Caldwell vs Idaho Falls: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $100,662▲ | $100,428 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.40▲ | $48.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,144 | $87,184▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,269 | $92,515▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,510▲ | $101,634 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,596▲ | $102,453 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Caldwell, ID offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Idaho Falls.
The salary gap between Caldwell and Idaho Falls is $234 (0.23%). Caldwell's median is -2.22% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Caldwell spans $52,452,Idaho Falls spans $15,269. 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, Idaho Falls ($106,372 effective) pays 0.71% more than Caldwell ($105,626 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 ($100,662/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,596)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,372)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Caldwell grew 25.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Caldwell, ID
$76,640 (2020) → $95,923 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$76,900 (2020) → $95,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Caldwell, ID
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists 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 dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Caldwell vs Idaho Falls?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov