Idaho Falls vs Meridian: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $314,085▲ | $238,081 |
| Hourly Rate | $151.00▲ | $114.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,971 | $160,799▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $289,079▲ | $210,181 |
| 75th Percentile | $314,811▲ | $293,301 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $314,811 | $351,329▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 30 |
Verdict
Idaho Falls and Meridian are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Meridian is $76,004 (31.92%). Idaho Falls's median is +26.19% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $178,840,Meridian spans $190,530. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($332,675 effective) pays 33.16% more than Meridian ($249,823 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($314,085/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $332,675)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($351,329)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Idaho Falls grew 47.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$202,495 (2024) → $298,560 (2025)
Meridian, ID
$200,878 (2024) → $226,313 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Meridian, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists 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 nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Idaho Falls vs Meridian?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov