Caldwell vs Idaho Falls: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Caldwell, ID and Idaho Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Caldwell, ID | Idaho Falls, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,555▲ | $63,774 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.03▲ | $30.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,877 | $48,531▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,837▲ | $51,324 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,517▲ | $72,523 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,113▲ | $79,099 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Caldwell, ID offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Idaho Falls.
The salary gap between Caldwell and Idaho Falls is $781 (1.22%). Caldwell's median is -17.81% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Caldwell spans $57,236,Idaho Falls spans $30,568. Caldwell 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, Caldwell ($67,739 effective) pays 0.28% more than Idaho Falls ($67,549 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Caldwell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,555/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,113)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,739)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Caldwell grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Caldwell, ID
$55,708 (2024) → $62,638 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$48,120 (2019) → $61,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Caldwell, ID
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Caldwell or Idaho Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Caldwell and Idaho Falls?
Should I relocate from Caldwell to Idaho Falls as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Caldwell vs Idaho Falls?
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