Boise City vs Pocatello: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $87,539▲ | $60,641 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.09▲ | $29.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,795▲ | $54,539 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,628▲ | $56,467 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,978▲ | $63,217 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,100▲ | $73,111 |
| Total Employed | 950▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Boise City, ID offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.
The salary gap between Boise City and Pocatello is $26,898 (44.36%). 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,Pocatello spans $18,572. Boise City 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, Boise City ($88,971 effective) pays 30.44% more than Pocatello ($68,208 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 Pocatello 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 4.5% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$59,020 (2019) → $84,940 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$56,280 (2019) → $58,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers 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 police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Boise City vs Pocatello?
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