Idaho Falls vs Mountain Home: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Mountain Home, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Idaho Falls, ID | Mountain Home, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,388▲ | $90,434 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.26▲ | $43.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,941▲ | $64,956 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,713▲ | $78,074 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,443 | $113,781▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,819▲ | $136,981 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mountain Home.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Mountain Home is $9,954 (11.01%). Idaho Falls's median is -6.31% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $78,878,Mountain Home spans $72,025. Idaho Falls 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, Idaho Falls ($106,330 effective) pays 12.05% more than Mountain Home ($94,894 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,388/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,819)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,330)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Mountain Home if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Idaho Falls grew -13.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Mountain Home over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$112,790 (2019) → $97,540 (2025)
Mountain Home, ID
$82,669 (2024) → $87,868 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Mountain Home, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Idaho Falls or Mountain Home?
What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Mountain Home?
Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Mountain Home as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Idaho Falls vs Mountain Home?
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