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Biological Technicians Salary in Idaho: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Biological Technicians salary really buy you in Idaho?

Idaho is 8.2% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$42,130
Median annual (2025)
+8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$45,893
COL-adjusted (RPP=91.8)

Idaho Cost of Living Index

Idaho's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 91.8, meaning prices are 8.2% lower the national average. A Biological Technicians earning $42,130 in Idaho has the equivalent purchasing power of $45,893 in an average-cost US state.

ID: 91.8
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Idaho's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $36,030 $39,248 +$3,218
25th Percentile (P25) $36,750 $40,032 +$3,282
Median (P50) $42,130 $45,893 +$3,763
75th Percentile (P75) $50,290 $54,782 +$4,492
90th Percentile (P90) $59,010 $64,281 +$5,271
Key Insight

A Biological Technicians in Idaho earns $42,130 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 9% further — like earning $45,893 in an average-cost state. This makes Idaho one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Idaho Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 91.8

Idaho's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 91.8 means a basket of goods and services costs about 8.2% less than the national average. For a Biological Technicians, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

+8.9%

After applying Idaho's RPP, the $42,130 median salary translates to $45,893 in real terms — a 8.9% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Biological Technicians.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#49 / 51

Idaho ranks #49 of 51 — bottom quartile for Biological Technicians real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for Biological Technicians (After Cost of Living)

Where does Biological Technicians salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$65,520
RPP 94.2
$65,211
RPP 87.3
3. Indiana
$64,041
RPP 91.8
$63,502
RPP 112.5
$62,378
RPP 88.7
$60,698
RPP 108.8
$59,744
RPP 98.0
8. Maine
$59,682
RPP 100.8
$58,609
RPP 106.4
10. Colorado
$58,064
RPP 102.3

Idaho ranks #49 out of 51 states for Biological Technicians after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Biological Technicians take-home pay in Idaho after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Biological Technicians in Idaho after cost of living?

A Biological Technicians in Idaho earns a median salary of $42,130 per year. After adjusting for Idaho's cost of living (RPP=91.8), the real purchasing power is $45,893 — a +8.9% difference.

Is Idaho expensive to live in?

Idaho's cost of living is 8.2% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Idaho is 91.8 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Biological Technicians in Idaho: $42,130 x (100 / 91.8) = $45,893. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Biological Technicians in Idaho financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Biological Technicians in Idaho enjoys 8.9% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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