Plumber in Rexburg, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Rexburg Stands

If you're looking at plumbing as a career in Rexburg, Idaho, the first thing to understand is that you're entering a market with solid, stable wages but not the sky-high pay you might find in a major coastal city. You're trading a lower cost of living for a slightly lower ceiling, which for many is a fair exchange. Let's get straight to the numbers.

The median salary for a plumber in Rexburg is $62,684/year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.14/hour. It's important to note that the national average for plumbers is $63,350/year, putting Rexburg just slightly below the national average. This isn't a bad thing; it's a realistic benchmark. The metro area (Madison County) has 79 jobs for plumbers and pipefitters, a small but steady demand (data from BLS).

The 10-year job growth for this metro area is 6%. This is a key data point. While not explosive growth, it's stable and positive, indicating a consistent need for skilled tradespeople as the population grows and existing infrastructure ages. This isn't a boomtown, but it's a reliable market.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience impacts your earning potential, here’s a breakdown based on local and regional trends. These are estimates based on the median data and standard industry progression.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Rexburg)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	Apprentice work, basic repairs, assisting senior plumbers, learning local codes.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Running service calls independently, complex installations, troubleshooting, mentorship of apprentices.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Project management, commercial work, specialized systems (medical gas, backflow), code compliance expert.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$85,000+	Business ownership, consulting, high-end custom work, training programs, large-scale commercial contracts.

Insider Tip: The gap between the median ($62,684) and the senior/expert range is where you make your money in Rexburg. Companies are willing to pay for experience, especially for plumbers who can handle commercial projects or specialize in high-demand areas like radiant heating or medical gas systems, which are needed for the local healthcare sector.

Compared to other Idaho cities, Rexburg sits in a middle ground. You won't command the higher wages of Boise or Coeur d'Alene, but your paycheck goes much further here. For example, a plumber in Boise might earn $70,000+ but face rent that is 30-40% higher. It's a classic trade-off: lower absolute pay, but higher relative purchasing power.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math. A median salary of $62,684 sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Rexburg? We'll use the 2023 tax brackets (federal, FICA 7.65%) and the local cost of living data.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Annual Gross: $62,684
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, FICA, State): ~$11,200/year (approx. 18% effective rate)
• Annual Net (Take-Home): ~$51,484
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,290

Now, let's factor in the biggest expense: rent. The average 1-bedroom rent in Rexburg is $1,109/month. This is slightly above the national average but is the local reality.

Sample Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $4,290
• Rent (1-BR): -$1,109
• Utilities (Heat, Water, Elec): -$250 (Idaho's cold winters mean higher heating costs)
• Groceries: -$450
• Vehicle (Gas, Insurance, Payment): -$500 (Public transit is limited; a car is a necessity)
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): -$350
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$430
• Discretionary/Food/Entertainment: -$201

Remaining Buffer: $0 (This is a tight, realistic budget)

Can they afford to buy a home? Let's look at the math. The Cost of Living Index is 96.5 (US avg = 100), meaning Rexburg is 3.5% cheaper than the national average. However, housing prices have risen. A modest 3-bedroom home in a decent neighborhood now sells for $350,000 - $420,000. With a 20% down payment ($70k-$84k), a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,800 - $2,200.

Given the above budget, a single plumber at the median salary of $62,684 would find homeownership challenging without a dual income, a significant down payment, or moving to a lower-cost rural area outside the city core. It's possible, but it requires strict budgeting and likely a spouse with an income.

Where the Jobs Are: Rexburg's Major Employers

Rexburg's job market for plumbers is diverse, driven by its role as a regional hub for commerce, education, and healthcare. Here are the key players:

1. Madison Memorial Hospital (now part of Bunkie Health): The largest healthcare provider in the region. They have a full-time facilities and maintenance team, including 2-3 dedicated plumbers for the hospital's complex systems (medical gas, sterilization, HVAC). Hiring is steady but competitive; they look for experience, especially with commercial and medical-grade plumbing.

2. Rexburg Water & Sewer Department (City of Rexburg): This is a prime public-sector job. They handle city infrastructure, water main breaks, and sewer lines. These are stable, unionized positions with excellent benefits (pension, healthcare). They hire apprentices and journeyman plumbers. Check the City of Rexburg's HR page for openings.

3. BYU-Idaho Facilities Management: The university is the city's biggest employer. They maintain hundreds of buildings, from dorms to academic halls. Their plumbing needs are constant. They often hire through the university's career portal and may offer tuition benefits if you're pursuing further education.

4. Teton Plumbing & Heating (Local Contractor): A long-standing local company serving residential and commercial clients across Madison and Teton counties. They are a common first stop for apprentices and a great place to gain broad experience. They know the local codes and soil conditions intimately.

5. Bechtel Corporation (Regional Projects): While not based in Rexburg, Bechtel has been a major contractor on projects like the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and other regional energy/defense projects. These are often short-term (1-3 years) but high-paying gigs for plumbers with commercial/industrial experience. They recruit locally and pay a premium for security clearances and specialized skills.

6. Local Plumbing Supply Houses (e.g., Ferguson Enterprises, local independents): While not plumbing employers, these shops are the heartbeat of the trade. They are excellent places to network, learn about job openings, and get insider tips on which companies in the area are expanding or hiring.

Hiring Trends: The demand is for plumbers who are versatile. A plumber who can fix a residential water heater in the morning and solder copper for a new commercial build in the afternoon will always be employed. The biggest trend is the shortage of qualified journeyman plumbers; apprentices with a clean driving record and a willingness to learn are in high demand.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho has a clear, straightforward licensing process managed by the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS). You cannot work as a plumber without the proper credential.

1. Apprentice Plumber:

• Requirement: You must be registered with the state as an apprentice. This requires being employed by a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
• Cost: The apprenticeship registration is free.
• Timeline: You can start immediately upon being hired. You'll log your on-the-job hours and classroom training.

2. Journeyman Plumber:

• Requirement: 4-6 years of documented apprentice hours (typically 8,000 hours, with 432 hours of classroom education). You must pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam.
• Exam Cost: The exam fee is approximately $100 - $150.
• License Fee: Once you pass, the license fee is around $75 - $100.
• Timeline: It takes a minimum of 4 years to accumulate the required hours. Plan for 5-6 years to account for exam preparation and processing.

3. Master Plumber:

• Requirement: You must hold a valid journeyman plumbier license for at least 2 years. You must pass the Master Plumber exam.
• Exam & License Cost: Similar to the journeyman exam, expect fees around $100 - $150 for the test and $75 - $100 for the license.
• Timeline: 2 years after achieving journeyman status.

Insider Tip: The DBS website is your best friend. It’s not the most modern interface, but it has all the forms and code books you need. The local community college, BYU-Idaho, doesn't offer a dedicated plumbing program, but its trade and industrial tech courses can help with the classroom hours. Many apprentices use online or correspondence courses from Idaho State University's College of Technology or other accredited providers to fulfill the education requirement.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Rexburg means choosing between a short commute and a specific lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Est. Rent (1BR)	Why it's Good for Plumbers
Downtown Rexburg	Walkable, historic, near Main St. restaurants and shops. 5-10 min commute to most jobs.	$950 - $1,200	Ultra-short commute. You can walk or bike to work if you're near the city center. Older homes here mean more service call work.
South Rexburg / S. 2nd E.	Family-friendly, quiet, more single-family homes. 10-15 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,300	Great for a growing family. Close to schools and parks. A mix of older homes needing updates and newer builds.
East Rexburg / Hwy 20	Newer developments, modern apartments, closer to the hospital and mall. 10 min commute.	$1,150 - $1,400	Where the new construction is happening. You'll see more rough-in work here. Slightly higher rent, but modern amenities.
County (West of I-15)	Rural, larger lots, lower density. 15-20 min commute to Rexburg.	$800 - $1,100 (for a 1BR)	Significantly cheaper rent. You get more space. No HOA fees. Ideal if you have a truck for your tools and don't mind the drive.
Rexburg Bench	Northeast area, on the "bench" overlooking the valley. Mix of older and newer homes. 10-15 min commute.	$900 - $1,250	Established area with character. Good proximity to both downtown and the newer commercial corridors.

Commute Insight: Traffic in Rexburg is minimal. The biggest "commute" is weather. In winter, the 15-minute drive from the county can turn into 45 minutes with snow. All-wheel drive is a common and wise purchase here.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career as a plumber in Rexburg doesn't have to plateau at the median. The 10-year job growth of 6% shows stability, but your personal growth can exceed that if you specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas/Gas Systems: Plumbers certified in medical gas piping (ASSE 6010) can earn 10-20% more than general plumbers. This is critical for the hospital and any future healthcare expansion.
• Backflow Prevention: Certification in backflow assembly testing is a state requirement and a lucrative side business. Certified testers can charge $100 - $200 per assembly for testing and certification.
• Commercial/Industrial: Working for companies like Bechtel or on large commercial projects (like the new data centers being built in the region) often comes with a $5-$10/hour premium over residential work.
• Business Ownership: This is the ultimate advancement path. A well-run plumbing business in Rexburg can be highly profitable due to low overhead and steady demand. The key is building a reputation for reliability and quality.

Advancement Path:

1. Apprentice (0-4 years) -> Learn the trade, get licensed.
2. Journeyman (4-10 years) -> Master all aspects of plumbing, start to specialize.
3. Senior/Journeyman Specialist (10-15 years) -> Lead projects, mentor apprentices, earn premium pay for specialties.
4. Owner/Consultant (15+ years) -> Start your own business, consult on complex projects, or move into a high-level management role with a large contractor.

10-Year Outlook: The core drivers are population growth (BYU-Idaho's enrollment fluctuates but the area overall is growing) and aging infrastructure. The city's water and sewer systems are decades old, guaranteeing replacement and maintenance work. The biggest unknown is the housing market; a slowdown would affect new residential construction, but service work on existing homes is always needed.

The Verdict: Is Rexburg Right for You?

This isn't a city of glittering towers, but a place of solid work and a quiet life. Here’s the straight talk:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $62,684 salary goes further here than in most cities.	Limited Nightlife/Entertainment: It's a quiet, family-oriented town. Not a place for a bustling social scene.
Stable Job Market: 79 jobs and 6% growth mean reliable demand.	Seasonal Weather: Harsh, cold winters with snow can be a physical and mental challenge.
No Traffic: Your commute is short and low-stress.	Limited Career Climbing: Few large corporations mean fewer "corporate ladder" plumbing opportunities.
Strong Community: A tight-knit, safe, and friendly environment.	Dependence on Car: You absolutely need a reliable vehicle.
Outdoor Access: World-class fishing, hunting, and hiking are minutes away.	Cultural Homogeneity: The area is predominantly conservative and religious, which may not suit everyone.

Final Recommendation: Rexburg is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, a low cost of living, and a quiet, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. It is ideal for those looking to start a family or who want to eventually run their own small business. It is not the right fit for a young person seeking a high-energy, diverse urban scene or who is unwilling to handle a real Idaho winter.

FAQs

Q: Is there a lot of union work in Rexburg?
A: The union presence is modest. The most common union is the United Association (UA) for pipefitters and plumbers, primarily tied to the hospital and some larger commercial contractors. Many residential and small commercial shops are non-union. Union jobs offer great benefits and pay, but the non-union sector offers more variety and quicker paths to business ownership.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for a new plumber moving to Idaho?
A: Two things: 1) Learning the local soil and water conditions. Eastern Idaho soil is heavy clay and alkaline, which can be tough on pipes. 2) The code. Idaho uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC), but local amendments exist. It's crucial to get the local code book and study up.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship in Rexburg?
A: Start with the Idaho Apprenticeship Network website. Also, call local companies directly (Teton Plumbing, Madison Memorial Hospital, City of Rexburg). A clean driving record and a willingness to work hard are your best assets. Networking at the local plumbing supply house is an insider tip.

Q: Is the work seasonal?
A: Commercial and service work is year-round. New residential construction slows in deep winter but picks up in spring. The good news: frozen pipe calls are a major source of emergency work in the winter, keeping you busy.

Q: What's the best way to prepare for the Idaho journeyman exam?
A: The Idaho Division of Building Safety website has the exam syllabus and reference materials. The key is to understand the IPC and Idaho's specific amendments. Many find the Plumbers Local 519 (if you join the union) or online prep courses from technical schools to be very helpful. Practice exams are invaluable.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national and metro area data; Idaho Division of Building Safety for licensing info