Boise City vs Pocatello: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder 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 | $52,245 | $60,460▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.11 | $29.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,116 | $42,397▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,522 | $53,191▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,905▲ | $61,198 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,800▲ | $64,037 |
| Total Employed | 1,400▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Boise City and Pocatello are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boise City and Pocatello is $8,215 (15.72%). Pocatello's median is +8.17% 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,Pocatello spans $21,640. 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, Pocatello ($68,004 effective) pays 28.07% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,800)
- ✓Larger job market (1,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,460/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,004)
- ✓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 53.7% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$36,200 (2019) → $50,240 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$37,820 (2019) → $58,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders 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 welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Boise City vs Pocatello?
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