Boise City vs Pocatello: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer 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 | $94,007 | $96,270▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.19 | $46.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,488 | $67,056▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,075▲ | $76,053 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,497 | $120,402▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,921 | $147,583▲ |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Pocatello, ID offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boise City.
The salary gap between Boise City and Pocatello is $2,263 (2.41%). Pocatello's median is -10.15% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $73,433,Pocatello spans $80,527. Pocatello has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pocatello ($101,018 effective) pays 5.73% more than Boise City ($95,544 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 (480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,270/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,583)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,018)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Boise City grew 9.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 50.6% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$83,490 (2019) → $91,340 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$62,120 (2021) → $93,539 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers 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 mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Boise City vs Pocatello?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov