๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 89 โ€” Very Affordable

Salaries in Twin Falls, ID

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 27 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$76,629
across 27 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$86,489
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Marketing Manager
$152,229
1BR Rent
$806
median monthly

You might assume a place like Twin Falls, Idaho, is all about agriculture and wide-open spaces, but the real story is in the numbers. The cityโ€™s unemployment rate sits at a remarkably low 3.0%, signaling a tight labor market where skilled workers have real leverage. Itโ€™s a place where the quiet economy hums with more activity than youโ€™d guess.

What does that low 88.6 cost of living index actually mean for your paycheck? In practical terms, itโ€™s a significant boost to your purchasing power. A median household income of $60,760 here feels more like $68,500 nationally. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment, averaging $806 a month, is the clearest proofโ€”itโ€™s a bargain that lets your salary stretch in ways that are getting harder to find elsewhere. Youโ€™re not just earning a wage; youโ€™re buying a lifestyle thatโ€™s increasingly out of reach in many other parts of the country.

The money flows in predictable channels. Youโ€™ll find high-earning professionals clustered around healthcare, tech that supports the regionโ€™s logistics, and the management side of construction and manufacturing. Major players like St. Lukeโ€™s Health System and Chobani anchor the job market, providing stable, well-compensated roles that ripple through the local economy. Itโ€™s a practical economy, not a flashy one.

Hereโ€™s the honest catch: while the purchasing power is excellent, wage growth has been modest. The city works best for those in the top-paying fieldsโ€”like software development or project managementโ€”who can command a strong salary while enjoying the low costs. For everyone else, itโ€™s comfortable, but donโ€™t expect to get rich quickly. The data below will show you exactly which roles offer the best financial footing in this unique market.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Twin Falls

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ -3% vs national

Marketing Manager

$152,229
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $171,816
โฑ Hourly $73.19/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 106
๐Ÿฅˆ -3% vs national

Pharmacist

$131,377
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $148,281
โฑ Hourly $63.16/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth -3.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 106
๐Ÿฅ‰ -3% vs national

Software Developer

$122,907
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $138,721
โฑ Hourly $59.09/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 319
4๏ธโƒฃ -3% vs national

Construction Manager

$104,509
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $117,956
โฑ Hourly $50.24/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 106
5๏ธโƒฃ -3% vs national

Project Manager

$97,816
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $110,402
โฑ Hourly $47.03/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 106

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 27 Occupations in Twin Falls

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (89/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Marketing Manager $152,229
2 Pharmacist $131,377
3 Software Developer $122,907
4 Construction Manager $104,509
5 Project Manager $97,816
6 Physical Therapist $96,299
7 Financial Analyst $95,623
8 Web Developer $89,577
9 Dental Hygienist $84,536
10 Accountant $83,136
11 Registered Nurse $83,126
12 Data Analyst $80,509
13 Police Officer $72,348
14 Human Resources Specialist $65,336
15 Elementary School Teacher $61,492
16 Plumber $61,183
17 Paralegal $60,603
18 Electrician $59,444
19 Real Estate Agent $59,377
20 Graphic Designer $59,242
21 Firefighter $55,166
22 Carpenter $54,973
23 HVAC Technician $53,766
24 Heavy Truck Driver $51,274
25 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $48,290
26 Welder $47,894
27 Medical Assistant $36,961

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Twin Falls

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$806/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,059/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$335,000
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
3.0%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$60,760
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
23%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
35/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
89
Very Affordable

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Twin Falls?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Twin Falls. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Twin Falls Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Twin Falls, ID?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations is $76,629 in 2026. This is 26% higher than the median household income of $60,760, indicating a wide dispersion of earnings. The cost of living index is 88.6, which is 11.4% below the national average.

What jobs pay the most in Twin Falls?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role is Marketing Manager at $152,229 annually. This is nearly double the average salary for all occupations in the city. It reflects the premium for specialized management roles in the local market.

Is Twin Falls affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a $152,229 salary is highly affordable in Twin Falls. With a cost of living index of 88.6, your purchasing power is 11.4% greater than the national average. A 1BR apartment costs only $806 per month, leaving substantial room for savings and discretionary spending.

How does Twin Falls's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Twin Falls's cost of living index of 88.6 means your paycheck has 11.4% more purchasing power than in an average U.S. city. For example, the average salary of $76,629 feels equivalent to $85,360 nationally. This lower COL directly increases your effective disposable income.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Twin Falls?

โ–ผ
A comfortable living salary in Twin Falls is approximately $76,629, which is the city's average. This salary is 26% higher than the median household income of $60,760, suggesting it supports a middle-class lifestyle. With a cost of living index of 88.6, this income provides a buffer for savings and housing costs like a $806/month 1BR apartment.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Twin Falls Worth It?

As of 2026, Twin Falls looks like a smart financial bet if you know how to work the math. The $76,629 average salary goes further with an 88.6 cost-of-living index and rents around $806. Marketing managers lead the pay scale at $152,229, and after COL adjustment they hit a striking $171,816, underscoring that salaries here aren't just surviving - they're thriving. My honest verdict: yes, Twin Falls is worth it financially for remote-friendly professionals and anyone whose income isn't tied strictly to local employers. Who benefits most? Trades and healthcare workers see strong demand with lower living costs; tech talent can win big if they tap remote roles. Marketing managers clearly come out ahead. One piece of advice: lock in housing before you accept an offer - rents are still reasonable, but they're moving fast. If you can secure a place early, you'll maximize the gap between what you earn and what you spend.

Explore Twin Falls Further