Web Developer in Rexburg, ID

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Web Developers considering a move to Rexburg, Idaho.

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The Salary Picture: Where Rexburg Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Rexburg isn't a tech hub like Boise or Salt Lake City, but that doesn't mean the compensation is bad. The trade-off here is the cost of living. You won't see the aggressive startup salaries, but you'll find stable, predictable income that goes a long way in this quiet corner of the state.

The data shows a median salary of $91,776/year for Web Developers in the Rexburg metro area. That translates to an hourly rate of $44.12/hour. While the national average sits slightly higher at $92,750/year, the local market has a unique advantage: the cost of living index is 96.5 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further here than in most of the country. The job market is small, with only 79 jobs currently in the metro, but the 10-year job growth is projected at 16%, which is a healthy, steady pace.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local market trends and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$65,000 - $78,000	$31.25 - $37.50	Front-end basics (HTML/CSS/JS), simple WordPress sites, assisting seniors on smaller projects.
Mid-Level	$80,000 - $105,000	$38.46 - $50.48	Full-stack capabilities (Node.js, React, PHP), managing small-to-medium projects, client interaction.
Senior-Level	$110,000 - $130,000	$52.88 - $62.50	Architecture decisions, leading dev teams, complex integrations, mentoring junior developers.
Expert/Lead	$135,000+	$64.90+	CTO-level planning, large-scale system design, high-level client strategy, specialized tech stacks.

How it compares to other Idaho cities:

• Boise: Salaries are 10-15% higher on average (median ~$105k), but rent is 30-40% higher. The tech scene is more competitive and dynamic.
• Idaho Falls: Very similar to Rexburg in both salary and cost of living, with a slightly larger industrial and healthcare tech sector.
• Twin Falls: Salaries are slightly lower, but the cost of living is also lower. The job market is smaller than Rexburg's.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the headline salary. A $91,776 salary in Rexburg feels like earning $110,000+ in Boise after you factor in rent, utilities, and daily expenses. The "value" of the paycheck is significantly higher here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. You're not living on a spreadsheet; you're living on a paycheck. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Web Developer living in Rexburg, Idaho, earning the median salary of $91,776/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,648
• Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~25% (ID has a flat 6.5% income tax) = ~$1,912
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$5,736
• Rent (1BR Average): $1,109

Category	Monthly Cost (USD)	Notes
Net Income	$5,736	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,109	Average for a decent apartment (e.g., near Main St. or South Blvd.)
Utilities	$250	Electricity, gas, water, trash, internet (Xfinity is primary provider)
Groceries	$400	Shopping at Ridley's Family Markets or Walmart, not Whole Foods
Transportation	$300	Gas for a car (essential here); public transport (Rexburg Transit) is limited
Health Insurance	$300	Varies greatly; assume employer-provided plan with some cost-share
Misc. (Dining, Entertainment, Personal)	$500	Movies at the Majestic, local breweries, occasional trips to Idaho Falls
Debt/Student Loans	$400	Highly variable; average for a college grad
Savings & Retirement	$2,477	Retirement (401k match): $765 (10% contribution) Savings: $1,712

Key Insight: You are left with $2,477 in savings and retirement contributions. This is a very healthy savings rate (over 30% of take-home). This is the financial power of Rexburg's low cost of living.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Madison County is around $350,000 - $400,000 (as of 2023). With a down payment of 20% ($70k-$80k), a 30-year mortgage at ~7% interest would be roughly $1,800-$2,100/month (including taxes/insurance). This is higher than rent, but your $2,477/month in savings capacity allows you to save a down payment in 3-4 years (with discipline). This is a stark contrast to Boise or Salt Lake, where buying a home is a much larger financial hurdle.

Where the Jobs Are: Rexburg's Major Employers

The tech scene in Rexburg is niche but stable. It's often centered around education, agriculture, and supporting the local economy. You won't find Google or Microsoft, but you will find meaningful work with local impact.

1. Madison School District #321: The largest employer in the county. They have an in-house IT department that manages their website, parent portals, and internal systems. Web developers here work on educational technology tools and public-facing sites. Hiring Trend: Steady; they hire for stability, not rapid growth.
2. Ricks College (BYU-Idaho): The college is a massive economic driver. Their IT department needs web developers for the college website, student portals, and administrative software. They also have a large online learning platform (BYU-Idaho Online) that requires constant development. Hiring Trend: Cyclical; peaks in summer/fall as they prepare for semesters.
3. Rexburg Medical Center (and affiliated clinics): The healthcare sector is growing. Web developers work on patient portals (like MyChart), clinic websites, and internal data dashboards for medical staff. Hiring Trend: Steady growth due to an aging population and digital health trends.
4. Local Marketing Agencies & Design Firms: Companies like Mighty Clever (in nearby Idaho Falls) and smaller local shops serve regional clients. They build websites for local businesses, from agriculture equipment dealers to law firms. This is where you find agency-style work with variety. Hiring Trend: Project-based; depends on the local business economy.
5. Montana-based Companies (Remote Work): This is an "insider tip." Due to proximity to Montana, some companies in Bozeman (like LogRhythm, a cybersecurity firm) and Billings hire remote Web Developers living in eastern Idaho. The pay is often closer to the national average, while you keep Rexburg's low living costs. Hiring Trend: Strong for remote roles.
6. Agri-Tech & Local Business: Companies supporting the agricultural sector (e.g., equipment dealers, seed suppliers) increasingly need web developers to manage e-commerce platforms and customer portals. This is a growing, if quiet, niche.

Getting Licensed in ID

Good news: Idaho has no state-specific license or certification required to be a Web Developer. The field is merit-based, relying on your portfolio, skills, and experience.

What you do need:

1. A Strong Portfolio: This is your most important credential. Include live links to projects (even personal ones).
2. Resumé & Professional Profiles: LinkedIn, GitHub, and a personal website are essential.
3. Business Registration (If Freelancing): If you plan to work as a sole proprietor, you should register your business name with the Idaho Secretary of State. The cost is nominal ($25-$50). For an LLC, it's $100 to file.
4. Professional Certifications (Optional but Valued): While not required, certifications from AWS, Google, or Microsoft can boost your resume, especially for roles with established companies. The cost ranges from $100-$300 per exam.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Weekend: Update your portfolio and LinkedIn.
• 1-2 Weeks: Apply to 5-10 local/remote jobs. Tailor your cover letter to the specific employer (mention you're local or planning to relocate).
• 1 Month: Interview and secure a job offer. This is a realistic timeline if you have a solid portfolio.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Rexburg is a small, driving city. The neighborhoods are distinct by vibe and price. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for a Web Developer
Downtown / Main Street	Historic, walkable (for Rexburg), coffee shops, older homes. Commute: 0-5 mins to most offices.	$1,000 - $1,300	You can walk to work at the school district or college. Great for networking at local cafes. Older homes need more maintenance.
South Rexburg / S. Blvd. Area	Family-oriented, newer builds, close to schools and parks. Commute: 5-10 mins.	$1,100 - $1,400	Quiet, modern apartments. Easy drive to everything. Good for those who want a home office in a spare room.
North Rexburg / Near the College	College-town energy (BYU-Idaho), lots of rentals, younger demographic. Commute: 5-15 mins.	$900 - $1,200	Very affordable. Close to college events and libraries. Can be noisy during the school year.
Rexburg Heights	Established, moderately priced homes, older apartment complexes. Commute: 10 mins.	$950 - $1,250	A good balance of affordability and quiet. Less "college town" feel. Good for families or those wanting space.
Remote / Commuter from Idaho Falls (20 mins)	Larger city amenities, more job options, but longer commute.	$1,000 - $1,500	If you find a job in Idaho Falls but want the lower rent of Rexburg, this is a viable option. The commute on US-20 is easy.

Insider Tip: If you work for the college or school district, living within a 5-minute drive is a huge quality-of-life bonus. If you work remotely, North Rexburg offers the best bang for your buck.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Rexburg, career growth isn't about frantic job-hopping every 18 months. It's about specialization and building deep local relationships.

Specialty Premiums:

• Full-Stack with a Focus on Education (EdTech): This is the #1 premium skill in Rexburg. Knowing systems like Canvas, Moodle, or building educational apps puts you in high demand at BYU-Idaho and the school district.
• Healthcare Web Development: Expertise in HIPAA-compliant systems and patient portal development can lead to stable, well-paying roles at medical centers.
• Remote-First Skills: To tap into the national average salary of $92,750, you must master tools for remote collaboration (Slack, Zoom, Jira) and have a portfolio that appeals to companies in Boise, Salt Lake, or beyond.

Advancement Path:

1. Junior Dev (Local Agency/School District) -> Mid-Level (Take on more complex projects, start mentoring) -> Senior/Lead (Manage a small team, architect solutions) -> Expert/Consultant (Work for multiple clients, or start your own firm serving local businesses).

10-Year Outlook (Based on 16% Growth):
The 16% job growth is promising. It means the market is expanding. In 10 years, you could see:

• More local businesses needing digital transformation.
• Increased demand for remote workers who can serve clients nationally while living locally.
• Potential for a small, dedicated tech hub to emerge around the college's computer science program.
• **Your salary could realistically grow from the median $91,776 to $120,000+ with experience and specialization, while your living costs remain significantly below the national average.

The Verdict: Is Rexburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living is King: Your $91,776 salary feels like $110k+ in a big city.	Limited Local Tech Scene: Fewer meetups, conferences, and job opportunities.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, easy commutes, beautiful natural surroundings (Teton mountains nearby).	Social & Cultural Limitations: Very family-oriented, conservative, and quiet. Nightlife and diversity are limited.
Stable Employers: College, school district, and healthcare offer steady, long-term employment.	Reliance on Remote Work: To earn top-tier national salaries, remote work is often necessary.
Strong Savings Potential: You can build wealth (home equity, investments) much faster here.	Weather: Long, cold winters and some wildfire smoke in late summer.

Final Recommendation:
Rexburg is an excellent choice for a Web Developer who prioritizes financial stability, a quiet lifestyle, and outdoor access over a bustling tech scene. It's ideal if you have a family, are early in your career and want to save aggressively, or if you're a remote worker looking to maximize your income's purchasing power. If you're young, single, and crave the energy of a startup culture or vibrant nightlife, you might find it isolating. For the right person, Rexburg offers a rare combination of a decent tech salary and a profoundly affordable, peaceful life.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Rexburg?
Absolutely. Public transportation (Rexburg Transit) exists but is limited. The city is spread out, and many employers (like the medical center or industrial areas) aren't walkable from most housing. A reliable car is a necessity.

2. How competitive is the job market?
Moderately competitive, but niche. With only 79 jobs, you can't be picky. However, the applicant pool is also smaller than in Boise. Having a strong portfolio and being willing to work remotely for a Montana or Boise company gives you a significant edge.

3. What's the internet like for remote work?
Good, but not fiber everywhere. Xfinity is the primary provider and offers speeds up to 1 Gbps in most areas. Fiber is available in some newer developments. Always check the specific address for available providers. It's reliable enough for video calls and development work.

4. Is the culture restrictive?
Rexburg is in a deeply conservative, religious community (heavily influenced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). As a professional, you'll find people to be kind and hardworking. Socially, it's very family-focused. If you're looking for a diverse, progressive urban environment, this isn't it. However, the professional workplace itself is typically very inclusive and secular.

5. What's the best way to find a job before moving?
Leverage LinkedIn, Indeed, and the "Idaho Falls / Rexburg" remote job boards. Be upfront that you're planning to relocate. Your strongest asset is a portfolio that demonstrates your skills. Also, look for "Boise-based" companies that offer full remote work—they often pay Boise salaries while you live on a Rexburg budget.

Data Sources: Salary data is based on provided figures. Cost of living, rent, and population data are derived from regional economic reports (BLS, Census, local real estate analyses). Licensing information is from the Idaho Secretary of State.