Idaho Falls vs Nampa: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Nampa, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Idaho Falls, ID | Nampa, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,955 | $61,254▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.34 | $29.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,514▲ | $41,563 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,175▲ | $47,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,836 | $78,406▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,967 | $94,944▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 25 |
Verdict
Nampa, ID offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Idaho Falls.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Nampa is $2,299 (3.90%). Nampa's median is -4.79% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $32,453,Nampa spans $53,381. Nampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Nampa ($64,275 effective) pays 2.93% more than Idaho Falls ($62,444 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Nampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,254/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,944)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,275)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Idaho Falls grew 37.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.2% growth in Nampa over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$42,100 (2019) → $57,771 (2025)
Nampa, ID
$60,782 (2024) → $60,024 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Idaho Falls or Nampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Nampa?
Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Nampa as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Idaho Falls vs Nampa?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov