Accountant in Rexburg, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Rexburg Stands

As a local who's watched the accounting profession evolve here for over a decade, I can tell you that Rexburg offers a stable, if modest, career path for accountants. The numbers paint a clear picture: the median salary for accountants in Rexburg is $85,176 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.95. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but the cost of living here makes it go much further.

Rexburg's job market for accounting is tight but consistent. There are approximately 79 accounting jobs in the metro area, which serves a population of 39,589. Over the last decade, accounting roles here have seen a 10-year job growth of 4%, a steady, predictable increase that reflects the stability of the local economy rather than explosive growth.

To understand where you might fit, here's a breakdown of typical salary progression by experience level. These are estimates based on local hiring trends and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic tax prep, data entry.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$75,000 - $92,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, complex tax returns, client management.
Senior/Manager (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Team leadership, audit coordination, strategic financial planning, CFO support.
Expert/Partner (15+ years)	$120,000+	Firm leadership, business development, high-level advisory, specialized consulting.

How Rexburg Compares to Other Idaho Cities:
While Rexburg's median of $85,176 is comfortable, it's important to see the wider Idaho landscape. Accountants in Boise can command higher salaries, often 10-15% above the state median, due to a larger corporate presence. In contrast, Idaho Falls, a similar-sized metro, often sees salaries in the same range as Rexburg. The key differentiator is cost of living—Rexburg remains one of the most affordable markets in the state, making its competitive salary feel more substantial.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your purchasing power. We'll use the median salary of $85,176 for this breakdown. In Idaho, you're subject to a progressive state income tax (ranging from 1% to 6.5%).

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single accountant earning the median salary in Rexburg:

Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes
Gross Pay	$7,098	$85,176 / 12 months
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	-$1,550	Approx. 22% effective rate (varies by deductions)
Take-Home Pay	$5,548	Your net cash flow
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,109	$1,109/month for a decent 1-bedroom apartment
Utilities & Internet	-$200	Heat, power, water, high-speed internet
Groceries & Essentials	-$500	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Assumes a moderate car payment; insurance is lower in ID
Health Insurance	-$300	Pre-tax, often deducted by employer
Discretionary/Savings	~$1,989	For student loans, retirement, entertainment, or savings

The Home-Buying Calculus: Can you afford a home? The median home price in Rexburg is approximately $375,000 (as of late 2023). With a median salary of $85,176, a standard 20% down payment ($75,000) is a significant hurdle. However, many locals use FHA loans (3.5% down) or first-time homebuyer programs. A monthly mortgage payment on a $300,000 loan (with 5% down) could be around $1,700-$1,900, including taxes and insurance. This is tight on a single income but feasible with dual-income households, which are common here. My insider tip: Many accountants in Rexburg start by renting for 1-2 years to save aggressively before entering the housing market.

Where the Jobs Are: Rexburg's Major Employers

Rexburg's job market is anchored by education, healthcare, and agriculture. Accounting roles are stable and often tied to these sectors.

1. Madison Memorial Hospital: As the largest employer in the region, the hospital has a robust finance department needing accountants for budgeting, billing, and compliance. They often hire for Staff Accountant and Financial Analyst roles.
2. Rexburg Public School District 251: School districts always need skilled accountants for fund accounting, grants management, and payroll. These positions offer excellent benefits and are considered some of the most stable jobs in the area.
3. Eastern Idaho Credit Union: A major local financial institution, they require accountants for internal auditing, loan servicing, and member services accounting. They emphasize community banking and often promote from within.
4. Agri-Beef & J.R. Simplot Company (Local Operations): While Simplot is a national company, its processing and agricultural operations in the area (serving the vast local farming industry) need accountants familiar with cost accounting, inventory, and supply chain finance.
5. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Local Facilities & Farms): With significant investments in agriculture (dairy, potatoes), the Church's local operations and facilities management require accountants for real estate, agriculture, and non-profit accounting. These are highly sought-after, well-compensated roles.
6. Firm: Eide Bailly LLP (Rexburg Office): A regional CPA firm with a significant presence in Rexburg. They handle tax, audit, and advisory services for local businesses and high-net-worth individuals. They are a primary source of CPA jobs.
7. Firm: Kennedy and Company, LLP: Another well-established local CPA firm that specializes in agricultural and small business accounting. A great place to get diverse experience.

Hiring Trends: The demand is steady, not explosive. Jobs appear when firms expand or retirees leave. Networking is key—most positions are filled through referrals or local connections. The peak hiring season is typically post-tax season (May-June) and late fall (October-November).

Getting Licensed in ID

To practice as a CPA in Idaho, you must be licensed by the Idaho State Board of Accountancy.

• Educational Requirement: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree and 24 specific credits in accounting and 24 in business.
• Exam Requirement: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
• Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA, two years if you have a bachelor's degree but are short on the 150-hour requirement.
• Cost: Exam fees (NASBA) are ~$1,000-$1,500. Idaho application fees are $100, plus annual license fees of $125. Total first-year cost can run $1,500-$2,000.
• Timeline: From starting your final credits to getting your license, plan for 2.5 to 4 years. Many employers in Rexburg, like Eide Bailly, offer tuition assistance or study time for exam prep.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Rexburg is a compact, bike-friendly city. Commute times are minimal, but location affects lifestyle and rent.

1. Central Rexburg (Downtown): Walkable to shops, restaurants, and the historic downtown. Ideal for those who want a vibrant, social atmosphere with minimal driving.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200/month
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most downtown offices.
2. South Rexburg (Near BYU-Idaho Campus): Quiet, residential, and close to campus amenities. Popular with young professionals and families.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,250/month
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to central business areas.
3. East Rexburg (Near Madison Memorial Hospital): Convenient for hospital employees. More suburban feel with newer developments.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,350/month
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to the hospital; 10-15 to downtown.
4. West Rexburg (Near the Airport & I-15): Slightly more affordable, with easier highway access for those who travel. Less character, more practical.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,150/month
   • Commute: 10 minutes to most locations.
5. Rexburg Bench (Northwest Hills): Offers larger lots and mountain views. A quieter, more secluded vibe, with a slightly longer commute.
   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,450/month (mostly rentals are larger homes)
   • Commute: 15 minutes to central Rexburg.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in Rexburg is more about depth and specialization than climbing a tall corporate ladder.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Agricultural Accounting: Expertise in farm income tax, equipment depreciation, and grant accounting can command a 10-15% premium. This is a niche in high demand here.
  • Non-Profit/Church Auditing: Understanding the specific reporting for large non-profits is valuable.
  • Forensic Accounting: Limited but growing, often tied to insurance or agriculture disputes.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Public Accounting Track: Staff Accountant > Senior > Manager > Partner/Shareholder at a local firm like Eide Bailly or Kennedy & Co.
  2. Industry Track: Staff Accountant > Accountant > Senior Accountant > Controller (at a hospital, school district, or large agribusiness).
  3. Government/Non-Profit: Accountant > Finance Director > CFO.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth rate is steady. Automation will handle more transactional work, increasing demand for accountants who can analyze data and provide strategic advice. Salaries will likely keep pace with or slightly exceed inflation. The biggest opportunity lies in becoming the "go-to" expert for a specific local industry, like dairy or construction.

The Verdict: Is Rexburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: The $85,176 median salary goes far against the $1,109 average rent and low cost of living.	Limited Job Market: Only 79 accounting jobs total. Fewer opportunities means less job-hopping.
Stable, Predictable Economy: Anchored by education, healthcare, and agriculture.	Lower Top-End Salary: Caps out lower than major metros like Boise or Seattle.
Safe, Family-Friendly Community: Excellent for raising kids with great schools and low crime.	Cultural & Social Limits: Fewer networking events, conferences, or diverse dining/entertainment.
Easy Commute & Outdoor Access: Minutes to work and world-class hiking, fishing, and skiing nearby.	Political/Cultural Homogeneity: The dominant culture can feel restrictive for some.
Strong Community Ties: Easy to build a reputation and client base as a CPA in private practice.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and snowy (but sunny).

Final Recommendation: Rexburg is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize work-life balance, affordability, and community stability over rapid career advancement and big-city amenities. It's ideal for those planning to start a family, enjoy the outdoors, or build a long-term local client base. If you crave a dynamic, high-growth corporate environment, you may find it limiting. For a solid, comfortable accounting career with a high quality of life, Rexburg is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the accounting job market in Rexburg?
A: It's not highly competitive, but it's selective. With only 79 jobs, openings don't come up daily. Having your CPA license gives you a significant edge. Networking through the Idaho Society of CPAs (ISCPA) and local business groups is crucial. Many jobs are filled without ever being publicly posted.

Q: Is it feasible to commute from Idaho Falls for a better salary?
A: Yes. The 30-minute drive on I-15 is easy, and you might find higher salaries in Idaho Falls. However, you'll trade that for commute costs and time. For many, the higher take-home pay in Rexburg (after factoring in higher Idaho Falls rent) makes staying local more financially sound.

Q: What's the demand for non-CPA accountants?
A: Strong. Many local businesses (agriculture, small retail) need bookkeepers and staff accountants without a CPA. These roles still pay well, often in the $55,000 - $80,000 range. A CPA license is essential for public accounting firms and corporate controller roles.

Q: How does the cost of living really feel?
A: It feels low. Your biggest expense will be rent, but it's manageable. Gas, groceries, and utilities are reasonable. You can build savings faster here than in most markets. The Cost of Living Index of 96.5 (US avg = 100) means your dollar stretches further, especially if you're moving from a coastal city.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: Limited but growing. Some accountants for local firms work hybrid schedules. However, the core of the local market is in-person. Your best bet for remote work is securing a position with a national firm that allows telecommuting, but you'll need to be self-motivated, as the local remote job pool is small.