Low wages in Boise? (rent, employment, income)

[Juniper117]

I keep seeing people refer to the low wages in Boise. I know it's all relative and I'm wondering if someone might have examples (what you or someone you know earned in another state vs. what you earned in Boise).

We were from the Midwest originally, where my DH's wages were actually quite a bit higher than they are now in Colorado, despite the drastically lower cost of living in the Midwest. Texas has incredibly cheap housing and low taxes but the wages are about the lowest in the country (same with the south). I'm curious as to what 'low wages' mean to the posters that mention them- are you simply coming from CA or other HCOL areas that pay well? Or does Boise really have low wages?

[Syringaloid]

It all depends on the job you are able to obtain. I have a great job, make a livable wage and know for a fact that there are a lot well paying jobs in Boise, the trick is getting one in this current economy, and there is always the competition factor.
The median average income level in Boise is just as much or more than other peer cities in the Rocky Mountain and Northwest region. There is a lot of money in Boise, but the city really needs to attract more high paying jobs for the future and that process is already taking place as there are several companies that pay well and want to relocate and have their eyes on Boise.

[AlleyTD]

Two family members have good white collar jobs that only pay 45K a year. These jobs would easily pay twice that in a larger Metro area.

[jwest09]

Originally Posted by Juniper117

I keep seeing people refer to the low wages in Boise. I know it's all relative and I'm wondering if someone might have examples (what you or someone you know earned in another state vs. what you earned in Boise).

We were from the Midwest originally, where my DH's wages were actually quite a bit higher than they are now in Colorado, despite the drastically lower cost of living in the Midwest. Texas has incredibly cheap housing and low taxes but the wages are about the lowest in the country (same with the south). I'm curious as to what 'low wages' mean to the posters that mention them- are you simply coming from CA or other HCOL areas that pay well? Or does Boise really have low wages?

Made 14 per hour in Arizona vs. 8 in Boise. Same type of job. Housing and rent is more $$$ in Boise.

[Torrie]

Originally Posted by Juniper117

I keep seeing people refer to the low wages in Boise. I know it's all relative and I'm wondering if someone might have examples (what you or someone you know earned in another state vs. what you earned in Boise).

We were from the Midwest originally, where my DH's wages were actually quite a bit higher than they are now in Colorado, despite the drastically lower cost of living in the Midwest. Texas has incredibly cheap housing and low taxes but the wages are about the lowest in the country (same with the south). I'm curious as to what 'low wages' mean to the posters that mention them- are you simply coming from CA or other HCOL areas that pay well? Or does Boise really have low wages?

The best information is going to come from the Occupational Employment & Wage Report. Here's the stats for 2008:

Occupational Employment & Wage Report 2008

[Jimrob1]

What exactly is the state minimum wage in Idaho?

[cleatis]

on paper, many jobs in Idaho look low wage. On the flipside, the cost of living is a little less as well. Really I would say it all works out about as well in the long run. However, the cost of living just keeps going up, and many of the wages aren't keeping pace. So the dollar doesn't stretch as far as it did, but I think it's all about the same. You will still spend a lot less that you will in Seattle, Denver Salt Lake and so on. In short, you get about as far ahead here as you would anywhere else.

[cleatis]

Originally Posted by Jimrob1

What exactly is the state minimum wage in Idaho?

Whatever federal minimum wage is...

[Syringaloid]

Originally Posted by cleatis

on paper, many jobs in Idaho look low wage. On the flipside, the cost of living is a little less as well. Really I would say it all works out about as well in the long run. However, the cost of living just keeps going up, and many of the wages aren't keeping pace. So the dollar doesn't stretch as far as it did, but I think it's all about the same. You will still spend a lot less that you will in Seattle, Denver Salt Lake and so on. In short, you get about as far ahead here as you would anywhere else.

Salt Lake is known as having low wages too compared to the cost of living.
People there seem to complain about the wages just like they do here in Boise.

[cleatis]

Originally Posted by Syringaloid

Salt Lake is known as having low wages too compared to the cost of living.
People there seem to complain about the wages just like they do here in Boise.

I would imagine that the pay isn't too great there either. I was commenting more on the cost of living. I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that it costs quite a bit more to live in SLC