Boise City vs Caldwell: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Boise City, ID and Caldwell, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Caldwell, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,766▲ | $68,211 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.02▲ | $32.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,672▲ | $50,182 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,306▲ | $64,198 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,199▲ | $79,309 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,535 | $85,841▲ |
| Total Employed | 760▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boise City, ID offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Caldwell.
The salary gap between Boise City and Caldwell is $2,555 (3.75%). Boise City's median is +3.96% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $27,863,Caldwell spans $35,659. Caldwell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise City ($71,923 effective) pays 0.49% more than Caldwell ($71,575 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,766/year)
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,923)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Caldwell if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,841)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Boise City grew 38.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.0% growth in Caldwell over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$48,270 (2019) → $66,950 (2025)
Caldwell, ID
$53,787 (2024) → $64,533 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Caldwell, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Boise City or Caldwell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Caldwell?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Caldwell as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Boise City vs Caldwell?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov