Caldwell vs Idaho Falls: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $120,093 | $141,068▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.73 | $67.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,806 | $83,335▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,420 | $104,479▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,119▲ | $142,063 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,012▲ | $172,546 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Caldwell.
The salary gap between Caldwell and Idaho Falls is $20,975 (17.47%). Idaho Falls's median is +12.82% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Caldwell spans $107,206,Idaho Falls spans $89,211. 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 ($149,417 effective) pays 18.57% more than Caldwell ($126,016 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Caldwell if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,012)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,068/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,417)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Caldwell grew 18.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Caldwell, ID
$97,970 (2024) → $115,864 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$109,020 (2019) → $136,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Caldwell, ID
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers 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 electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Caldwell vs Idaho Falls?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov