Idaho Falls vs Pocatello: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Pocatello, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Idaho Falls, ID | Pocatello, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,109▲ | $133,779 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.48▲ | $64.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,932▲ | $92,358 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,272▲ | $108,569 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,891 | $141,259▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,210 | $179,157▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Pocatello is $330 (0.25%). Idaho Falls's median is -4.47% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $51,278,Pocatello spans $86,799. Pocatello has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pocatello ($150,472 effective) pays 5.93% more than Idaho Falls ($142,047 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,109/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,157)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,472)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Idaho Falls grew 22.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$105,710 (2019) → $129,800 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$106,790 (2019) → $129,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Idaho Falls or Pocatello?
What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Pocatello?
Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Pocatello as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Idaho Falls vs Pocatello?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov