Idaho Falls vs Meridian: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Idaho Falls, ID | Meridian, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,428▲ | $100,250 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.28▲ | $48.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,184▲ | $78,235 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,515▲ | $86,328 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,634 | $109,496▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,453 | $132,592▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Meridian is $178 (0.18%). Idaho Falls's median is -2.45% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $15,269,Meridian spans $54,357. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($106,372 effective) pays 1.12% more than Meridian ($105,194 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 ($100,428/year)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,372)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,592)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Idaho Falls grew 24.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 25.2% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$76,900 (2020) → $95,700 (2025)
Meridian, ID
$76,326 (2020) → $95,531 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Meridian, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Idaho Falls or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Meridian as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Idaho Falls vs Meridian?
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