Teacher Salary

Boise City vs Boise: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Boise City, ID and Boise, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boise City, ID
$61,830
$29.73/hr
Boise, ID
$64,011
$30.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoise City, IDBoise, ID
Median Salary$61,830$64,011
Hourly Rate$29.73$30.78
Entry Level (P10)$46,370$44,047
25th Percentile$48,622$54,661
75th Percentile$71,524$81,934
Top Earner (P90)$83,258$99,218
Total Employed2,49060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boise City ($61,830) and Boise ($64,011) elementary school teacher salaries.Boise CityBoiseMedian Salary$61,830$64,011Entry Level (P10)$46,370$44,047Top Earner (P90)$83,258$99,218US Median $64,597

Verdict

Boise, ID offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boise City.

The salary gap between Boise City and Boise is $2,181 (3.53%). Boise's median is -0.91% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $36,888,Boise spans $55,171. Boise has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.

Boise City
P10 (Entry)$46,370
P25$48,622
Median$61,830
P75$71,524
P90 (Top)$83,258
Boise
P10 (Entry)$44,047
P25$54,661
Median$64,011
P75$81,934
P90 (Top)$99,218

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise ($67,168 effective) pays 6.89% more than Boise City ($62,841 effective).

Boise City
Nominal: $61,830
CoL Index: 98.391
Adjusted: $62,841
Boise
Nominal: $64,011
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $67,168

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boise City if…

  • Larger job market (2,490 employed)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Boise if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,011/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($99,218)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,168)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Boise City grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Boise over the same period.

Boise City, ID

+29.8%

$47,190 (2019) → $61,230 (2025)

Boise, ID

+16.7%

$54,331 (2024) → $63,390 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Boise City or Boise?

Boise has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $64,011/year, compared to Boise City at $61,830/year — a difference of $2,181 (3.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Boise?

Boise City elementary school teachers earn $29.73/hr while Boise hygienists earn $30.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boise City to Boise as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boise City and Boise. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boise City = $62,841, Boise = $67,168), job availability (2,490 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Boise City vs Boise?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $46,370 in Boise City and $44,047 in Boise. The Boise City area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov