Boise City vs Pocatello: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant 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 | $48,734▲ | $46,021 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.43▲ | $22.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,925▲ | $37,151 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,073▲ | $38,708 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,554▲ | $46,712 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,503▲ | $59,553 |
| Total Employed | 1,000▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Boise City, ID offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.
The salary gap between Boise City and Pocatello is $2,713 (5.90%). Boise City's median is -1.70% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $22,578,Pocatello spans $22,402. 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 ($51,764 effective) pays 4.51% more than Boise City ($49,531 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 ($48,734/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,503)
- ✓Larger job market (1,000 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,764)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Boise City grew 29.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 52.7% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$36,610 (2019) → $47,250 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$29,220 (2019) → $44,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants 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 dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Boise City vs Pocatello?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% 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 Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov