Graphic Designer in Rexburg, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Rexburg Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. For a Graphic Designer in Rexburg, the median annual salary is $60,695, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.18. This sits slightly below the national average of $61,340, but for Rexburg, it's a competitive figure that buys you a lot of lifestyle value.

The job market here is tight but growing. There are approximately 79 designated Graphic Designer positions in the metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 3%. This isn't a booming metropolis; it's a stable, community-focused market where you build a reputation and become part of the local business fabric. Jobs are competitive, but so is the quality of life.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Common Local Roles
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $52,000	Production Artist, Junior Designer at a small agency or in-house
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Graphic Designer, Brand Specialist, Freelancer with local clients
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Senior Designer, Art Director (often at larger institutions like BYU-Idaho or regional agencies)
Expert/Lead (13+ years)	$85,000+	Creative Director, Lead Designer, Principal of a local studio

Compared to other Idaho cities, Rexburg offers a middle ground. You won't command Boise's median of $65,000+, but you also avoid the higher cost of living. Idaho Falls is close, but Rexburg's unique identity as a college town with a strong entrepreneurial spirit creates specific opportunities in marketing for education, tourism, and local agriculture.

Insider Tip: Don't anchor your expectations on the national average. To thrive in Rexburg, you need to think beyond traditional studio roles. The most successful designers here often combine freelance work with part-time positions at local businesses or non-profits, creating a diversified income stream that leverages the community's needs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's run the numbers for a Graphic Designer earning the median salary of $60,695. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your estimated monthly take-home pay is approximately $3,700. This is your starting point.

Now, let's look at the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Rexburg is $1,109/month. The Cost of Living Index is 96.5 (US avg = 100), meaning it's slightly below the national average, primarily due to lower housing and utility costs.

Here’s what a monthly budget looks like for a designer earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,700	Based on $60,695 annual salary (est.)
Rent (1BR)	$1,109	Average for the city
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Highly variable; cheaper in winter if you have a gas furnace (common here)
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential; public transit is limited
Groceries	$350	Competitive pricing at local stores like Ridley's Family Markets
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer; many local businesses offer group plans
Misc. (Dining, Entertainment)	$341	A discretionary budget for a decent social life
Savings/Debt	$0	No room for savings or debt payment on this budget.

Home Buying Reality Check: With this budget, buying a home is challenging. The median home price in Rexburg is approximately $350,000. A 20% down payment is $70,000. Even with a modern FHA loan (3.5% down, $12,250), the monthly mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $1,800, pushing your housing costs to over 50% of your take-home pay. This is not financially advisable.

Insider Tip: This budget assumes you are single. If you have a partner with income, or if you can secure a higher-paying role (Senior level), the math becomes more feasible. Many local designers live with roommates or in shared housing to keep housing costs below $700/month, freeing up cash for savings and professional development.

Where the Jobs Are: Rexburg's Major Employers

The job market here is defined by a few key sectors: higher education, agriculture, healthcare, and a growing small business community. Your portfolio should speak to these industries.

1. BYU-Idaho (BYUI): The largest employer in the region. They hire in-house designers for marketing, publications, and the university's many online programs. Work is professional, steady, and offers good benefits. Hiring is cyclical, often aligning with semesters.
2. Rigby & Company / Local Marketing Agencies: A handful of small to mid-sized agencies serve the region. They work with clients in agriculture, tourism, and local government. These are fast-paced environments where you'll wear many hats.
3. Madison Memorial Hospital / Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC - Idaho Falls): Both hospitals have marketing departments that need designers for patient education materials, internal communications, and community outreach. These are often full-time, salaried positions with excellent benefits.
4. Agribusiness Giants (e.g., J.R. Simplot, Monsanto/Bayer, Local Co-ops): From packaging design for food products to technical illustration for agricultural equipment, these companies have substantial design needs. Many have regional offices in the area.
5. City of Rexburg & Madison County Government: Public sector work designing informational materials, public notices, and promotional content for parks and recreation. Stable, with a focus on clarity and accessibility.
6. Local Non-Profits & Churches: The area has a high concentration of non-profits. While not high-paying, these are fantastic for building a portfolio and network. They often hire freelancers for specific projects.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing demand for designers who understand digital marketing and web design. Static print design is still relevant (especially for local businesses and BYUI), but employers increasingly want designers who can create assets for social media, email campaigns, and basic website updates.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho does not require a state license to practice as a Graphic Designer. This is a significant barrier to entry removed. However, professionalism and credibility are everything here.

Recommended Path:

1. Education: A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field is standard. BYU-Idaho offers an excellent online and on-campus program that is deeply integrated with the local business community. Many local designers are alumni.
2. Certifications: While not required, certifications from Adobe (e.g., Adobe Certified Expert) and Google (e.g., Google UX Design Certificate) can make your resume stand out, especially for digital-focused roles.
3. Cost & Timeline: A 4-year degree at a public Idaho university costs approximately $25,000 - $40,000 in total tuition. Online bootcamps or certificate programs range from $2,000 to $15,000 and can be completed in 6-12 months. The "license" is your portfolio and your network.

