Boise vs Idaho Falls: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $67,312▲ | $65,705 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.36▲ | $31.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,810 | $46,618▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,788 | $55,037▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,418▲ | $81,629 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,050▲ | $99,001 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Boise, ID offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Idaho Falls.
The salary gap between Boise and Idaho Falls is $1,607 (2.45%). Boise's median is -1.22% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise spans $60,240,Idaho Falls spans $52,383. Boise 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 ($70,632 effective) pays 2.45% more than Idaho Falls ($68,945 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 ($67,312/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,050)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,632)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Boise grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.1% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Boise, ID
$55,319 (2024) → $63,863 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$43,550 (2019) → $62,339 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists 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 surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Boise vs Idaho Falls?
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