Idaho Falls vs Lewiston: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Lewiston, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Idaho Falls, ID | Lewiston, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,068▲ | $114,587 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.82▲ | $55.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,335▲ | $78,495 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,479▲ | $91,270 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,063 | $144,235▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,546▲ | $170,874 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Lewiston is $26,481 (23.11%). 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 Idaho Falls spans $89,211,Lewiston spans $92,379. Lewiston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($149,417 effective) pays 24.27% more than Lewiston ($120,238 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 ($141,068/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,546)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,417)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Idaho Falls grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.1% growth in Lewiston over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$109,020 (2019) → $136,100 (2025)
Lewiston, ID
$123,020 (2020) → $110,552 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Lewiston, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Idaho Falls or Lewiston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Lewiston?
Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Lewiston as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Idaho Falls vs Lewiston?
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