Idaho Falls vs Meridian: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Idaho Falls, ID | Meridian, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,526 | $47,808▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.37 | $22.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,626▲ | $37,737 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,987 | $44,507▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,661 | $57,174▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,069 | $63,723▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Meridian, ID offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Idaho Falls.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Meridian is $1,282 (2.76%). Meridian's median is -3.57% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $21,443,Meridian spans $25,986. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Meridian ($50,166 effective) pays 1.80% 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 Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,808/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,723)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,166)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Idaho Falls grew 35.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.1% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$33,410 (2019) → $45,110 (2025)
Meridian, ID
$42,089 (2024) → $46,353 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Meridian, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Idaho Falls or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Meridian as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Idaho Falls vs Meridian?
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