Insider Tip: The single most important thing you can do is build a portfolio that includes 2-3 projects for local or regional clients (even pro-bono for a non-profit). This demonstrates you understand the market. Attend the monthly Idaho Falls Advertising Federation meetings (a short drive from Rexburg) to network.

Best Neighborhoods for Graphic Designers

Rexburg is a compact city. The commute is rarely an issue, but lifestyle and housing type vary.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Central Rexburg (Downtown)	Walkable to coffee shops, restaurants, and the Main Street market. Young professionals and students.	$950 - $1,200	Those who want a social, walkable environment.
South Rexburg / Near BYUI Campus	Quieter, more residential. Mix of single-family homes and apartments. Easy campus access.	$800 - $1,100	Students, recent grads, those seeking a quieter home base.
North Rexburg / Madison Ave Area	Older homes, larger lots. Family-oriented. A short drive to downtown.	$700 - $1,000	Designers with families or those wanting space for a home office.
Rexburg Village / East Side	Newer apartment complexes and townhomes. Modern amenities, often with gyms & pools.	$1,200 - $1,400	Professionals seeking a turn-key, modern living experience.
Outskirts (Tetonia, St. Anthony)	15-20 minute commute. Rural, stunning views of the Teton Valley. Much lower rent.	$500 - $800	Remote workers, nature lovers who don't mind the drive.

Insider Tip: If you're working at BYUI, living on the south or east side gives you the easiest commute. If you're a freelancer, living in Central Rexburg puts you in the heart of potential client meetings and networking events.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Rexburg, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about deepening your expertise and expanding your services.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest earning potential comes from specializing in niches needed locally. Packaging Design for agribusiness, Technical Illustration for engineering firms, and UX/UI Design for regional tech startups can command a 10-20% premium over generalist salaries. A Senior Designer specializing in these areas can realistically earn $75,000 - $90,000.
• Advancement Paths: The standard path is from in-house junior to senior, then to Art Director or Creative Lead. However, many successful designers here transition to freelance/consulting, serving multiple clients across Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls, and even remotely for clients in Boise or Salt Lake City. Another path is to specialize in motion graphics or video editing, skills that are in high demand for BYUI's online programs and local marketing.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 3% growth rate, the job market will remain stable but competitive. The designer who will succeed is the one who is adaptable, understands the local economy, and can communicate the value of design to business owners who may not see it as a priority. The rise of remote work is a double-edged sword: it allows you to work for higher-paying out-of-state companies, but it also means you're competing with designers nationwide.

The Verdict: Is Rexburg Right for You?

Rexburg is not for everyone—it's a specific choice for a specific lifestyle. Here’s the breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living (Index 96.5) vs. quality of life.	Limited Job Market (79 jobs, 3% growth). Competition is fierce.
Strong Sense of Community; easy to build a network.	Salary Ceiling; median of $60,695 is below national average.
Access to Outdoor Recreation (Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Mesa Falls).	Cultural Offerings are modest; you'll drive to Idaho Falls or Boise for major concerts/sports.
Stable, Low-Stress Environment. Great for raising a family.	Limited Specialization; you may need to be a generalist.
BYU-Idaho as a Major Employer & Education Hub.	Can feel isolating if you're not part of the dominant social/religious community.

Final Recommendation: Rexburg is an excellent choice for:

• A designer who values work-life balance and outdoor access over a high-stress, high-pay career.
• Someone with a partner or family income to supplement the local salary.
• A recent graduate from BYUI looking to start their career in a supportive community.
• An experienced designer with a remote job or a strong freelance business already established.

It is not recommended for:

• A designer seeking rapid career advancement in a major creative industry.
• Someone who needs a high starting salary to pay off significant student debt.
• An individual who thrives in a fast-paced, anonymous urban environment.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for a Graphic Designer in Rexburg?
It's competitive, but in a different way than a major city. With only 79 jobs, openings are limited. You're not competing with thousands, but you are competing with local talent and BYUI graduates who have strong networks. Having a portfolio with local relevance is key.

2. Can I live comfortably as a freelance graphic designer in Rexburg?
Yes, but it requires hustle. The median salary of $60,695 is a good benchmark. Successful freelancers often target clients in nearby Idaho Falls (a 15-minute drive) or work remotely for clients in Boise or Salt Lake City. Building relationships with local small businesses, non-profits, and BYUI departments is essential.

3. Is a car necessary in Rexburg?
Absolutely. Public transportation is minimal. A reliable car is essential for commuting to Idaho Falls for broader job opportunities, networking events, and accessing amenities like the regional mall or larger grocery stores.

4. What's the biggest mistake designers make when moving to Rexburg?
Underestimating the power of the local network. This is a relationship-driven town. Your reputation and who you know often matter more than a flashy portfolio. Attend local events, join the Chamber of Commerce, and get involved. The designer who is seen as part of the community wins.

5. How does the cost of living actually feel with a Graphic Designer's salary?
With a median salary of $60,695, you can live comfortably but not lavishly. You'll have a nice apartment, can afford a decent car, and enjoy local dining. However, saving for a home down payment requires significant discipline or a dual-income household. It's a budget-conscious, stable middle-class life, not one of luxury.