Idaho Falls vs Meridian: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher 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 | $61,679 | $61,986▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.66 | $29.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,208 | $47,548▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,591 | $56,462▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,597 | $78,185▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,088 | $96,077▲ |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Meridian, ID offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Idaho Falls.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Meridian is $307 (0.50%). Meridian's median is -4.04% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $31,880,Meridian spans $48,529. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($65,330 effective) pays 0.44% more than Meridian ($65,043 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,330)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,986/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,077)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Idaho Falls grew 57.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$38,810 (2019) → $61,080 (2025)
Meridian, ID
$52,611 (2024) → $61,384 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Meridian, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers 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 elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Idaho Falls vs Meridian?
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.
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