Salaries in Pocatello, ID

Here’s the thing about Pocatello that most people miss: you can make a six-figure salary here and live like you’re pulling in $150k in a coastal city. As of 2026, the median household income sits at $57,931, but the city’s cost of living index is just 87.8—meaning your dollar stretches about 12% further than the national average. That’s not just a minor perk; it fundamentally changes the math on what a “good” salary feels like.

For context, that $57k median income buys you a lot more here. A one-bedroom apartment averages just $751 a month, and with a 3% unemployment rate, the job market is stable. The purchasing power story is compelling: the city’s average salary across all roles is $68,798, but when you adjust for that low cost of living, it’s equivalent to earning $78,358 nationally. That gap is where the opportunity lies, especially for skilled professionals.

So who actually thrives here? The data points to a few clear winners. Marketing managers, pharmacists, and software developers top the list, with COL-adjusted earnings pushing them well into the $140k-$175k range. Idaho State University is the city’s largest employer, along with the Bannock County government and Portneuf Health Partners. The region’s economy is anchored in education, healthcare, and some tech, though it’s not a major tech hub. What surprised me is that construction managers also do exceptionally well here—likely due to steady growth and demand for housing and infrastructure.

Now, the catch. While wages look strong on paper, they haven’t always kept pace with the rapid cost increases we’ve seen across Idaho in recent years. Still, for remote workers, retirees, or professionals in the top-paying fields, Pocatello offers a rare combination of decent pay and a very low cost of living. It’s a smart play if you’re in the right industry.

The numbers below will show you exactly where salaries land across different roles, and how much further your paycheck can go here compared to most of the country.