Boise City vs Meridian: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Boise City, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Meridian, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,965 | $134,505▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.43 | $64.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,835 | $78,013▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,305 | $109,056▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,056▲ | $160,936 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $195,181 | $204,718▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Meridian, ID offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boise City.
The salary gap between Boise City and Meridian is $27,540 (25.75%). Meridian's median is -4.34% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $131,346,Meridian spans $126,705. Boise City 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, Meridian ($141,139 effective) pays 29.83% more than Boise City ($108,714 effective).
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 (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,505/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,718)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,139)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Boise City grew -9.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.1% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$114,480 (2019) → $103,890 (2025)
Meridian, ID
$124,353 (2024) → $130,638 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Meridian, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Boise City or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Meridian as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Boise City vs Meridian?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov