Boise City vs Lewiston: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Boise City, ID and Lewiston, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Lewiston, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,326 | $103,313▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.76 | $49.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,616▲ | $90,217 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,720 | $102,715▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,502 | $106,315▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,051▲ | $110,953 |
| Total Employed | 1,020▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Boise City and Lewiston are closely matched on overall dental hygienist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boise City and Lewiston is $3,987 (4.01%). Lewiston's median is +0.36% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $29,435,Lewiston spans $20,736. Boise City 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, Lewiston ($113,332 effective) pays 12.26% more than Boise City ($100,950 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,051)
- ✓Larger job market (1,020 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,313/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,332)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Boise City grew 27.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 24.2% growth in Lewiston over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$74,320 (2020) → $94,650 (2025)
Lewiston, ID
$79,290 (2020) → $98,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Lewiston, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Boise City or Lewiston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Lewiston?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Lewiston as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Boise City vs Lewiston?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov