Boise City vs Pocatello: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Boise City, ID and Pocatello, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Pocatello, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,127▲ | $91,967 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.10▲ | $44.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,540▲ | $59,731 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,683▲ | $75,638 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,006▲ | $112,441 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,433 | $146,391▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,610▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Boise City, ID offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.
The salary gap between Boise City and Pocatello is $10,160 (11.05%). Boise City's median is -1.32% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $64,893,Pocatello spans $86,660. Pocatello has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise City ($103,797 effective) pays 0.34% more than Pocatello ($103,443 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,127/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,797)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,391)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Boise City grew 26.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$78,700 (2019) → $99,510 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$68,980 (2019) → $89,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Boise City or Pocatello?
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Should I relocate from Boise City to Pocatello as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Boise City vs Pocatello?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov