Firefighter in Dickinson, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

As a local who’s watched Dickinson’s economy ebb and flow with the oil boom and bust cycles, I can tell you that firefighter salaries here are a product of that unique rhythm. You’re not in the big city with massive tax bases, but you’re also not in a stagnant rural town. The data reflects this middle-ground reality.

Let’s start with the hard numbers. The median salary for a firefighter in Dickinson is $55,920 per year. At $26.88 per hour, that’s a solid, livable wage in this region. It’s just a hair below the national average of $57,120/year, which makes sense—Dickinson’s cost of living is lower than the U.S. average, so your dollar stretches further.

However, the job market is tight. Statistics show there are roughly 50 firefighting jobs in the metropolitan area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn’t a field with explosive growth; openings come from retirements and a handful of new positions. Competition can be fierce, especially for full-time spots with the city or larger departments.

To understand the full picture, let’s break it down by experience level. It’s crucial to know where you might land.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Annual)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years (Probationary)	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts with a local volunteer department or as a part-time/seasonal with the City of Dickinson. Expect mandatory overtime during peak seasons.
Mid-Level	3-8 years (FF/EMT or Paramedic)	$56,000 - $65,000	This is the core of most departments. Certification as a Paramedic can add $5,000-$10,000 annually. Shift differentials for nights/weekends apply.
Senior/Engineer	8-15 years	$68,000 - $78,000	Acting as a driver/engineer or squad lieutenant. Requires advanced certifications (HazMat, Technical Rescue). Overtime opportunities increase.
Expert/Officer	15+ years (Captain, Battalion Chief)	$75,000 - $95,000+	Leadership roles. Salary heavily depends on the department (City vs. County). Administrative duties, training, and budget management.

How Dickinson Compares to Other ND Cities

Dickinson’s fire service isn’t the largest, but it’s well-integrated with the region. Here’s a quick comparison to other North Dakota hubs to contextualize the median salary of $55,920:

• Fargo: The biggest metro area. Firefighter salaries are higher (median ~$65,000+), with more specialized roles (airport, hazmat teams). Cost of living is also significantly higher, especially rent and housing. Competition is intense.
• Bismarck: The state capital. Similar tier to Dickinson but with state government job stability. Salaries are competitive (median ~$58,000-$62,000), and the cost of living is moderate.
• Grand Forks: Home to UND and a major Air Force Base. Salaries are comparable to Dickinson, but the job market is more institution-focused (university fire, base fire). The winters are notoriously harsh.
• Williston: Similar in size and economy to Dickinson (oil-driven). Salaries are on par, but the housing market can be more volatile. Many firefighters live in Williston but commute to Dickinson for family or lifestyle reasons.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. In North Dakota, many departments offer a PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) pension. This is a defined-benefit plan that can be worth more than a 401(k) match, especially after 20+ years. It’s a critical part of your long-term compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $55,920 annual salary sounds decent, but what’s your actual monthly budget? Let’s run the numbers for a single firefighter with no dependents.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $55,920 / 12 = $4,660
• Est. Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~25% (conservative estimate) = $1,165
• Net Monthly Income: $3,495

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$837/month	The city average. You can find places for $750 or up to $1,000+ in nicer areas.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250/month	Dickinson has extreme seasons. Winter heating bills can spike, while summer is mild.
Groceries	$400/month	Reasonable, especially if you shop at local grocers like Cash Wise or Dan's Supermarket.
Fuel/Car Payment	$400/month	Dickinson is spread out. You'll drive. A reliable used vehicle is key.
Insurance (Car/Renters)	$150/month	Rates are generally lower in ND.
Health Insurance	$200/month	This is a major variable. If your department offers a good plan, this could be lower.
Retirement Savings	$300/month	Crucial. Aim to save at least 5-10% of your net income. Even with a PERA pension, personal savings are vital.
Miscellaneous	$500/month	This is your buffer—clothing, personal care, entertainment, savings for a car repair.
Total Estimated Expenses	~$3,037
Remaining	~$458	This is your emergency fund and discretionary cash.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Dickinson hovers around $250,000 - $275,000. With a $55,920 salary, you’re likely to get pre-approved for a mortgage, especially with a good credit score. A 20% down payment ($50,000-$55,000) is a significant hurdle, but it’s not impossible with disciplined saving over a few years, especially if you have a partner with an income.

Insider Tip: Many firefighters in Dickinson live in nearby smaller towns like Taylor or Gladstone for a lower cost of living and a quieter lifestyle, commuting 20-30 minutes to the station. This can free up hundreds of dollars a month in housing costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

The fire service here is a mix of city, county, and volunteer. Here are the key players:

1. Dickinson Fire Department (City of Dickinson): The largest and most sought-after employer. They run a full-time, career department with several stations. They handle all fire, EMS, and hazardous materials response within city limits. Hiring trend: They typically run a testing cycle every 1-2 years, often when a few senior firefighters retire. The process is rigorous: written test, CPAT, interview, and a polygraph.

2. Stark County Fire Department: This covers the unincorporated areas of the county. They operate with a mix of full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters. They often support the city on major incidents. Insider Tip: This can be a great entry point to get your foot in the door and build local experience before applying to the city.

3. West Dickinson Rural Fire District: A volunteer-based department on the west side of the city. They respond to grass fires, structure fires, and medical calls. While not a full-time job, they offer stipends and are an excellent way to network and prove your commitment to the community.

4. North Dakota State Fire Marshal’s Office: State-level position. Investigators and inspectors. Requires a firefighter certification and experience. Hiring trend: Infrequent openings; often requires 5-10 years of field experience.

5. Oiltronics (Contractual Fire/EMS): Some industrial facilities in the region (especially in the oil fields) employ their own on-site fire brigades or contract with private security firms that include fire/EMS. These are volatile jobs based on commodity prices, but can offer higher pay during boom times.

6. Southwest Multi-County Correction Center: A large jail facility in Dickinson. They employ security personnel, but some positions may have cross-over with emergency response training. Not a direct fire job, but a related public safety career.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has a straightforward but strict certification process managed by the North Dakota Fire Marshal’s Office.

1. Minimum Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license.
• Pass a criminal background check.

2. Training Path (The "Ticket" to Get Hired):

• Firefighter I & II: The core certification. You must graduate from a state-approved academy. The closest and most common is the North Dakota Firefighter Training Academy (NDFTA) in Bismarck (about a 3-hour drive from Dickinson). The program is intensive, typically 4-6 months.
• EMT-Basic: Almost all departments require this. You can take the course at Dickinson State University (DSU) or a local community college. It’s a semester-long commitment.
• Paramedic (Optional but Recommended): Increases your marketability and salary potential. DSU offers a Paramedic program.

3. Costs & Timeline:

• Fire Academy Tuition: ~$5,000 - $7,000 (often covered by a hiring department if you’re sponsored).
• EMT Course: ~$1,000 - $2,000.
• Paramedic Program: ~$8,000 - $12,000.
• Total Upfront Cost (if self-funded): $5,000 to $15,000+.
• Timeline: From zero to hireable (FF I/II + EMT), expect 6-10 months of full-time training. If you’re already EMT-certified, the fire academy is your next step.

Insider Tip: Some departments, like Dickinson Fire, have "lateral" hiring for already certified out-of-state firefighters, but you will still need to complete a North Dakota-specific certification course (a compressed version of the full academy). Contact the ND Fire Marshal for details.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Dickinson isn’t a massive city, so commute times are generally short. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Central Dickinson (Downtown & Near Downtown): Closest to Station 1 (the main fire hall). Walkable to restaurants and bars. Ideal for a single firefighter who wants to be in the mix. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month.
2. East Dickinson (Near 10th Ave SW): Quieter, more established residential area. Single-family homes dominate. Great for firefighters with families. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 2-3BR house.
3. West Dickinson (West of I-94): Newer developments, more apartment complexes. A bit farther from the main station but close to the West Dickinson Rural Fire District. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month for a 1BR.
4. South Dickinson (Near DSU): More transient, geared toward students. Can be noisier. More affordable. Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month.
5. Outlying Small Towns (Gladstone, Taylor, Lima): If you want space and lower costs. Commute is 20-40 minutes. Rent Estimate: $600 - $850/month for a house or trailer. This is the "insider" choice for those wanting to buy a home sooner.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in Dickinson is more about specialization than climbing a huge corporate ladder.

• Specialty Certifications (Pay Premiums):

  • HazMat Technician: Can add $2,000-$4,000 annually.
  • Technical Rescue (Rope, Confined Space, Trench): Valued on all shifts. May come with a small stipend.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: Pathway to an officer role. Requires additional state certification.
  • Paramedic: As mentioned, the single biggest salary bump.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Firefighter -> Engineer/Driver: Master the apparatus. 5-8 years.
  2. Engineer -> Lieutenant/Squad Leader: First-line supervisor. 10+ years.
  3. Lieutenant -> Captain: Station commander. 15+ years.
  4. Captain -> Battalion Chief: Shift commander over multiple stations. 20+ years.

• 10-Year Outlook: With 4% growth, expect a slow but steady increase in openings. The biggest factor will be retirements from the baby boomer generation. The city’s economy, tied to oil and agriculture, will dictate funding for new hires and equipment. Being flexible and willing to work in any specialty is key.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $55,920 salary goes far here.	Limited Job Market: Only ~50 jobs total; openings are rare.
Strong Community: Tight-knit, supportive community for firefighters.	Harsh Winters: Long, cold, windy winters with heavy call volumes for accidents and heart attacks.
PERA Pension: Secure retirement benefit.	Economic Volatility: Tied to oil prices; budget cuts can happen after bust cycles.
Variety of Calls: From rural grass fires to industrial incidents to medicals.	Limited Nightlife/Entertainment: It’s a small city. You have to make your own fun.
Great for Outdoorsmen: Hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking are world-class.	Isolation: 3 hours from Bismarck, 4+ hours from Fargo. You’re in the middle of the plains.

Final Recommendation: Dickinson is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values community, cost-of-living, and outdoor recreation over a bustling career ladder and a high salary. It’s ideal for those who are patient, willing to start with volunteer or part-time work, and have the certifications (EMT/Paramedic) to be competitive. If you’re seeking rapid promotion, high pay, and a diversity of urban amenities, a larger city like Fargo or Bismarck might be a better fit. For a balanced, stable career with a great quality of life, Dickinson delivers.

FAQs

Q: I’m an out-of-state firefighter. Will my experience transfer?
A: Your experience is valuable for hiring, but you will need ND certification. The state offers a "reciprocity" or challenge course for experienced firefighters, but you must contact the ND Fire Marshal’s Office to see the current requirements. You will absolutely need your NREMT and likely an EMT license from the ND Board of Medicine.

Q: Are there volunteer departments to start with?
A: Yes, many. The West Dickinson Rural Fire District and Stark County rely on volunteers. This is the best way to get your foot in the door, build local contacts, and see if the fire service is for you. Some offer small stipends per call.

Q: What’s the weather really like for firefighting?
A: Brutal. Summers can be hot and dry (grass fire danger). Winters are the real beast: temps of -20°F with wind chills of -40°F are common. Firefighting in that, especially with water, is physically demanding. You must be prepared for extreme conditions.

Q: How do I get on with the Dickinson Fire Department specifically?
A: Watch the City of Dickinson website’s "Employment" page like a hawk. They post announcements 2-3 times a year. You must pass all steps: written exam (often National Firefighter Selection Inventory), CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), panel interview, background check, and polygraph. Start training for the CPAT now.

Q: Is the salary enough for a family?
A: It’s tight. A single income at $55,920 is manageable for a single person or a couple without kids. For a family with children, you will likely need a second income or to live very frugally. The cost of childcare in Dickinson is significant and can be a major budget item. Many firefighter spouses work in healthcare (St. Alexius Medical Center), education, or government.