Construction Manager in Williston, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re a Construction Manager with a few years under your belt, Williston can be a financially rewarding move, but the landscape is unique. The median salary for a Construction Manager in the Williston metro area is $105,937/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.93/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, but don’t let that number fool you. The cost of living in Williston is significantly lower, which amplifies your purchasing power. The local cost of living index sits at 93.0 (US average = 100), meaning your dollar stretches about 7% further here than the national average.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$78,000 - $92,000	Project coordinator, assistant superintendent, safety compliance monitoring.
Mid-Career (4-8 yrs)	$93,000 - $115,000	Managing crews, budgeting, subcontractor relations, day-to-day site operations.
Senior (9-15 yrs)	$116,000 - $135,000	Overseeing multiple projects, strategic planning, client relations, complex bids.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$136,000+	Executive-level management, corporate strategy, large-scale development oversight.

How Williston Compares to Other ND Cities:
Williston’s salary is competitive within North Dakota. It sits above Fargo and Grand Forks (where salaries are often in the $95,000 - $100,000 range) but trails the state's energy hub, Dickinson, where the boom has historically driven wages higher for specialized oil and gas construction roles. Bismarck and Minot offer similar median salaries, but Williston’s lower housing costs create a tangible advantage for take-home pay.

Insider Tip: The 8% 10-year job growth for the metro area is modest but stable. The jobs in the metro are listed at 55, which seems low, but this number often undercounts the vast network of subcontractors, small firms, and project-specific hires. The real opportunity is in the "energy construction" niche—oil field infrastructure, commercial support buildings, and related housing projects.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary is a starting point. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a Construction Manager earning $105,937/year.

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$8,828
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,648 (approx. 30%)
• Net Monthly Pay: ~$6,180

Now, factor in the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Williston is $837/month. This is a game-changer for disposable income.

Sample Monthly Budget (Single Earner):

• Net Income: $6,180
• Rent (1BR): -$837
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$180
• Groceries & Household: -$450
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): -$350
• Health Insurance & Personal Care: -$400
• Discretionary/Entertainment: -$600
• Savings/Retirement (15% of Net): -$927
• Remaining Buffer: $2,436

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The typical home price in Williston ranges from $225,000 to $350,000 for a solid 3-bedroom house. With your strong income-to-rent ratio, saving for a down payment is feasible. A 20% down payment on a $275,000 home is $55,000. Based on the sample budget, you could save that in under two years. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $1,400 and $1,900, which is still very manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

The construction job market here is directly tied to the energy industry and its supporting economy. While the "boom" cycle has moderated, the demand for permanent infrastructure is constant. Here are the key players you should target:

1. Milestone Companies: A local giant in excavation, paving, and ready-mix concrete. They’re a primary contractor for road and commercial projects throughout the Bakken. They hire PMs and Superintendents directly and are known for steady, long-term projects.
2. Bridges & Borers (A Subsidiary of the Knife River Corp): While Knife River is a national company, its local operations in Williston are massive. They handle major earthworks, aggregate supply, and infrastructure projects. This is a prime spot for managers with heavy civil construction experience.
3. Bauer Built, Inc.: A major, family-owned commercial contractor with a significant Williston footprint. They build retail, industrial, and institutional facilities. They offer a more traditional general contractor career path with diverse project types.
4. Integral Energy Services / Oilfield Construction Firms: The market is fluid, but companies providing "midstream" infrastructure—pipe lines, compressor stations, tank farms—hire specialized construction managers. These roles often pay a premium (10-15% above median) but can be project-based.
5. City of Williston & Ramsey County: Public works projects (water, sewer, roads) are a stable, if slower-moving, source of employment. The pay is competitive, and the benefits (pension, healthcare) are excellent. Check the city’s website and the county’s public works department for postings.
6. Williston State College: The college is a consistent developer of its campus and trades training facilities. They hire construction managers for capital projects, offering a mix of new builds and renovations.

Hiring Trend Insight: The trend is toward "sustainment and growth" rather than the explosive, speculative building of the past 2010-2014 boom. Employers are looking for managers who can control costs, navigate complex weather (extreme cold, hot summers), and manage a reliable, often transient, workforce.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not license general construction managers at the state level. However, having the right credentials is non-negotiable for top-tier jobs.

• Key Requirement: For commercial projects over a certain size (often $500,000+), the state requires a General Contractor’s License. The firm you work for must hold this license, but the managing principal often needs to be a qualifying agent. This requires proof of experience and passing an exam.
• Professional Certifications: The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential from CMAA is highly respected and often a prerequisite for senior roles. The Project Management Professional (PMP) is also valuable, especially for large, multi-firm projects.
• Cost & Timeline:
  • CCM Exam: ~$495 for members, ~$695 for non-members. Requires 4 years of experience and 48 hours of approved education.
  • PMP Exam: ~$405 for members, ~$555 for non-members. Requires 36 months of leading projects with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Timeline: If you start studying now, you could be exam-ready in 3-6 months. The credential itself can boost your salary potential by 10-20% for specialized or senior roles.

Insider Tip: The North Dakota Department of Commerce and the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce are your best local resources for networking and understanding the specific permit processes for Williams County projects.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Williston is a practical city. Neighborhoods are defined more by commute and amenities than by "prestige." Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It Works for a CM
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, some restaurants, older stock.	$750 - $950	Close to City Hall and some offices. Easy walk to work if you land a public works or downtown project role.
Southwest (near 2nd Ave W)	Family-oriented, newer subdivisions, good schools.	$800 - $1,000	Short commute to industrial parks and major employers like Milestone. Great for buying a home.
East Side / Near 14th Ave	Established, affordable, quiet.	$700 - $850	Good access to Highway 2 and 85. Central for commuting to most job sites north and south of town.
Northwest (near 32nd Ave W)	Commercial corridor, newer apartments.	$750 - $900	Very close to the Williston Basin International Airport and the booming industrial area. Best for those focused on energy construction.
Williston Heights / West End	Mix of older homes and new builds.	$700 - $850	Affordable, with easy access to the interstate and the commercial heart of the city.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Williston is minimal. Your commute will rarely exceed 15 minutes from any of these neighborhoods. Prioritize proximity to your specific employer's office or a common job site cluster.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for Construction Managers in Williston is tied to two macro-trends: the energy transition and regional development.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Oil & Gas Infrastructure: Managers with experience in pipeline construction, frac sand facilities, or renewable energy (wind/solar farm construction) can command the highest premiums, often $120,000+.
  • Heavy Civil: Expertise in highway, bridge, and municipal water projects is evergreen and always in demand by public and private entities.
  • Sustainable Building: As codes tighten, managers proficient in energy-efficient construction (e.g., commercial retrofits, net-zero designs) will become more valuable.

• Advancement Path:

  1. Project Manager -> Senior Project Manager (overseeing larger budgets, complex bids)
  2. Senior PM -> Regional Director or Vice President of Operations (managing multiple projects and crews)
  3. Director/VP -> Company Owner or Partner (Many successful local contractors started as field managers).

• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is conservative. Williston is transitioning from a "boomtown" to a stable regional hub. The need for construction will focus on:

  • Aging Infrastructure: Replacing old water systems, roads, and buildings.
  • Energy Transition: While oil remains key, there is growing investment in wind energy and carbon capture infrastructure.
  • Resilience Building: Constructing facilities that can withstand extreme weather (blizzards, floods).

Insider Tip: The most successful long-term managers in Williston are those who build deep relationships with a handful of local suppliers, engineers, and city officials. This network is your greatest asset.

The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power due to low cost of living and solid salary.	Isolated location. It's a 5-6 hour drive to the nearest major city (Fargo).
Stable, industry-driven job market with clear career paths.	Harsh winters and extreme temperature swings can be challenging for project timelines.
No state income tax on wages (ND has a progressive tax, but it's low).	Limited cultural/social scene compared to larger cities.
Tight-knit professional community where reputation matters.	Housing market can be volatile with energy cycles.
Opportunity for rapid advancement if you're skilled and reliable.	Work-life balance can suffer during peak project seasons.

Final Recommendation:
Williston is an excellent choice for mid-career Construction Managers who are financially motivated, resilient, and enjoy a close-knit community. It’s not for someone seeking a bustling urban lifestyle, but for a professional who wants to maximize their earnings, save aggressively, and build a strong, recognized career in a critical industry. If you value stability over flash, and your career goals align with energy and infrastructure, Williston offers a compelling proposition.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to know someone to get a job in Williston?
A: While the "who you know" factor is strong in a small town, it's not an absolute barrier. Applying directly to the major employers listed (Milestone, Bauer Built, etc.) with a solid resume is effective. Attending a Williston Area Chamber of Commerce event can fast-track your networking.

Q: What's the deal with the oil industry? Will a construction job here be unstable?
A: The market is more stable than during the 2010-2014 boom. While project types can shift (from new drilling pads to pipeline maintenance), the core need for construction management in the region remains. Diversifying your skills (civil, commercial, energy) makes you less vulnerable.

Q: Is the salary enough to support a family on a single income?
A: Yes, the $105,937 median is very comfortable for a family in Williston. With the low rent ($837) and no state income tax on wages, a single income can cover a mortgage, childcare, and a good quality of life. Many families do it.

Q: How do winters affect construction projects?
A: They are a major factor. The construction season effectively runs from April to October. Some projects can continue in winter with proper mitigation (heated enclosures, specialized equipment), but managers must be skilled in cold-weather logistics and crew management. It's a key interview topic.

Q: Where can I find the most current job postings?
A: Beyond national boards (Indeed, LinkedIn), check the Williston Daily Herald classifieds, the Williston State College career portal, and the City of Williston and Williams County government job pages. Networking with local firms directly is often the most productive method.