Boise City vs Caldwell: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber 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 | $58,375▲ | $52,758 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.07▲ | $25.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,444▲ | $34,574 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,774▲ | $42,823 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,521▲ | $67,530 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,856▲ | $81,775 |
| Total Employed | 1,760▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boise City, ID offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Caldwell.
The salary gap between Boise City and Caldwell is $5,617 (10.65%). Boise City's median is -10.75% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $44,412,Caldwell spans $47,201. Caldwell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise City ($59,330 effective) pays 7.17% more than Caldwell ($55,360 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 ($58,375/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,856)
- ✓Larger job market (1,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,330)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Caldwell if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Boise City grew 7.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.6% growth in Caldwell over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$52,800 (2019) → $56,940 (2025)
Caldwell, ID
$55,708 (2024) → $51,461 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Caldwell, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers 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 plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Boise City vs Caldwell?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov