Welder in Rexburg, ID

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

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The Salary Picture: Where Rexburg Stands

As a local who’s watched the job market here for years, I can tell you straight: Rexburg isn’t a welding powerhouse like Boise or Idaho Falls. It’s a smaller, more specialized market. The data confirms this. The median salary for a Welder in Rexburg is $49,069/year, which breaks down to a solid $23.59/hour. This is just a hair under the national average of $49,590/year, which is typical for the region. The metro area has about 79 active welding jobs, indicating a steady but not booming demand.

The 10-year job growth projection is 2%, which is modest. This isn’t a field where you’ll see explosive hiring sprees, but it’s also highly resistant to economic downturns. When the big agricultural and construction projects in the area need metalwork, they need it done right, and they need it done locally.

To understand where you fit, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown. These are estimates based on regional data and local employer postings.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary (Rexburg)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $43,000	Basic MIG welding, material prep, shop cleanup, following lead welder's plans.
Mid-Career	2-5 years	$46,000 - $52,000	Proficient in multiple processes (MIG, TIG, Stick), reading blueprints, quality checks, some equipment maintenance.
Senior/Specialist	5-10 years	$53,000 - $60,000+	Advanced TIG on specialty metals, project lead, training apprentices, certified inspector (AWS CWI potential).
Expert/Foreman	10+ years	$62,000+	Shop management, complex project oversight, client relations, certified in multiple codes (ASME, API).

How Rexburg Compares to Other ID Cities:

• Idaho Falls (30 min drive): Salaries are typically 3-5% higher due to the nuclear energy and aerospace sectors (e.g., Idaho National Laboratory, contractors). Commuting is common.
• Boise (2.5-hour drive): Significantly larger market with more diverse industries (tech manufacturing, aerospace). Salaries can be 10-15% higher, but the cost of living, especially housing, is substantially higher.
• Twin Falls (1.5-hour drive): Similar agricultural and food processing focus. Salaries are very comparable to Rexburg, sometimes slightly lower.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. In Rexburg, your specialization matters more than in a big city. A welder certified in stainless steel TIG for food-grade equipment (common in local dairy processing) can command a premium over a general fabrication welder.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A $49,069 salary sounds reasonable, but Idaho has a progressive income tax (1-7.1%). After federal and state taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $39,000-$41,000 annually, or about $3,250 - $3,400 per month.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Rexburg is $1,109/month. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single Welder earning the median wage:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,109	This is the city average. You can find cheaper in older neighborhoods.
Utilities	$180	Includes electricity, gas, water, and trash. High in winter due to heating.
Groceries	$350	For one person. Shop at Smith's or Walmart for best prices.
Transportation	$250	Assumes a paid-off vehicle. Add $400+ for a truck payment (common in this trade).
Health Insurance	$200	If employer-sponsored; higher if on the marketplace.
Miscellaneous	$300	Phone, internet, personal care, dining out.
Rent & Utilities	$1,289	Key affordability metric.
Remaining	~$1,961 - $2,111	This is your buffer for savings, debt, and emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Rexburg is around $350,000. With a $49,069 salary, you’d be at the upper edge of what lenders typically approve (a 3x salary rule puts you at ~$147,000). A 20% down payment is $70,000. This is a stretch on this salary alone. However, many local welders buy homes with a spouse’s income, after years of saving, or by purchasing in more affordable neighborhoods like Rexburg’s older east side. It’s not impossible, but it’s a long-term goal, not an immediate one.

Where the Jobs Are: Rexburg's Major Employers

Rexburg’s welding jobs are tied to its core industries: agriculture, education, and construction. Here are the key local employers to target:

1. R&R Equipment & Fabrication: A staple in the area, they build and repair agricultural equipment for the surrounding dairy and farming communities. They frequently hire for MIG and stick welders with experience on heavy machinery. Hiring trend: Steady, with seasonal bumps in spring and fall.
2. Bingham Memorial Hospital (BMH): The hospital’s facilities and maintenance department employs welders for repairs, modifications, and custom fabrication for medical equipment and building systems. This is a stable, full-time role with benefits. Hiring trend: Infrequent but long-term; they value reliability.
3. Madison School District #317: The district’s maintenance crew needs welders for repairing playground equipment, fences, and school infrastructure. It’s a public sector job with excellent benefits and pensions. Hiring trend: Usually when a current employee retires; watch the district’s job board.
4. Local Construction & Excavation Companies: Firms like Kutzler Farms or Rexburg Excavation often need welders for custom buckets, blades, and structural components for their heavy equipment. This work is project-based. Hiring trend: Directly tied to the local construction cycle; busiest in summer.
5. Idaho Falls-based Contractors (Commuting): Many Rexburg welders commute to Idaho Falls for higher-paying jobs at companies like Canyon Welding or Mountain View Metal Works, which serve the aerospace and energy sectors. This is a prime path for career advancement.
6. Small Machine Shops: Rexburg has several small, family-run machine shops that do custom fabrication for local businesses. They often need versatile welders who can handle a variety of jobs. Hiring trend: Best found through word-of-mouth and local trade networks.

Insider Tip: The most reliable jobs here are with the school district and hospital. The fabrication shops offer more varied work but can be seasonal. Your best bet for a quick hire is often through a temp-to-perm agency that services the Idaho Falls metro area.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho does not have a state-level welder license. This is a huge advantage for mobility. Instead, certification is governed by the employer and industry standards, primarily the American Welding Society (AWS).

