Healthcare Resource
Registered Nurse Salary in Idaho 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
In brief
Idaho RN salaries average $69,800/year in 2026. Boise leads at $73,500. NLC compact state; no state income tax on wages over threshold.
In this article
Idaho registered nurses earn an average of $69,800 per year in 2026. Boise's rapid population growth has driven up healthcare demand and nursing wages, while rural Idaho mirrors the national pattern of critical shortages at critical access hospitals offering aggressive recruitment packages.
Idaho RN Salary by City (2026)
| City | Avg Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Boise | $73,500 | $35.34 |
| Meridian | $72,000 | $34.62 |
| Nampa | $70,000 | $33.65 |
| Twin Falls | $67,500 | $32.45 |
| Idaho Falls | $67,000 | $32.21 |
| Pocatello | $65,500 | $31.49 |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Idaho
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $210,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $83,000 |
| ER / Emergency RN | $80,000 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $78,500 |
| Labor & Delivery RN | $75,000 |
| Med-Surg RN | $68,500 |
Top Employers in Idaho
- St. Luke's Health System, Boise-based; largest health system in Idaho with 8 hospitals; strong new-grad program
- Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center (Trinity Health), Boise; Level II trauma center, strong ICU and cardiac programs
- Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (HCA), Idaho Falls; largest hospital in eastern Idaho
- St. Luke's Magic Valley, Twin Falls; south-central Idaho's primary referral center
- Portneuf Medical Center, Pocatello; southeast Idaho's Level II trauma center
NLC Compact Status
Idaho is a full NLC compact member. RNs with an Idaho multistate license may practice in any compact state without a separate license, useful for Idaho-based nurses working near the Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington borders.
Idaho RN Market Outlook
Boise is one of the fastest-growing metros in the US, driving strong nursing demand from hospital expansions. Rural Idaho faces acute shortages, critical access hospitals in northern Idaho and the Magic Valley offer sign-on bonuses of $8,000-$18,000. Travel RN rates in Boise run $1,600-$2,000/week.
Related: RN Salary Washington 2026, RN Salary Utah 2026, Idaho RN License Guide.
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