Boise City vs Idaho Falls: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Boise City, ID and Idaho Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Idaho Falls, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,485▲ | $48,516 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.15▲ | $23.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,448▲ | $37,292 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,859▲ | $45,182 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,115 | $65,204▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,436 | $79,613▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,270▲ | 390 |
Verdict
Boise City, ID offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Idaho Falls.
The salary gap between Boise City and Idaho Falls is $7,969 (16.43%). Boise City's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $38,988,Idaho Falls spans $42,321. Idaho Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise City ($57,409 effective) pays 11.72% more than Idaho Falls ($51,388 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 ($56,485/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,409)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,613)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Boise City grew 23.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.1% growth in Idaho Falls over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$44,130 (2019) → $54,407 (2025)
Idaho Falls, ID
$45,340 (2019) → $46,731 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Boise City or Idaho Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Idaho Falls?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Idaho Falls as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Boise City vs Idaho Falls?
Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.82% 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 Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov