Software Developer in Rexburg, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Rexburg Stands

If you're a software developer looking at Rexburg, you're probably wondering how the pay stacks up against the cost of living. The median salary for a Software Developer in Rexburg is $125,923/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.54/hour. This is just slightly below the national average of $127,260/year. Considering Rexburg's cost of living index of 96.5 (where the U.S. average is 100), your salary will stretch a bit further here than in many other tech hubs. The metro area has 237 software developer jobs, with a 10-year job growth of 17%, indicating a stable, growing market rather than a hyper-competitive boomtown.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in the Rexburg area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Rexburg)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$85,000 - $105,000
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$105,000 - $140,000
Senior-Level	6-9 years	$140,000 - $175,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$175,000+

Compared to other Idaho cities, Rexburg holds a unique position. It’s more affordable than Boise, where the median salary might be higher but the cost of living—especially housing—is significantly steeper. In Coeur d'Alene, you might find similar salaries but with a tourism-driven housing market that can be unpredictable. Rexburg's market is anchored by its university and stable healthcare system, leading to more consistent, long-term employment opportunities for developers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. With a median salary of $125,923, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Idaho state income tax (which ranges from 1.125% to 6.925%), and FICA will be approximately $89,000 - $94,000 annually, depending on your filing status and deductions. That’s roughly $7,400 - $7,800 per month.

Now, let’s layer in the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Rexburg rents for $1,109/month. A monthly budget for a single Software Developer earning the median salary might look like this:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person)

• Take-Home Pay: $7,600 (midpoint estimate)
• Rent (1BR): $1,109
• Utilities (Est.): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance: $500
• Health Insurance: $300 (often employer-subsidized)
• Retirement Savings (15%): $1,575
• Discretionary Spending: $3,516

This leaves a healthy cushion for saving, travel, or paying down debt. The key takeaway: a Software Developer's salary in Rexburg provides a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, especially if you're coming from a higher-cost coastal city.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Rexburg is approximately $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would have a monthly payment of around $1,862 (including property taxes and insurance). This is well within the range of what a mid-level developer earning $125,923 can afford, especially with the 28/36 rule (your housing cost should be ≤28% of gross income, and total debt ≤36%). At this income, your monthly gross is ~$10,500, so a $1,862 mortgage is a very manageable 17.7%.

Where the Jobs Are: Rexburg's Major Employers

Rexburg's tech job market isn't dominated by FAANG companies. Instead, it's a mix of education, healthcare, and local tech firms. Here are the key players where Software Developers find stable employment:

1. Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho): The largest employer in the region. Their IT department hires developers for learning management systems, administrative software, and student services platforms. They value stability and long-term tenure. Hiring is steady, often aligned with the academic calendar.
2. Madison Memorial Hospital: Part of the larger Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) network, this hospital needs developers for Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, patient portals, and internal data management. Healthcare IT is a reliable sector with consistent demand for developers familiar with compliance (like HIPAA).
3. Smith's Food & Drug (Kroger): Smith's has a significant distribution and data analysis presence in Rexburg. They hire developers for supply chain logistics, inventory management systems, and retail analytics. This is a great avenue for developers interested in data engineering and backend systems.
4. Cradlepoint (a part of Ericsson): While not headquartered in Rexburg, Cradlepoint has a strong operational presence and hires local talent for network management software and cloud platform development. This is one of the more prominent "pure tech" employers in the area, offering competitive salaries and modern tech stacks.
5. Teton County School District #1: The school district employs developers to manage student information systems, educational software integrations, and district-wide IT infrastructure. It's a public sector role with excellent benefits and job security.
6. Local Development Shops & Startups: Rexburg has a small but growing ecosystem of digital marketing agencies and custom software shops (like Boulder Creek or Ammon Labs). These firms often hire for full-stack development, web applications, and client projects. They offer more variety but can be less stable than larger institutions.

Insider Tip: Networking at the Idaho Tech Meetup (hosted at the Rexburg Public Library) or events at the BYU-Idaho Crossroads can connect you with hiring managers. Many positions at BYU-Idaho and the school district are filled through internal referrals.

Getting Licensed in ID

For software developers, professional licensing is not a common requirement. Unlike civil engineers or accountants, there is no state-specific "Software Developer License" in Idaho. However, here’s what you should know:

• State Requirements: There are no mandatory state licenses for software developers. Your qualifications are based on your education, experience, and portfolio.
• Professional Certifications: While not state-mandated, industry certifications can boost your resume. Consider certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate. These are recognized nationwide and can justify a higher salary.
• Costs: Exam fees for these certifications range from $150 - $300 per attempt. Study materials can add another $100 - $500.
• Timeline to Get Started: You can apply for jobs immediately. There is no waiting period for a license. Focus on preparing your GitHub profile, updating your LinkedIn, and tailoring your resume to the local employers listed above. The entire process from job search to offer can take 1-3 months, depending on the season.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Rexburg is a compact city, but neighborhoods have distinct vibes. Commute times are generally short, but lifestyle preferences vary.

1. Downtown Rexburg: The most walkable area, close to restaurants, coffee shops like The Brickhouse, and the city's central park. It's popular with younger professionals and those who enjoy an urban feel. Average 1BR Rent: $1,050 - $1,200/month. A 5-10 minute commute to most employers.
2. South Rexburg /  : A predominantly residential area with newer housing developments, larger lots, and quiet streets. Ideal for families or those who prefer a suburban setting. It's close to Madison Memorial Hospital. Average 1BR Rent: $950 - $1,100/month. Commute is 5-15 minutes.
3. East Rexburg /  : This area offers a mix of older homes and newer builds, often with mountain views. It's very close to BYU-Idaho's campus, making it a favorite for university employees. Average 1BR Rent: $1,000 - $1,300/month. Commute is 5-10 minutes.
4. The "North End" (near 2nd East): This area is more affordable and has a classic small-town feel. It's a bit farther from the main commercial strip but offers more space for your money. Average 1BR Rent: $850 - $1,000/month. Commute is 10-15 minutes.
5. Rigby (10 miles west): While not technically Rexburg, many developers live in nearby Rigby for significantly lower housing costs and a more rural feel. Commuting to Rexburg is straightforward via US-20. Average 1BR Rent: $800 - $950/month. Commute is 15-20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The tech scene in Rexburg is about sustainable growth, not explosive startup exits. Your long-term trajectory will be shaped by specialization and local demand.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers with skills in cloud computing (AWS/Azure), data analytics, and cybersecurity can command salaries 10-20% above the median. These are high-demand skills in the healthcare and education sectors. Full-stack developers are always needed, but specialists in backend systems or database management often find more lucrative roles.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from a developer to a Senior Developer, then to a Tech Lead or Engineering Manager. In Rexburg, moving into management often means overseeing smaller teams (3-10 people). Another path is to move into a solutions architect role, designing systems for a specific employer like a hospital or school district.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 17% job growth rate over a decade, the market is expanding steadily. The demand will be driven by continued digital transformation in education (BYU-Idaho's online programs) and healthcare (patient data systems). However, the growth is unlikely to create a severe talent shortage, meaning salaries will rise moderately but not skyrocket. The key to long-term growth here is building deep institutional knowledge within a major local employer.

The Verdict: Is Rexburg Right for You?

Rexburg offers a compelling value proposition for software developers who prioritize work-life balance, affordability, and community over the frantic pace of coastal tech hubs.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: The $125,923 median salary goes far with the 96.5 cost of living index and $1,109 average rent.	Limited Job Market: With only 237 developer jobs, your options are narrower than in a major metro. You may need to be flexible on role or tech stack.
Low Commute & Traffic: A 10-minute commute is the norm. You'll spend less time in the car and more time outdoors.	Cultural & Social Scene: It's a small, family-oriented town. Nightlife is quiet, and the dating scene can be challenging for singles.
Stable Employers: The university and hospital systems provide recession-resistant jobs.	Salary Ceiling: While comfortable, top-end salaries are lower than in Boise or Seattle. Long-term earning potential is capped.
Outdoor Access: World-class hiking, fishing, and skiing (Teton Valley, Yellowstone) are within an hour's drive.	Religious Influence: The LDS (Mormon) culture is pervasive in business and social life. This can be a pro or a con depending on your background.

Final Recommendation: Rexburg is an excellent choice for mid-career developers, those planning to start a family, or anyone seeking a slower pace of life without sacrificing a professional career. It's less ideal for early-career developers who thrive on networking events and rapid job-hopping, or for those who require a vibrant urban culture. If you value stability, affordability, and easy access to nature, Rexburg is a fantastic fit.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Rexburg?
Yes, a car is highly recommended. While downtown is walkable, most employers, housing, and amenities are spread out. Public transit is limited. The good news is traffic is minimal, and parking is generally free and abundant.

2. How is the internet?
Surprisingly good. While Rexburg is a small town, infrastructure is solid. Major providers like Spectrum and CenturyLink offer broadband up to 1 Gigabit in most residential areas. This is crucial for developers who may work remotely occasionally.

3. What is the tech community like?
It's small but friendly. The Idaho Tech Meetup is the main hub. Most professionals are employed by the major institutions listed, so community events are less about startups and more about knowledge sharing and professional development. It's a supportive environment, not a competitive one.

4. Can I work remotely for a company outside Idaho?
Absolutely. Many developers in Rexburg work remotely for companies in Salt Lake City, Boise, or even California. The local cost of living allows you to earn a competitive remote salary while living in an affordable area. Just ensure you have a reliable, high-speed internet connection.

5. What’s the best way to find a job?
Start with the careers pages of BYU-Idaho, Madison Memorial Hospital, and Smith's. Use LinkedIn to search for local companies and connect with employees. Networking at the local tech meetup is also highly effective, as many jobs are filled by referral before they're ever publicly posted.