Boise City vs Boise: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Boise City, ID and Boise, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Boise, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,539▲ | $66,393 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.09▲ | $31.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,795▲ | $38,508 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,628▲ | $48,651 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,978▲ | $84,983 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,100▲ | $102,910 |
| Total Employed | 950▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Boise City, ID offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Boise.
The salary gap between Boise City and Boise is $21,146 (31.85%). Boise City's median is +11.46% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $45,305,Boise spans $64,402. Boise has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise City ($88,971 effective) pays 27.71% more than Boise ($69,667 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 ($87,539/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,100)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,971)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Boise if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Boise City grew 43.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Boise over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$59,020 (2019) → $84,940 (2025)
Boise, ID
$57,294 (2024) → $64,422 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Boise City or Boise?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Boise?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov