Boise City vs Mountain Home: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Boise City, ID and Mountain Home, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Mountain Home, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,965 | $126,351▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.43 | $60.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,835 | $73,284▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,305 | $108,167▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,056▲ | $151,069 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $195,181▲ | $179,734 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Boise City and Mountain Home are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boise City and Mountain Home is $19,386 (18.12%). Mountain Home's median is -10.14% 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,Mountain Home spans $106,450. 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, Mountain Home ($132,582 effective) pays 21.95% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,181)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Mountain Home if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,351/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,582)
- ✓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 Mountain Home over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$114,480 (2019) → $103,890 (2025)
Mountain Home, ID
$116,815 (2024) → $122,719 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Mountain Home, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Boise City or Mountain Home?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Mountain Home?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Mountain Home as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Boise City vs Mountain Home?
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