Salaries in Meridian, ID

You might assume a city with a median income over $100k is prohibitively expensive. Meridian, Idaho flips that script. It’s a place where a software developer earning $124,740 actually has more purchasing power than they would in many coastal hubs, thanks to a cost of living that’s still 6.6% below the national average.

The math is compelling. With a COL index of 93.4, your paycheck stretches. A median household here brings in $100,307, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $1,074 a month. That’s not a typo. It means a married couple, both earning the city’s average salary, can comfortably afford a mortgage on a decent home—a reality that’s becoming increasingly rare elsewhere. This isn’t a bargain basement market, but it’s a place where a middle-class life still feels attainable.

Who’s earning those top salaries? The tech sector is a major driver, but it’s the skilled trades that quietly power the local economy. You’ll find software developers at companies like healthcare tech firm Clearwater Analytics or at satellite offices for larger firms, but electricians and accountants are just as vital. The unemployment rate is a tight 3.0%, and with 41.1% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, the workforce is educated and competitive. It’s a blue-collar backbone with a white-collar sheen.

Here’s my honest take: the secret is getting out. Meridian isn’t the hidden gem it was five years ago. Rents and home prices are climbing faster than wages, especially for service and retail workers. For a software developer or a skilled tradesperson, it’s still a fantastic deal. For someone in a lower-paying field, the affordability edge is eroding. This city works best for those with in-demand skills who can command a salary that outpaces the local cost creep.

The data below will show you exactly where you stand, from the teacher to the electrician, and what your earning power looks like in a city that’s mastering the balance between growth and affordability.