Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Rexburg, Idaho.

---

Relocating to Rexburg, ID as a Project Manager: A Data-Driven Guide

Rexburg isn’t just another college town; it’s a growing regional hub in Eastern Idaho. As the home of Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-I), the city has a distinct rhythm—quiet and family-friendly during the summer, bustling and energetic during the academic year. For a Project Manager, this means a stable local economy anchored by education and a burgeoning healthcare sector, all set against the backdrop of the Snake River Plain.

If you’re looking for a high quality of life with a moderate cost of living, Rexburg is a compelling option. This guide breaks down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the career path for Project Managers in this specific market.

The Salary Picture: Where Rexburg Stands

When evaluating compensation in Rexburg, you have to look at the data through a local lens. The median salary for a Project Manager here is $100,216/year, with an hourly rate of $48.18/hour. While this sits slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, the cost of living in Madison County makes these dollars stretch much further than in major metros.

Experience plays a significant role in compensation. Here’s how salaries generally break down in the Rexburg market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Context in Rexburg
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$72,000 - $85,000	Often found in administrative coordination or junior project coordinator roles at local institutions.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$90,000 - $105,000	The sweet spot for many local employers; you'll manage medium-complexity projects (e.g., facility upgrades, event logistics).
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$110,000 - $130,000	Typically leads larger initiatives, like construction projects or regional operational rollouts.
Expert/Strategic (15+ yrs)	$135,000+	Usually in director or VP roles, overseeing portfolios of projects across organizations.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the title. In Rexburg, a "Coordinator" title at BYU-I or Madison Memorial Hospital might carry similar responsibilities (and pay) to a "Project Manager" title elsewhere. Always analyze the job description.

Comparison to Other Idaho Cities

Rexburg offers a unique balance. While Boise salaries are higher, the cost of living gap is substantial.

City	Median Salary (Project Manager)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Rexburg	$100,216	96.5
Boise	~$105,000	109.0
Idaho Falls	~$98,000	95.5
Twin Falls	~$92,000	92.0

Data sources: BLS, BestPlaces.net, and local market analysis.

Rexburg punches above its weight in salary for the region, especially when paired with its low living costs. The 6% 10-year job growth projection indicates a stable, slowly expanding market rather than a boom-and-bust cycle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. You’ve secured a job at the median salary of $100,216/year. What does that look like in your pocket?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Est. for a Single Earner, No Dependents)

• Gross Monthly Salary: $8,351
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,200
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$6,151

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $1,109
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet, Water): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Gas/Car Insurance for 1 car): $350
• Healthcare/Insurance: $300
• Discretionary (Food, Fun, Savings): $3,742

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. Rexburg’s housing market is accessible compared to national trends. The median home price in the area is around $375,000. With a 20% down payment ($75,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would run you roughly $1,800-$2,000/month (including taxes and insurance). With a net take-home of over $6,000, this is well within the recommended 28% housing cost guideline. Many Project Managers in Rexburg are homeowners, often choosing properties in the surrounding suburbs like Rigby or Shelley for larger lots and lower taxes.

Where the Jobs Are: Rexburg's Major Employers

The job market for Project Managers here is concentrated in a few key sectors. There are approximately 79 active project management jobs in the metro area at any given time, which means competition is present but not cutthroat.

1. Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-I): The largest employer by far. They hire Project Managers for facilities, IT systems, event planning (like the massive graduation ceremonies), and curriculum development. Hiring is steady, often tied to the academic calendar.
2. Madison Memorial Hospital: A Level III Trauma Center. Project Managers are needed for clinical process improvements, IT/EHR implementations, and facility expansions. The hospital is a key driver of healthcare jobs in the region.
3. Intermountain Healthcare (Regional): While the main campus is in Idaho Falls, Intermountain actively recruits Project Managers for regional projects, especially in the growing outpatient and telehealth sectors.
4. City of Rexburg & Madison County: Government projects range from infrastructure (road repairs, water systems) to community development. These roles offer excellent job security and benefits.
5. Local Construction & Engineering Firms: Companies like Smith & Company or Brady Excavation often seek PMs for residential and commercial development projects. The ongoing growth in student and family housing keeps this sector active.
6. Rexburg Public Schools: Large-scale projects like school renovations or technology integration programs require dedicated project management.
7. Agriculture & Food Processing: Companies like Rogers Foods (in nearby areas) have operations that require PMs for logistics, supply chain, and process improvement projects.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward hybrid roles. Employers are increasingly looking for Project Managers who can also handle some operational duties or have a strong grasp of data analysis. Certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are highly valued but not always mandatory for mid-level roles.

Getting Licensed in Idaho

Idaho does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers, unlike Project Managers in construction who may need a contractor’s license. However, credentials matter.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): Administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard. The exam fee is approximately $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. You need 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of project management education to qualify.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): A great entry-level certification from PMI. Exam fee is $225 for members, $300 for non-members. No experience required, just 23 hours of education.
• Scrum Master (CSM): Offered by Scrum Alliance. Popular in tech and software projects. Course costs range from $995-$1,500 and includes the exam.

Timeline to Get Started:
If you need to study for the PMP, plan for a 3-6 month timeline. The process involves submitting your application (which takes about 5 days to review), then scheduling your exam. Many local professionals in Rexburg study together informally, as the community is tight-knit.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Rexburg is compact, but the vibe shifts noticeably between neighborhoods.

1. Downtown Rexburg: Walkable, historic, and close to BYU-I. Great for young professionals who want to be near cafes and the weekly summer market. Commute to most employers is under 10 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,150 - $1,300
2. South Rexburg (near 2nd East): Quieter, more residential. Favored by families and those working at the hospital or schools. Easy access to Yellowstone Highway (US-20).
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,050 - $1,200
3. Rigby (10 miles east): A separate town but a major commuter hub. Offers more space, lower property taxes, and a strong community feel. Popular with homeowners. Commute to Rexburg is 15-20 minutes via I-15.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,100
4. Shelley (15 miles south): Similar to Rigby but with a more agricultural backdrop. Commute to Rexburg is about 20 minutes. Excellent for those who want a rural feel with city job access.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100

Insider Tip: Parking in downtown Rexburg during the academic year (September-April) can be challenging. If you work at BYU-I, check if your role includes a parking pass; otherwise, plan to arrive early or use the free city buses.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 6% suggests a stable, mature market. You won’t see explosive growth like in tech hubs, but you also won’t see the bottom fall out. Growth here is organic.

• Specialty Premiums: Project Managers with expertise in IT/Software Implementation or Construction Management can command salaries 10-15% above the median. The healthcare sector also pays a premium for PMs with clinical process knowledge.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator → Project Manager → Senior PM → Program Manager or Director of Operations. The ceiling in Rexburg is lower than in a major metro, but the floor is higher (due to low living costs). Many experienced PMs eventually transition into consulting or start their own small firms serving the local market.
• Networking: The professional network in Rexburg is real and accessible. Join the Eastern Idaho Project Management Chapter of PMI (they meet in Idaho Falls but are inclusive). Attending a single meeting can connect you with the top PMs in the entire region.

The Verdict: Is Rexburg Right for You?

Rexburg is a niche market. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s an exceptional place to build a career and a life.

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living allows for high savings rate or early home ownership.	Limited diversity in industries; heavy reliance on education and healthcare.
Safe, clean, family-friendly environment with strong community values.	Social & entertainment options are limited; you’ll drive to Idaho Falls for major concerts or shopping.
Short commutes (under 10 minutes for most).	The "BYU-I bubble" – the town's culture is deeply tied to the university, which can feel insular.
Proximity to outdoor recreation (Teton Mountains, Yellowstone, Snake River).	Job market is small (only 79 jobs); lateral moves may require relocating or waiting for openings.
Stable job market with 6% 10-year growth.	Weather – cold, snowy winters and hot, smoky summers.

Final Recommendation:
Rexburg is an ideal choice for a Project Manager who values stability, affordability, and a close-knit community over the fast-paced career ladder of a major city. It’s perfect for those looking to save aggressively, buy a home early, or raise a family in a safe environment. If you crave metropolitan energy, diverse dining, and anonymous networking, you will feel isolated here. For the right professional, however, Rexburg offers a rare combination of a solid career and an attainable quality of life.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers in Rexburg?
It’s moderately competitive. With only 79 jobs in the metro, openings don't appear daily. However, the candidate pool is smaller than in Boise. Having a PMP or relevant local experience (e.g., in construction or education) will make you a top candidate quickly.

2. Do I need a car in Rexburg?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation exists but is limited. The city is spread out, and most major employers (like the hospital and schools) are not within easy walking distance from all residential areas. A reliable car is a necessity.

3. What's the best way to network in Rexburg?
LinkedIn is effective, but in-person connections matter more. Join the Eastern Idaho PMI chapter. Also, simply being present at local business events like the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce luncheons (held monthly) is a great way to meet hiring managers. The community is small enough that a single introduction can lead to multiple opportunities.

4. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. With a Cost of Living Index of 96.5, everything from groceries to utilities is slightly below the national average. The biggest win is housing. The average 1BR rent of $1,109/month is significantly lower than the U.S. average, which is over $1,400. Your salary of $100,216 goes much further here than in a comparable city like Boise.

5. What's the hiring process like at BYU-I?
BYU-I is a large, bureaucratic institution. The hiring process can be slow, often taking 6-8 weeks from application to offer. They have a strong preference for candidates who align with their institutional values and mission. Patience and persistence are key.

---

Sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
• Idaho Department of Labor
• Project Management Institute (PMI)
• BestPlaces.net Cost of Living Data
• Local employer websites and job postings (as of 2023-2024 analysis)