings, U.S. private (via FRED)
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