Coeur d'Alene vs Idaho Falls: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Coeur d'Alene, ID and Idaho Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Idaho Falls, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,208▲ | $46,526 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.66▲ | $22.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,616▲ | $38,626 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,465▲ | $39,987 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,242▲ | $47,661 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,679▲ | $60,069 |
| Total Employed | 310 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Coeur d'Alene, ID offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Idaho Falls.
The salary gap between Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls is $2,682 (5.76%). Coeur d'Alene's median is -0.75% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene spans $24,063,Idaho Falls spans $21,443. Coeur d'Alene 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, Coeur d'Alene ($50,063 effective) pays 1.59% more than Idaho Falls ($49,280 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coeur d'Alene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,208/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,679)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,063)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Coeur d'Alene grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.0% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
$37,490 (2019) → $47,710 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$33,410 (2019) → $45,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Coeur d'Alene or Idaho Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls?
Should I relocate from Coeur d'Alene to Idaho Falls as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Coeur d'Alene vs Idaho Falls?
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