Idaho Falls vs Lewiston: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Lewiston, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Idaho Falls, ID | Lewiston, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,371▲ | $97,146 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.81▲ | $46.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,565 | $74,556▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,994▲ | $82,590 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,390 | $112,229▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,674 | $124,827▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Idaho Falls, ID offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Lewiston is $225 (0.23%). Idaho Falls's median is -5.83% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $45,109,Lewiston spans $50,271. Lewiston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Idaho Falls ($103,134 effective) pays 1.17% more than Lewiston ($101,937 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 ($97,371/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,134)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,827)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Idaho Falls grew 3.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Lewiston over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$91,170 (2019) → $94,480 (2025)
Lewiston, ID
$80,648 (2024) → $94,262 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Lewiston, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Idaho Falls or Lewiston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Lewiston?
Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Lewiston as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Idaho Falls vs Lewiston?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov