Lawyer Salary

Caldwell vs Idaho Falls: Lawyer Salary (2026)

Compare lawyer salaries between Caldwell, ID and Idaho Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Caldwell, ID
$106,715
$51.30/hr
Idaho Falls, ID
$99,779
$47.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCaldwell, IDIdaho Falls, ID
Median Salary$106,715$99,779
Hourly Rate$51.30$47.97
Entry Level (P10)$61,894$39,158
25th Percentile$76,835$81,132
75th Percentile$136,596$132,801
Top Earner (P90)$165,409$191,423
Total Employed8190
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Caldwell ($106,715) and Idaho Falls ($99,779) lawyer salaries.CaldwellIdaho FallsMedian Salary$106,715$99,779Entry Level (P10)$61,894$39,158Top Earner (P90)$165,409$191,423US Median $167,174

Verdict

Caldwell and Idaho Falls are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Caldwell and Idaho Falls is $6,936 (6.95%). Caldwell's median is -36.17% compared to the US national median of $167,174.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Caldwell spans $103,515,Idaho Falls spans $152,265. Idaho Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.

Caldwell
P10 (Entry)$61,894
P25$76,835
Median$106,715
P75$136,596
P90 (Top)$165,409
Idaho Falls
P10 (Entry)$39,158
P25$81,132
Median$99,779
P75$132,801
P90 (Top)$191,423

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Caldwell ($111,978 effective) pays 5.95% more than Idaho Falls ($105,685 effective).

Caldwell
Nominal: $106,715
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $111,978
Idaho Falls
Nominal: $99,779
CoL Index: 94.412
Adjusted: $105,685

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 ($106,715/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,978)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Idaho Falls if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($191,423)
  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Caldwell grew -7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.1% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.

Caldwell, ID

+-7.7%

$110,456 (2024) → $101,925 (2025)

Idaho Falls, ID

+7.1%

$89,010 (2019) → $95,300 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays lawyers more: Caldwell or Idaho Falls?

Caldwell has a higher median lawyer salary at $106,715/year, compared to Idaho Falls at $99,779/year — a difference of $6,936 (6.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Caldwell and Idaho Falls?

Caldwell lawyers earn $51.30/hr while Idaho Falls hygienists earn $47.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Caldwell to Idaho Falls as a lawyer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Caldwell and Idaho Falls. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Caldwell = $111,978, Idaho Falls = $105,685), job availability (8 vs 190 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level lawyers earn in Caldwell vs Idaho Falls?

Entry-level (10th percentile) lawyers earn $61,894 in Caldwell and $39,158 in Idaho Falls. The Caldwell area offers higher starting salaries.
AC

Written by Alexandra Chen, JD

Career Analyst

Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Martinez, JDData verified by Priya Patel, JD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov