Boise City vs Pocatello: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $80,789▲ | $62,766 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.84▲ | $30.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,173 | $55,430▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,339▲ | $62,766 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,833▲ | $78,702 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,119▲ | $80,431 |
| Total Employed | 460▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Boise City, ID offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.
The salary gap between Boise City and Pocatello is $18,023 (28.71%). Boise City's median is +18.56% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $47,946,Pocatello spans $25,001. Boise City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise City ($82,110 effective) pays 16.31% more than Pocatello ($70,598 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 ($80,789/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,119)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,110)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Boise City grew 53.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 37.9% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$49,850 (2020) → $76,650 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$43,180 (2021) → $59,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Boise City or Pocatello?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Pocatello?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Pocatello as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Boise City vs Pocatello?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov