Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Williston, ND.

Accountant Career Guide: Williston, ND

As someone who’s watched Williston’s economy pivot from oil booms to a more diversified base, I can tell you this isn’t your average Midwestern town. The energy industry’s legacy is still here, but so are stable institutions like Williams County and the hospital. For an accountant, that means a mix of seasonal crunch times (think year-end for oil services) and steady, predictable work. The cost of living is a major draw—you can live comfortably here on a median salary that would feel tight in Fargo or Bismarck. Let’s break down what you can realistically expect.

The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for an accountant in Williston is $84,272/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.52/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but don't let that fool you—the purchasing power here is significantly higher.

The local metro area supports about 55 accounting jobs, indicating a tight, competitive market where skilled professionals are valued. Over the next decade, the profession is projected to see modest 10-Year Job Growth: 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it signals stability, particularly in government, healthcare, and established local businesses that have weathered the oil industry's volatility.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a good benchmark, your actual salary will depend heavily on experience and specialization.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Roles & Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$58,000 - $68,000	Staff Accountant, Junior Bookkeeper, AP/AR Clerk. Focus on data entry, reconciliations, and assisting with month-end close.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, Controller (at small firms). Oversees a function, manages junior staff, handles complex reporting.
Senior/Expert (8+ yrs)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Controller, CFO, Partner at a local CPA firm, Director of Finance for a major employer. Strategic planning, audit liaison, high-level financial oversight.

Comparison to Other North Dakota Cities

Williston's salary sits in a unique middle ground. It's lower than the state's major hubs but benefits from a lower cost of living.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Real Wage Advantage?
Williston	$84,272	93.0	High. Lower rent and expenses stretch the dollar.
Fargo	$86,500	94.5	Moderate. Slightly higher salary, slightly higher costs.
Bismarck	$85,800	95.2	Moderate. Similar to Fargo.
Grand Forks	$83,500	92.8	High. Similar to Williston, with a university-driven economy.

Insider Tip: While Bismarck and Fargo have more corporate headquarters, they also have more competition. Williston’s smaller job market (55 jobs) means local connections matter immensely. A referral from a current employee at Williams County or St. Alexius Medical Center can be your foot in the door.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $84,272 sounds solid, but let's see how it translates to monthly life in Williston. For this breakdown, we'll estimate taxes at a combined ~25% (federal, state, FICA), which is a conservative estimate for this income bracket in ND.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $84,272:

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,022.67
• Estimated Net (After Taxes): ~$5,267
• Average 1BR Rent: $837
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $4,430

This leaves significant room for savings, debt repayment, or discretionary spending. The average 1BR rent of $837/month is a key factor—you're not spending over 20% of your net income on housing, which is the traditional benchmark for affordability.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Williston is around $275,000. With a 20% down payment ($55,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly principal and interest payment of roughly $1,382. Adding estimated property taxes and insurance, you're likely looking at a total housing payment under $1,800. This is well within reach for someone earning the median salary, especially if they have a partner contributing or have saved diligently.

Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

The accounting job market here is anchored by a few key sectors. You won't find the Big 4, but you'll find stable, well-compensated roles in the following:

1. Williams County Government: As the county seat, the government is a major employer. They need accountants for financial reporting, grant management, and budgeting. The work is stable, with great benefits, and follows a predictable government cycle.
2. St. Alexius Medical Center - Williston: The healthcare sector is recession-proof. Accountants here handle patient revenue cycles, hospital budgeting, and compliance with complex healthcare regulations (HIPAA, etc.). Hiring trends show a steady need for professionals who understand both accounting and medical billing.
3. Oil Service Companies (e.g., Patterson-UTI, Helmerich & Payne): While the boom has settled, the Bakken still requires accounting support. These roles often focus on project costing, fixed asset accounting for heavy equipment, and tax compliance related to oil and gas operations. These jobs can be cyclical but pay well during active periods.
4. First International Bank & Trust (FIBT): With a strong regional presence, local banks need accountants for internal financial reporting, loan portfolio analysis, and regulatory compliance (FDIC reporting). It’s a great entry into the financial services sector.
5. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Smith, Schafer & Associates): Several regional CPA firms serve the Williston area. These are the primary paths to becoming a CPA. You’ll get exposure to a variety of clients—from small family-owned businesses to larger agricultural and energy operations.
6. Williston State College: The college employs accountants for its internal financial operations, including managing student accounts, grants, and operational budgeting. It’s a stable, academic environment.
7. Large Retail & Agribusiness (e.g., CHS Inc., local agricultural co-ops): The surrounding agricultural economy requires accountants for inventory costing, commodity trading accounting, and financial planning.

Insider Tip: For the oil sector jobs, flexibility is key. You might need to travel to remote sites occasionally or work longer hours during quarter-end. The trade-off is often a higher salary premium compared to other local industries.

Getting Licensed in ND

To practice as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in North Dakota, you must follow the State Board of Accountancy guidelines.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours) with a concentration in accounting. To sit for the exam, you need 24 hours in accounting and 24 in general business. To get the license, you need 30 hours in accounting, 3 in business law, and 3 in ethics.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,000 total for all four sections (varies by state).
• Application/License Fees: ~$300-$500.
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000 (e.g., Becker, Roger).
• Timeline: From starting education to having a license in hand can take 2-3 years. If you already have the 150-hour requirement, passing the exam and gaining experience can be done in 1-2 years.

Insider Tip: The North Dakota State Board of Accountancy website is your best friend. The process is straightforward but has no shortcuts. Start documenting your work experience meticulously from day one.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Williston is a sprawling town, but neighborhoods are distinct. Your choice will depend on your commute to work and lifestyle preferences.

1. Southside (near St. Alexius Hospital):

   • Vibe: Quiet, family-oriented, with good schools.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to the hospital, county offices, and many downtown businesses.
   • Rent Estimate: $850-$950 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Accountants working in healthcare or government who want a short, easy commute.

2. Central/Downtown:

   • Vibe: Walkable, historic, with local cafes and amenities.
   • Commute: Walking or biking distance to many offices, including the bank and CPA firms.
   • Rent Estimate: $800-$900 for a 1BR (older buildings).
   • Best For: Younger professionals who want an urban feel and minimal car dependency.

3. Northwest (near Williston State College):

   • Vibe: Mix of college students and young professionals. More rental options.
   • Commute: 10 minutes to downtown, 15 to the hospital. A straight shot down main roads.
   • Rent Estimate: $750-$850 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those working for the college or who don't mind a short commute for more affordable rent.

4. East Side (near the Mall):

   • Vibe: Commercial, with big-box stores and newer apartment complexes.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most office centers. Easy highway access.
   • Rent Estimate: $850-$1,000 for a modern 1BR.
   • Best For: Accountants who value convenience and proximity to shopping/dining.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Williston, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about deepening expertise.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a salary premium by specializing. Oil & Gas Accounting and Healthcare Revenue Cycle are the two biggest local premiums, potentially adding 10-15% to your base salary. Agribusiness Accounting is another niche with stable demand.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from Staff Accountant to Senior Accountant within a company, or from Accountant to CPA Partner at a local firm. For those in the oil sector, moving into a Financial Analyst or Corporate Controller role for a larger firm (often requiring relocation to Fargo or out-of-state) is a possibility.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, Williston isn't a boomtown, but it's not stagnant. The key is to become indispensable in your niche. The accountants who thrive are those who understand the local business landscape—whether it's ND's tax laws for agriculture or the specific compliance needs of a hospital. Remote work is an option for some roles, but being on-site is often valued, especially for management positions.

The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: $84,272 goes very far with $837/month rent and a 93.0 cost of living index.	Limited Job Market: Only 55 jobs means fewer openings and less competition, but also fewer options if you need to switch roles.
Stable Employers: Government, healthcare, and education offer recession-resistant jobs.	Isolation: It's a 2-hour drive to Fargo, the nearest city of significant size. Cultural amenities are limited.
Tight-Knit Community: Networking is easy; you'll know people in your field quickly.	Weather: Harsh, long winters with extreme cold and snow.
Path to CPA: Clear requirements and local firms provide the needed experience.	Economic Reliance: While diversifying, the local economy is still influenced by energy prices.

Final Recommendation:
Williston is an excellent choice for an accountant who values financial stability and affordability over urban hustle. It's ideal for early-to-mid-career professionals looking to pay down student loans quickly, save for a home, or gain diverse experience in a unique market. It's less suitable for those seeking a rapid career climb in a competitive corporate environment or those who crave a vibrant, diverse cultural scene. If you're pragmatic, self-reliant, and can handle the winters, Williston offers a financially rewarding and manageable career path.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for accountants in Williston?
It's a small market with only about 55 jobs, so competition for openings can be fierce. However, the 4% growth rate indicates steady demand. Networking is critical—many jobs are filled through referrals before they're ever posted online.

2. Do I need a CPA license to get a good accounting job here?
Not necessarily. Many staff and senior accountant roles only require a bachelor's degree and experience. However, the CPA license is the key to unlocking the highest salaries (over $95,000), especially in controller or partner roles at local CPA firms. It's a worthwhile investment for long-term growth.

3. What's the work-life balance like?
It varies by employer. Government and healthcare roles typically offer a standard 40-hour week with predictable hours. Oil service companies can be more demanding, especially during peak seasons or quarter-end. Local CPA firms will have busy seasons (tax time) with longer hours. Always ask about this during interviews.

4. Is Williston a good place to live for a single person?
The social scene is more limited than in a large city, but there are community events, sports, and outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, hiking). The low cost of living can be a major draw, allowing for travel. The dating pool is smaller, which is a common point mentioned by transplants.

5. What should I know about moving to Williston that isn't in the data?
Prepare for the wind. It's a constant factor. Invest in a good winter coat and a reliable, winter-ready vehicle (AWD/4WD is highly recommended). Also, be ready to embrace a "practical" lifestyle—the community is built on resilience and self-sufficiency. If you can adapt to that, you'll find a welcoming home.