Boise vs Idaho Falls: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Boise, ID and Idaho Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise, ID | Idaho Falls, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,684▲ | $100,280 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.85▲ | $48.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,138 | $67,777▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,460 | $78,789▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,716▲ | $132,495 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,710 | $175,887▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Boise and Idaho Falls are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boise and Idaho Falls is $3,404 (3.39%). Boise's median is +0.19% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise spans $96,572,Idaho Falls spans $108,110. Idaho Falls 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 ($108,797 effective) pays 2.43% more than Idaho Falls ($106,215 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,684/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,797)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,887)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Boise grew 20.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.3% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Boise, ID
$83,966 (2024) → $101,027 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$69,130 (2019) → $97,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Boise or Idaho Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise and Idaho Falls?
Should I relocate from Boise to Idaho Falls as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Boise vs Idaho Falls?
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