The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Rexburg, ID

As a career analyst who’s spent considerable time in eastern Idaho, I can tell you that Rexburg offers a distinct blend of small-town living and stable healthcare employment. It’s not a boomtown, but it’s a reliable place for a CNA to build a career, especially if you value community and affordability. This guide is built on hard data and local insight, not promotional fluff. Let’s break down what a CNA career looks like in the “Gateway to Yellowstone.”

The Salary Picture: Where Rexburg Stands

When you strip away the noise, a CNA’s earnings in Rexburg are modest but consistent with the region’s cost of living. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant here is $35,384 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.01. This figure sits just a hair below the national average of $35,760/year, but don’t let that gap fool you. In a city where the Cost of Living Index is 96.5 (meaning it's 3.5% cheaper than the U.S. average), that salary goes further than it would in many other places.

The 10-year job growth projection for this metro area is 4%, which is modest but steady. With 79 current job openings for Nursing Assistants in the Rexburg metro, the market is active but not frenetic. This isn't a city of explosive opportunity, but it offers a stable foundation for those starting out or seeking a change of pace.

Here’s a breakdown of salary progression you can expect locally. Note that these are estimates based on industry norms in Idaho, with the median as your anchor.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$30,000 - $33,000	$14.42 - $15.87
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$35,384 (Median)	$17.01
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.19
Expert/Lead CNA (15+ yrs)	$42,000 - $47,000+	$20.19 - $22.60+

For context, here’s how Rexburg’s CNA salary compares to other Idaho cities with similar or larger healthcare markets. The data shows that while Boise offers higher nominal pay, its significantly higher cost of living erodes that advantage.

City	Median CNA Salary	Cost of Living Index (US=100)	Take-Home Value
Rexburg	$35,384	96.5	High
Idaho Falls	$36,200	94.0	High
Boise	$38,500	106.5	Moderate
Twin Falls	$34,800	93.2	High
Nampa	$36,100	99.8	Moderate-High

Insider Tip: If you have your CNA II (also called a CNA III in some states) or specialty certifications like phlebotomy or EKG tech, you can sometimes negotiate a $1.50 to $3.00 per hour premium over the base rate. This is especially true at larger facilities like Madison Memorial Hospital.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $35,384 breaks down to approximately $2,949 per month before taxes. In Idaho, which has a progressive income tax system (ranging from 1.125% to 6.925%), you can expect to lose roughly 15-20% to state and federal taxes, depending on your withholdings. Let's estimate a 17.5% effective tax rate for our calculation.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a CNA in Rexburg:

• Gross Monthly Income: $2,949
• Estimated Taxes (17.5%): -$516
• Net Monthly Income: $2,433
• Average 1-BR Rent: -$1,109
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $1,324

Can you afford to buy a home? The short answer is: it’s challenging but possible with discipline. The median home price in Rexburg is approximately $340,000. To qualify for a conventional mortgage, you’d typically need a 20% down payment ($68,000) and a debt-to-income ratio below 43%. On a $35,384 salary, your maximum monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) would be around $1,140. At current interest rates, a $272,000 loan (after a $68k down payment) would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,350, which is above your comfortable limit.

Realistic Path to Homeownership: As a CNA in Rexburg, the most viable path is to:

1. Build a strong credit score.
2. Save aggressively for 5-7 years for a down payment.
3. Consider an FHA loan (which allows a 3.5% down payment, or $11,900 on a $340k home). Your monthly payment would be closer to $1,700, which is still high for your income. This makes dual-income households the norm for homeowners here.

Insider Tip: Many locals rent in the nearby towns of Roberts or Menan for 15-20% less than Rexburg proper, accepting a 15-20 minute commute to save on housing.

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Where the Jobs Are: Rexburg's Major Employers

Rexburg’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few key players. The job market is tight, so knowing the specific employers and their hiring cycles is crucial. The 79 job openings in the metro are primarily at these facilities.

1. Madison Memorial Hospital (Part of the Bingham Healthcare Network): This is the largest employer for CNAs in the area. It’s a Level III Trauma Center and the primary hub for acute care. They hire regularly and offer benefits. Hiring trends: They often post jobs in late spring and late fall, aligning with nurse graduation cycles. Insider Tip: Apply directly on their website; don’t rely solely on Indeed. The HR department is small and personalized.

2. Life Care Center of Rexburg: A large skilled nursing facility (SNF) with consistent demand for CNAs due to its size. They offer stable hours and often have night shift differentials. They are known for training new CNAs, making them a good entry point.

3. The Good Samaritan Society - Rexburg Village: A non-profit senior living community with both independent living and skilled nursing. They have a lower turnover rate than SNFs and a strong community culture. They often look for CNAs with a compassionate demeanor for their assisted living units.

4. Rexburg Rehabilitation and Care Center: Another key SNF in town. They specialize in short-term rehab and long-term care. Their hiring is steady, and they are often looking for CNAs who are reliable and can handle physically demanding work.

5. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) - Idaho Falls (30 min commute): While not in Rexburg, EIRMC is a major trauma center and the largest hospital in the region. Many Rexburg residents commute here for higher pay (often $1-$3/hour more), more specialty departments (NICU, ICU), and shift differentials. The commute via US-20 is straightforward and common.

6. Idaho State Veterans Home - Pocatello (45 min commute): For those willing to commute further, the state-run veterans home offers state benefits and pensions, which are rare in private facilities. It’s a niche but stable employer.

7. Idaho Army National Guard (Idaho Falls location): Offers a unique path for CNAs. They provide healthcare training and benefits, including tuition assistance. It’s a part-time commitment with full-time benefits, ideal for those seeking discipline and education funding. You must be willing to travel to Idaho Falls for drill weekends.

Hiring Trend Insight: The market is competitive. The best time to apply is in February-March (post-winter flu season) and August-September (pre-winter). Many facilities have a "hiring freeze" during the summer tourist season in nearby Yellowstone.

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Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The state does not have a separate "CNA II" licensure but allows for advanced practice with proper training.

Step-by-Step Requirements & Costs:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training (80 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical). In Rexburg, the primary provider is Madison College (formerly BYU-Idaho’s nursing assistant program). The cost is approximately $800-$1,200, which includes tuition, books, and uniform.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the Idaho Nurse Aide Competency Exam (written and skills). The exam fee is $140.
3. Apply for Certification: Submit your application to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The certification fee is $40.
4. Criminal Background Check: Required. Cost is $25-$45 for fingerprinting.
5. Total Estimated Cost: $1,005 - $1,405.

Timeline:

• Training: 4-12 weeks (depending on program schedule).
• Exam & Certification: 2-4 weeks after completing training.
• Total Time to Start Working: 2-3 months from enrollment to first job.

Insider Tip: Madison College’s programs fill up quickly. Register at least 3 months in advance. If you’re already a CNA from another state, Idaho has reciprocity. You can apply for certification by endorsement, which is faster and cheaper (approx. $65 total), but you must have an active, unencumbered license.

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Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistants (CNA)s

Living in Rexburg is about balancing commute, cost, and community. Here’s a breakdown of areas popular with healthcare workers.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1-BR Rent	Best For
Central Rexburg	Walkable to campus, older apartments, very close to Madison Memorial.	$1,050 - $1,200	Students, young professionals wanting minimal commute.
North Rexburg / S. 2nd E.	Quieter, residential, mix of single-family homes and duplexes. 5-7 min drive to hospital.	$1,100 - $1,250	CNA families, those seeking a quieter setting.
South Rexburg / Highway 20	Newer developments, closer to shopping (Walmart, grocery). 8-10 min commute.	$1,150 - $1,300	Those who value modern amenities and easy highway access.
Menan / Roberts (Outskirts)	Small-town, rural, 15-20 min commute to Rexburg. Significantly cheaper rent.	$800 - $950	Budget-conscious individuals, those who don’t mind a drive.
Teton / Newdale (Far Outskirts)	Very rural, agricultural community. 25-30 min commute.	$700 - $900	Those seeking maximum affordability and country living.

Insider Tip: The area around BYU-Idaho campus has a high concentration of student rentals, which can be cheaper but also noisier and more transient. If you’re a non-student, look south of Main Street for a more stable living environment.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA career in Rexburg is less about rapid advancement and more about specialization and stability. The 4% job growth means you won’t see many new facilities, but you can advance within existing ones.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Medication Aide: After 6-12 months as a CNA, you can take a state-approved course to become a Medication Aide. This allows you to pass meds in a SNF and often comes with a $1.50-$2.00/hour raise.
• Phlebotomy/EKG Certification: Taking a 100-hour course (often at Madison College) can make you a "CNA with Venipuncture Skills." This is highly valuable in hospital settings like Madison Memorial and EIRMC, adding $2.00-$3.00/hour to your starting pay.
• LPN Bridge Programs: The clearest path to advancement is becoming an LPN. Madison College offers a 1-year LPN program. As an LPN in Rexburg, your median salary jumps to $52,000-$58,000. Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement for this bridge.

10-Year Outlook:
With the projected 4% growth, the market will grow slowly. However, Rexburg’s aging population and Madison College’s steady enrollment ensure a consistent need for CNAs. The key to long-term growth is specialization. In 10 years, a CNA with 5+ years of experience and phlebotomy/medication aide certifications can expect to earn in the $45,000-$50,000 range, which is solid for the area. The real growth will come from transitioning to an LPN or RN role.

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The Verdict: Is Rexburg Right for You?

Rexburg is a pragmatic choice for a CNA, not an aspirational one. It’s for those who prioritize stability, affordability, and a quiet, family-friendly environment over high-octane career growth and urban excitement.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further here.	Modest Salaries: Ceiling for CNAs is relatively low.
Stable, Predictable Job Market: Fewer layoffs, steady demand.	Limited Career Ladders: Fewer advancement paths without further education.
Strong Community: Tight-knit, with a focus on family and faith.	Small-Town Limitations: Limited dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Proximity to Nature: Easy access to Yellowstone, Teton Valley, and skiing.	Weather: Harsh, dark winters with heavy snow and inversion layers.
Low Commute Times: Most jobs are within a 10-minute drive.	Cultural Homogeneity: Less diversity than larger cities.

Final Recommendation:
Choose Rexburg if: You are a new CNA looking to get experience without breaking the bank, you value work-life balance in a quiet setting, or you are a family person seeking a safe, community-oriented environment.

Look elsewhere if: You are seeking rapid salary growth, a vibrant nightlife and arts scene, or a highly diverse population. If your goal is to advance to an RN quickly, a larger city like Boise or a state with more aggressive tuition reimbursement programs (e.g., Washington) might be a better fit.

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FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new CNAs in Rexburg?
It’s moderately competitive. The 79 openings suggest demand, but many go to candidates with prior experience, especially from nearby Idaho Falls. The best chance for a new graduate is to apply at Life Care Center or Good Samaritan Society, which are more open to training. Insider Tip: Complete your clinicals at Madison Memorial if possible—it’s essentially a long-term interview.

2. What is the average sign-on bonus for CNAs here?
Sign-on bonuses are uncommon for CNAs in Rexburg due to the stable, non-competitive market. You might see a $1,000-$2,000 bonus for night or weekend shifts at some SNFs, but it’s not guaranteed. Relocation assistance is rare.

3. Is it easy to transfer my CNA license from another state?
Idaho has a straightforward reciprocity process. If your license is active and in good standing, you can apply for certification by endorsement. The process takes 4-6 weeks and costs about $65. You will need to contact the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry for a verification letter from your home state.

4. What’s the reality of working night shifts in Rexburg?
Night shift differentials are typically $1.50-$2.50/hour. In winter, the commute can be challenging due to snow and ice. However, Rite Aid and Walmart are open 24/7, and many CNAs appreciate the quieter pace of night shifts in SNFs. It’s a popular option for those with families who need a partner home during the day.

5. Can I live comfortably on a CNA salary if I have a family?
It’s difficult on a single income. With the median salary of $35,384, a family of four would be very tight, especially after rent and groceries. Most CNA families in Rexburg are dual-income households or have a partner working in a higher-paying field (e.g., trades, teaching). Budgeting is essential, and many rely on the lower cost of living to make it work.