Key Requirements & Path:

1. Education/Training: You need formal training. Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC) in Idaho Falls (30 min commute) is the premier local provider. Their program costs $5,000 - $8,000 and takes 9-12 months. Rexburg Technical College also offers certificate programs. You can also learn through apprenticeships, but formal training is faster.
2. Certification: The most common entry-level cert is AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel). Many employers will pay for your test once you’re hired. For specialized work (e.g., sanitary tubing), they’ll require specific certs like AWS D1.6 (Stainless) or ASME Section IX. Cost for a private certification test: $300 - $600.
3. Timeline: From starting a program to being job-ready with a basic cert: 9 to 15 months. If you have experience, you can test out of classes and get certified in 1-3 months.

Resources: The Idaho Division of Building Safety oversees contractor licensing, but not individual welders. For certification details, the AWS is your primary resource (aws.org).

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Rexburg is small, but neighborhoods have different vibes and commute times to the industrial areas (often on the outskirts, near US-20 or State St.).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown/City Center	Walkable, near BYU-Idaho campus, older homes. 5-10 min commute to most shops.	$950 - $1,200	Those who want to be near amenities and don't mind older housing stock.
South Rexburg	Quieter, more residential, newer developments. 10-15 min commute.	$1,150 - $1,400	Young professionals or couples looking for more space and modern apartments.
East Rexburg	Older, more affordable neighborhoods. 5-12 min commute.	$800 - $1,050	Budget-conscious welders who don't mind a fixer-upper apartment or home.
West Side/Highway 20	Close to major employers like R&R Equipment. More industrial feel. 5-8 min commute.	$900 - $1,250	Those who prioritize a short commute above all else.

Insider Tip: The best-value rentals are often found on Facebook Marketplace or through local "For Rent" signs, not on major apartment websites. Landlords in East Rexburg are more likely to be flexible on lease terms.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Rexburg, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about gaining specialized skills that make you indispensable.

• Specialty Premiums: A welder with AWS D1.6 (Stainless) certification for food-grade work can earn $3-5 more per hour than a general welder. Similarly, pipe welding (ASME Section IX) certifications are rare locally and command a premium.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. From Welder to Lead/Fabricator: Take on project planning and junior staff training.
  2. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): The AWS CWI is a gold-standard cert. It allows you to move into quality control/assurance, often with a salary bump of 20-30%. You need 5+ years of experience to sit for the exam.
  3. Business Ownership: Many successful local welders eventually start their own small shops, serving the agricultural and construction niches. This is the highest-risk, highest-reward path.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 2% growth rate, expect slow but steady demand. The biggest opportunity lies in supporting the aging workforce of skilled tradespeople. As older welders retire, those with modern certifications and a clean safety record will have strong job security. The push for renewable energy (wind turbine maintenance in eastern Idaho) could also create new specialty niches.

The Verdict: Is Rexburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $49,069 salary goes further here than in most of the U.S. (Index: 96.5).	Limited Job Market: Only 79 jobs means less choice and slower hiring cycles.
Stable, Community-Focused Employers: Schools, hospitals, and family-owned shops offer stability.	Modest Growth: 2% 10-year growth means you have to be proactive about skill development.
Short Commutes: You can live anywhere in town and be at work in under 15 minutes.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in Boise or Idaho Falls. Specialization is key.
Outdoor Access: World-class fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling are minutes away. Great for work-life balance.	Cultural & Social Scene: Very quiet, family-oriented. Limited nightlife or big-city amenities.
No State License Required: Easier to start working if you have basic skills and certs.	Harsh Winters: Can impact outdoor work and commute for several months.

Final Recommendation:
Rexburg is an excellent choice for a welder who values stability, affordability, and a quiet lifestyle over rapid career advancement and high urban wages. It’s perfect for someone with 2-5 years of experience looking to buy a home, start a family, or escape the hustle of a larger city. If you’re an ambitious welder aiming for the $70,000+ salary bracket quickly, you should target Idaho Falls or Boise instead. For the right person, Rexburg offers a solid, manageable career path with a high quality of life.

FAQs

1. Can I get a welding job in Rexburg without formal certification?
It’s difficult but not impossible. Very small shops might take a chance on someone with proven experience from a portfolio. However, to be competitive and earn the median wage, you need at least an AWS D1.1 certification. Most employers expect it.

2. Is it worth commuting to Idaho Falls for a job?
Absolutely, and many do. The 30-minute drive on US-20 is easy. You can often increase your salary by $5-10/hour working for an aerospace or energy contractor in Idaho Falls. The key is to factor in fuel and vehicle wear.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for welders new to Rexburg?
Finding the right fit. The job market is small, so you need to be proactive. Don’t just apply online; walk into shops, introduce yourself, and ask about upcoming projects. Networking here is personal and happens face-to-face.

4. How does the cost of living really feel on a $49,069 salary?
It’s manageable. You won’t be living lavishly, but you can afford a decent apartment, a reliable vehicle, and still save money. The biggest financial pressure point will be if you want to buy a home, which requires careful saving and likely a dual-income household.

5. What’s the first step if I’m moving from out of state?
Line up housing first. The rental market is tight. Then, contact local employers (R&R Equipment, Bingham Memorial) and the Eastern Idaho Technical College to see about certification testing. Having a place to live and a clear path to certification will make your transition much smoother.