Boise vs Idaho Falls: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $70,153▲ | $63,705 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.73▲ | $30.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,786▲ | $43,770 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,865▲ | $51,687 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,174▲ | $68,155 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,429▲ | $79,476 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Boise, ID offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Idaho Falls.
The salary gap between Boise and Idaho Falls is $6,448 (10.12%). Boise's median is +3.06% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise spans $43,643,Idaho Falls spans $35,706. 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 ($73,613 effective) pays 9.10% more than Idaho Falls ($67,476 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 ($70,153/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,429)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,613)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Boise grew 20.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.0% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Boise, ID
$55,319 (2024) → $66,370 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$38,880 (2019) → $60,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses 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 licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Boise vs Idaho Falls?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov