Firefighter in Rexburg, ID

As a career analyst who has spent years tracking job markets across the Mountain West, I’ve developed a particular fondness for Rexburg, Idaho. It’s a unique community, anchored by Brigham Young University–Idaho, but with a distinct local economy and a tight-knit public safety network. If you’re a firefighter considering a move here, you’re likely looking for a place with a strong sense of community, manageable costs, and a stable career path. This guide is built on data, local insights, and the practical realities of life in this eastern Idaho hub.

Rexburg isn't a sprawling metropolis; it’s a city of about 39,589 people (the broader metro area is similar) with a cost of living index of 96.5—meaning it’s about 3.5% cheaper than the national average. The job market for firefighters is stable but not explosive, with 79 positions in the metro area and a 10-year growth projection of 4%. It’s a place for those who value community over chaos, and for whom the call to serve is about the people you protect, not just the adrenaline.

Let’s break down what a career as a firefighter in Rexburg truly looks like.

The Salary Picture: Where Rexburg Stands

First, let's talk numbers. Firefighting is a profession where experience and rank dramatically affect your paycheck. The median salary for a firefighter in Rexburg is $56,520/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.17/hour. This sits just under the national average of $57,120/year. For many, this is a solid foundation, especially when paired with Rexburg’s lower cost of living.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression based on experience levels you’d typically find in a department like Rexburg Fire & Rescue:

Experience Level	Years on the Job	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Rexburg)
Entry-Level	0-2	$48,000 - $52,000
Mid-Career	3-9	$54,000 - $61,000
Senior	10-18	$62,000 - $70,000
Expert/Command	19+	$70,000 - $85,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the median salary, regional adjustments, and typical step plans. Command staff (Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief) will exceed the median significantly.

When you compare Rexburg to other Idaho cities, the picture becomes clearer. While Rexburg's median of $56,520 is slightly below the national average, it's competitive within the state's smaller metro areas. For instance, firefighters in Boise might command a higher median salary (closer to $62,000), but they face a significantly higher cost of living and more intense competition for jobs. In contrast, smaller towns or rural counties might offer lower starting pay but with a different lifestyle. Rexburg strikes a balance: a professional salary in a community where your paycheck stretches further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. A median salary of $56,520 isn’t just a number on paper; it’s what you have to live on after Uncle Sam and your landlord take their share. Using Idaho’s state income tax (which ranges from 1.125% to 6.925%) and federal taxes, a single filer in Rexburg would see roughly 22-28% of their gross pay go to taxes. That leaves a net take-home of approximately $42,000 - $44,000 per year, or about $3,500 - $3,670 per month.

Now, let’s add housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Rexburg is $1,109/month. This is a key metric. If you’re earning the median, your rent would consume about 30% of your net monthly income—a manageable ratio that financial advisors often recommend.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single firefighter earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,109	Average for Rexburg
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes power, gas, internet
Groceries	$300 - $400	Based on USDA low-cost plan for one adult
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Highly variable; many locals own older cars
Fuel	$100 - $150	Commutes are generally short
Health Insurance	$200 - $300	Varies by department benefits
Savings/Retirement	$300 - $500	Strongly recommended
Miscellaneous	$200 - $300	Entertainment, clothing, etc.
Total	$2,759 - $3,559	Leaves a small buffer or deficit

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, but with caveats. The median home price in Rexburg hovers around $320,000. With a 20% down payment ($64,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~6.5%) would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,600 (including taxes and insurance). This is higher than the average rent, but not insurmountable. Many firefighters here partner with a spouse or live with roommates initially to save for that down payment. It’s a feasible goal within 3-5 years of disciplined saving, especially if you take advantage of Idaho-specific first-time homebuyer programs.

Where the Jobs Are: Rexburg's Major Employers

The firefighter job market in Rexburg is defined by a few key public employers. The competition is moderate, and turnover is low, so openings are often filled through internal promotion or when a recruit class is announced.

1. Rexburg Fire & Rescue (City of Rexburg): This is your primary employer. They operate from two stations and provide fire suppression, EMS, and technical rescue. They run a recruit academy periodically, typically every 1-2 years. Their hiring trend is stable, adding 2-4 new firefighters per academy class.
2. Madison County Fire Department: Serving the unincorporated areas around Rexburg, this department often collaborates with the city. They handle wildland fire response and may have seasonal or part-time opportunities that can lead to full-time positions.
3. BYU-Idaho Campus Safety: While not a traditional fire department, the university’s safety team sometimes looks for individuals with fire/EMS credentials for campus safety and event response roles. It’s a unique side opportunity.
4. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) - Rexburg Satellite: While the main hospital is in Idaho Falls (15 miles south), Rexburg has urgent care and clinic services. Paramedics sometimes transition to hospital-based roles, though this is less common for career firefighters.
5. Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD): A larger department just a short commute away. Some Rexburg residents work here, and it’s a competitive option. IFFD has been growing, adding new apparatus and personnel.
6. Federal Agencies (USFS/BLM): For those interested in wildland fire, the nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Bureau of Land Management offices in Idaho Falls offer seasonal positions. This is a common entry point for many Idaho firefighters.

Insider Tip: The most reliable way to get hired is to get your EMT-Basic license before applying. Departments often prioritize candidates who are already certified. Also, networking at local firefighter fundraisers or community events can put a face to your application.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho has a clear, state-regulated path for firefighters, managed by the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses (IBOL), Firefighter Standards & Training.

1. Firefighter I & II Certification: This is the core requirement. You must complete a state-approved academy, which can be found at community colleges (like College of Eastern Idaho) or through a department’s recruit class. The cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000 if you attend a community college, but many departments cover this cost for their recruits.
2. EMT-Basic License: Almost all Idaho firefighters are also EMTs. You must complete a state-approved EMT course (typically 120-150 hours) and pass the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam. Course costs are usually $1,000 - $2,500.
3. Paramedic (Optional but Recommended): For career advancement, a Paramedic license is a huge advantage. This is a 1-2 year program and costs significantly more ($8,000 - $15,000). Some larger departments may offer tuition assistance.
4. Physical Ability Test (CPAT): You must pass this standardized fitness test before being hired. Start training early.
5. Background Check & Driver’s License: A clean driving record and criminal history are non-negotiable.

Timeline: If you start from scratch (no certifications), expect 6-12 months to get your EMT and Firefighter I/II. If you enter a department’s recruit academy, the timeline is typically 16-24 weeks of intensive training.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Rexburg is a compact city, so commutes are short. However, neighborhoods vary in vibe and cost.

1. Central Rexburg (Near 2nd East & Main): The historic core. Close to everything—downtown restaurants, the campus, and both fire stations. Walkable and full of character. Rent for a 1BR apartment here is close to the city average, $1,050 - $1,150/month. Great for single firefighters who want to be in the heart of the community.
2. South Rexburg (Near 2nd South & Yellowstone): Quieter, more residential, with newer housing developments. Favored by families. Commute to any station is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR is similar, but you might find slightly more space for your money ($1,100 - $1,200/month).
3. East Rexburg (Near 3rd East & 1st South): A mix of older homes and apartments. Affordable, with easy access to US-20 for commutes to Idaho Falls if needed. Rent can be a bit lower here, around $1,000 - $1,100/month.
4. North Rexburg (Near 2nd North & 1st East): Closer to the university’s north side and athletic fields. Very quiet, mostly residential. Rent is on par with the city average, $1,050 - $1,150/month. A good spot if you prefer less foot traffic.
5. The Bench (West of downtown, near the bluffs): Offers some homes with great views of the valley. A slightly longer drive (5-7 minutes) to downtown, but worth it for some. Rent can be a mixed bag, from $950 for older apartments to $1,200+ for newer complexes.

Insider Tip: Many firefighters choose to live within a 5-minute drive of their station. In Rexburg, that’s easy to do. Prioritize proximity to I-15 or US-20 if you think you might commute to Idaho Falls for part-time work or a future career move.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter career in Rexburg is a marathon, not a sprint. The 10-year job growth of 4% means expansion is slow; advancement is typically through promotion, not new department creation.

• Specialty Premiums: Rexburg Fire & Rescue offers small stipends for specialized skills like Hazmat Technician or Technical Rescue (rope, confined space). These might add $500 - $1,500/year to your base salary. Paramedic certification is the single biggest salary booster, often adding $5,000 - $10,000+ annually in larger departments.
• Advancement Path: The standard path is Firefighter → Engineer (driving the apparatus) → Lieutenant (company officer) → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires additional training, testing, and time. Expect 5-7 years between promotions if you’re competitive.
• 10-Year Outlook: The core need for firefighters will remain stable. Growth may come from increased call volumes due to population growth (Rexburg is expanding) or from integrating more advanced EMS roles. The key to long-term growth here is versatility—being a firefighter, EMT, and hopefully Paramedic, who can handle the diverse calls of a college town and rural county.

The Verdict: Is Rexburg Right for You?

Rexburg offers a specific kind of firefighter career: stable, community-focused, and financially manageable in a region with a low cost of living. It’s ideal for those who value quality of life over the bustle of a big city.

Pros	Cons
Very manageable cost of living vs. salary.	Job market is small (79 jobs in metro); few openings.
Strong sense of community; you’ll know the people you serve.	Salary is slightly below national average; significant raises require promotion.
Short commutes and easy access to outdoor recreation.	Limited specialty call volume compared to major metros (less extreme rescue).
Stable employers with low turnover.	Proximity to BYU-I means a unique demographic and event-driven call spikes.
Pathway to homeownership is realistic.	Cultural fit is important; the community is largely conservative and religious.

Final Recommendation: If you are a firefighter who is early to mid-career, values a tight-knit community, and wants a career where you can afford a home and a family life without constant financial stress, Rexburg is an excellent choice. For those seeking the highest salary potential or the most diverse and frequent complex rescue calls, a larger metro like Boise or Spokane might be a better fit. For the right person, Rexburg offers a fulfilling, balanced fire service career.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a member of the LDS Church to get hired?
No, it is not a requirement for employment with the City of Rexburg or Madison County. However, the community culture is deeply influenced by the values of the predominant faith. Professionalism, respect, and community integration are key to success.

2. How competitive is the hiring process for Rexburg Fire & Rescue?
It is moderately competitive. They typically receive 50-100 applications for 2-4 spots in a recruit class. Having your EMT-Basic and passing the CPAT before applying significantly increases your chances. Internal candidates (from seasonal or part-time roles) also have an advantage.

3. What is the typical shift schedule?
Most departments in the area use a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule (sometimes called a "Kelly schedule" with rotating days off). Some variations exist, like 48/96, but the 24/48 is most common in Idaho.

4. Can I work part-time as a firefighter in Rexburg?
Part-time or seasonal positions are rare with the city department but more common with county or federal agencies (like wildland fire). Many full-time firefighters here pick up extra shifts at the hospital or in security to supplement income.

5. How do I start the process if I live out of state?

1. Get your EMT-Basic and Firefighter I/II certifications in your home state (ensure they are transferable to Idaho).
2. Contact the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses to understand reciprocity.
3. Monitor the City of Rexburg and Madison County job boards.
4. Consider moving to the area first to establish residency and network. Some departments give hiring preference to local candidates.