Data Analyst in Rexburg, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Rexburg Stands

As a Rexburg local, I can tell you the first thing you need to know is that the salary data here tells a story of a market with strong potential but a lower ceiling than the national average. The median salary for a Data Analyst in Rexburg is $82,484/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.66/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but it’s important to consider the local context: Rexburg’s cost of living is only 96.5 (US average = 100), meaning your dollar goes further here than in most of the country. With only 79 jobs in the metro area, the market is tight but growing, with a 10-year job growth of 36%—a figure that reflects the increasing digitalization of both the agricultural and educational sectors in eastern Idaho.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Rexburg)	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level	$65,000 - $75,000	Often tied to university or ag-tech roles; strong need for SQL/Excel fundamentals.
Mid-Level	$75,000 - $85,000	The median range; demand for visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) and basic Python/R.
Senior-Level	$85,000 - $95,000	Leadership roles in healthcare or education; requires advanced stats and stakeholder management.
Expert/Lead	$95,000+	Rare; typically at BYU-Idaho or major agribusinesses; often involves ML or predictive modeling.

When compared to other Idaho cities, Rexburg’s salary is competitive for the region but lags behind Boise and Idaho Falls. Here’s a quick regional comparison:

City	Median Salary (Data Analyst)	Cost of Living Index	Notes
Rexburg	$82,484	96.5	Strong growth, lower cost of living.
Boise	$92,000+	~105	Larger market, higher salaries, but rent is 30%+ higher.
Idaho Falls	$85,000	98.2	Similar to Rexburg but with more healthcare and energy jobs.
Twin Falls	$78,000	95.1	More agricultural focus, slightly lower salaries.

Insider Tip: Many Data Analysts in Rexburg take hybrid roles at BYU-Idaho or local startups, which can sometimes offer non-monetary benefits like flexible hours or tuition assistance for further education.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $82,484/year, your take-home pay after taxes (assuming a single filer with standard deductions) is roughly $5,800-$6,000/month. The average 1BR rent in Rexburg is $1,109/month, leaving you with a comfortable cushion compared to national averages.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a Data Analyst earning $82,484/year:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,109	Varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150 - $200	Winters can be cold; heating costs rise.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Local options: Broulim’s, Walmart, and farmers' markets.
Transportation	$200 - $300	Gas is lower than national avg; car insurance is affordable.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	Employer-sponsored plans are common.
Student Loans/Debt	$200 - $500	Varies based on individual situation.
Savings/Investments	$800 - $1,200	Highly recommended; aim for 15% of income.
Entertainment/Other	$300 - $500	Movies, dining out, outdoor activities.
Total	$3,359 - $4,709	Leaves $1,091 - $2,441 for flexibility.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Madison County is around $350,000-$400,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000-$80,000), a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,800-$2,100. This is about 25-30% of your gross monthly income, which is within the recommended range. However, many Data Analysts in Rexburg rent for 2-3 years before buying, allowing them to save aggressively and understand the local housing market.

Personal Insight: If you’re planning to buy, look into Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) programs for first-time homebuyers. They offer down payment assistance and favorable rates for residents.

Where the Jobs Are: Rexburg's Major Employers

Rexburg’s job market for Data Analysts is heavily influenced by education, agriculture, and healthcare. Here are the key local employers, with specific details on their data needs:

1. BYU-Idaho (BYUI): The largest employer in the region. They hire Data Analysts for institutional research, student success metrics, and operational efficiency. Hiring is cyclical, aligning with the academic calendar (hiring peaks in spring for fall semester). They value analysts who can work with educational data and have a strong grasp of statistical software like SPSS or R.

2. Madison Memorial Hospital: Part of the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) network. They need analysts for patient outcome tracking, operational data, and financial reporting. The healthcare sector in Rexburg is growing, driven by an aging population. Experience with healthcare data (HIPAA compliance) is a plus.

3. Rigby-based Agribusinesses (e.g., J.R. Simplot Company): While the headquarters are in Boise, Simplot has significant operations in the Rexburg area. They need analysts for supply chain optimization, yield prediction, and commodity price analysis. Knowledge of agricultural data and GIS tools is highly valued here.

4. Madison School District #191: The local public school district uses Data Analysts to track student performance, teacher effectiveness, and budget allocation. The role often overlaps with IT and requires clear communication with non-technical stakeholders.

5. Local Tech Startups (e.g., AgriTech firms): Rexburg is seeing a rise in small tech companies focused on agricultural technology. These roles are often more flexible and may offer equity. They seek analysts with Python, machine learning basics, and the ability to work with IoT sensor data from farms.

6. Idaho State Department of Education: While state-level, they have regional offices and often contract with local analysts for data projects related to K-12 education across the state.

Hiring Trends: There’s a growing demand for analysts who can bridge the gap between technical data work and business decision-making. Remote work is becoming more common, but on-site roles are still the norm for healthcare and education. Networking through the Eastern Idaho Data Users Group (a local professional meetup) can give you a leg up.

Getting Licensed in ID

Good news: Idaho does not require a state-specific license to work as a Data Analyst. Your credentials are based on your education and experience. However, here are the practical steps and considerations:

• Educational Requirements: Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field. BYU-Idaho offers a relevant Bachelor of Science in Data Science, which is a local advantage.
• Certifications (Optional but Recommended): While not mandatory, certifications can boost your resume. Consider:
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (online, ~$49/month).
  • Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (focus on Power BI, ~$165 exam fee).
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist (for visualization, ~$100 exam).
• Costs & Timeline:
  • Degree: If you’re starting fresh, a 4-year degree costs anywhere from $40,000 (BYUI in-state tuition) to $100,000+ for out-of-state. Financial aid is widely available.
  • Certifications: Budget $200-$500 for exam fees and study materials. Preparation typically takes 1-3 months per certification.
  • Getting Started: If you already have a degree, you can be job-ready in 1-2 months by completing a focused certification and building a portfolio with local data (e.g., Madison County crime statistics, crop yield data).

Insider Tip: BYU-Idaho’s Career Center is an excellent resource for resume reviews and mock interviews, even if you’re not a student. They host industry-specific career fairs that are open to the public.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Rexburg is a small city, but neighborhoods vary in vibe and commute. Here are the top picks for Data Analysts:

1. Downtown Rexburg: Walkable, close to BYU-Idaho and major employers like the hospital. Rent for a 1BR is around $1,000-$1,200/month. Best for young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action.
2. South Rexburg: Quieter, family-friendly, with newer developments. Commute to downtown is 5-10 minutes by car. 1BR rent averages $900-$1,100/month. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful environment.
3. Rigby (10-15 min drive): A separate city but part of the metro area. More affordable housing (1BR rent ~$800-$1,000/month), with a small-town feel. Popular with families and those who don’t mind a short commute.
4. Menan (15-20 min drive): Rural, very affordable (1BR rent ~$700-$900/month), but limited amenities. Good for remote workers or those who prefer a country lifestyle.
5. St. Anthony (15 min drive): Similar to Rigby but closer to Yellowstone and outdoor recreation. Rent is comparable to Rigby. Great for analysts who prioritize work-life balance and weekend adventures.

Commute Insight: Traffic is minimal in Rexburg. Most Data Analysts live within a 10-minute drive of their workplace. A car is essential; public transit is limited.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Rexburg offers solid career growth for Data Analysts, though the path differs from major metros. Here’s the outlook:

• Specialty Premiums: Certain skills command a premium in Rexburg:
  • Agricultural Analytics: +5-10% salary premium due to local demand.
  • Healthcare Data Analysis: +5% premium, especially with EHR (Electronic Health Record) experience.
  • Advanced ML/Python: +10-15% premium, though roles are rarer and often at BYUI or startups.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Vertical: Data Analyst → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager → Director of Data (often at BYUI or a large healthcare network).
  • Lateral: Move into specialized roles like Business Intelligence Developer or Data Engineer, though these are less common locally. Many professionals pivot to remote roles after gaining 3-5 years of local experience.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 36% job growth projected, Rexburg’s data analytics field will expand, driven by digitization in agriculture and education. However, the local market may remain small. The key to long-term growth is building a strong network and being open to hybrid or remote opportunities that leverage local experience.

Personal Insight: The most successful Data Analysts in Rexburg are those who deeply understand the local industries—education, agriculture, and healthcare. They become indispensable by translating data into actionable insights for leaders in these sectors.

The Verdict: Is Rexburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, making homeownership achievable.	Limited Job Market: Only 79 jobs in the metro area; competition can be stiff for the few openings.
Strong Growth: 36% 10-year job growth indicates a healthy, expanding field.	Salary Ceiling: Median salary ($82,484) is below national average, limiting top-end earnings.
Quality of Life: Safe, community-oriented, with easy access to outdoor recreation.	Can Be Insular: The social scene is dominated by the university; networking outside your industry can be challenging.
Stable Employers: BYUI and healthcare provide stable, long-term employment.	Remote Work Lag: Some local employers are slower to adopt fully remote or flexible work models.
Networking: Tight-knit professional community; easier to stand out.	Limited Diversity: The city is predominantly young, white, and LDS; may not suit everyone’s lifestyle.

Final Recommendation: Rexburg is an excellent choice for Data Analysts who prioritize affordability, work-life balance, and a stable career path over maximum salary potential. It’s ideal for early- to mid-career professionals who want to build a strong foundation, save money, and potentially buy a home. If you’re seeking a high-energy tech scene with rapid advancement and top-tier salaries, a larger city like Boise or a remote role from Rexburg might be a better fit.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for Data Analysts in Rexburg?
It’s moderately competitive. With only 79 jobs in the metro area, openings don’t last long. Tailor your resume to local industries (education, ag, healthcare) and network actively. Having a local connection (like a BYU-Idaho alumni network) can be a significant advantage.

2. Is a car necessary for a Data Analyst in Rexburg?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is limited, and most employers are spread out. While downtown is walkable, living in neighborhoods like South Rexburg or commuting from Rigby requires a reliable vehicle. Budget for car payments, insurance, and gas.

3. Can I work remotely for a company outside Idaho while living in Rexburg?
Yes, this is increasingly common. Many Data Analysts in Rexburg work for tech companies in Boise, Salt Lake City, or even California, enjoying the low cost of living while earning a higher salary. Ensure you have a strong internet connection (fiber is available in many areas) and a dedicated home office space.

4. What’s the best way to break into the Rexburg market as a new Data Analyst?
Start by obtaining a relevant certification (Google or Microsoft) and building a portfolio with local data. Apply for entry-level roles at BYUI, the school district, or small ag-tech firms. Consider contract or part-time work to get your foot in the door. The Eastern Idaho Data Users Group is a great place to meet professionals and learn about hidden opportunities.

5. How does the LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) culture impact the work environment?
While Rexburg is a majority-LDS community, the professional environment is generally inclusive and respectful of all faiths. BYUI has an honor code that influences campus life, but non-LDS employees are common and well-integrated in the workplace. The culture emphasizes hard work, community, and family-friendly policies, which many find positive. However, it’s important to be aware of the local norms to navigate social and professional situations comfortably.