Boise City vs Caldwell: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Boise City, ID and Caldwell, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Caldwell, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,245 | $53,599▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.11 | $25.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,116▲ | $37,164 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,522▲ | $47,999 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,905▲ | $61,873 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,800 | $75,318▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,400▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Caldwell, ID offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boise City.
The salary gap between Boise City and Caldwell is $1,354 (2.59%). Caldwell's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $32,684,Caldwell spans $38,154. Caldwell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Caldwell ($56,242 effective) pays 5.92% more than Boise City ($53,099 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise City if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Caldwell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,599/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,318)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,242)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Boise City grew 38.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in Caldwell over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$36,200 (2019) → $50,240 (2025)
Caldwell, ID
$49,945 (2024) → $51,542 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Caldwell, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Boise City or Caldwell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Caldwell?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Caldwell as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Boise City vs Caldwell?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov