Meridian vs Pocatello: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Meridian, ID and Pocatello, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Meridian, ID | Pocatello, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $238,081 | $282,683▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $114.46 | $135.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $160,799 | $212,946▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $210,181 | $212,946▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $293,301▲ | $282,683 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $351,329▲ | $340,469 |
| Total Employed | 30 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Pocatello, ID offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Meridian and Pocatello is $44,602 (18.73%). Pocatello's median is +13.58% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Meridian spans $190,530,Pocatello spans $127,523. Meridian 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, Pocatello ($317,957 effective) pays 27.27% 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 Meridian if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($351,329)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($282,683/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $317,957)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Meridian grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Meridian, ID
$200,878 (2024) → $226,313 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$200,879 (2024) → $268,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Meridian, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Meridian or Pocatello?
What is the hourly rate difference between Meridian and Pocatello?
Should I relocate from Meridian to Pocatello as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Meridian vs Pocatello?
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