Boise City vs Idaho Falls: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Boise City, ID and Idaho Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Idaho Falls, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,420 | $71,675▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.89 | $34.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,667▲ | $50,967 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,346▲ | $60,582 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,501 | $79,105▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,002 | $89,526▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boise City.
The salary gap between Boise City and Idaho Falls is $3,255 (4.76%). Idaho Falls's median is -3.57% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $13,335,Idaho Falls spans $38,559. Idaho Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($75,210 effective) pays 8.16% more than Boise City ($69,539 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise City if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,675/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,526)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,210)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Boise City grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$55,930 (2019) → $66,550 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$61,713 (2024) → $69,716 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Boise City or Idaho Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Idaho Falls?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Idaho Falls as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Boise City vs Idaho Falls?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% 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, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov