Firefighter in Jamestown, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Jamestown Stands

As a local, I can tell you that firefighting in Jamestown isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, but it offers a stable, middle-class living that feels solid in our part of North Dakota. The numbers back this up. Let's break down the data directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market knowledge.

The median salary for Firefighters in Jamestown is $55,920/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.88/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, but don't let that fool you. With Jamestown's cost of living index at 93.0 (well under the US average of 100), your paycheck stretches much further here than it would in most of the country.

The Jamestown metro area is tight-knit, with only 31 total firefighting jobs available. This isn't a sprawling metropolis, so moving here means you're likely looking at a role with the Jamestown Fire Department (JFD), which serves the city and surrounding rural areas. The 10-year job growth for this region is only 4%, which tells you this is a stable career path, not a booming one. You're not seeing rapid expansion, but you're also not facing layoffs. It's the classic North Dakota steady-as-she-goes approach.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our area. These are approximate ranges based on local contract negotiations and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Typical Jamestown Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (1-3 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Basic EMT duties, apparatus maintenance, initial fire response.
Mid-Career (4-10 years)	$55,000 - $62,000	Lead fire attack, advanced EMS protocols, training new hires.
Senior (10-20 years)	$62,000 - $70,000	Company officer (Lieutenant), specialist roles, shift command.
Expert/Command (20+ years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, or specialized training officer.

How does Jamestown compare to other ND cities?

• Fargo-Moorhead: The state's largest metro offers higher median salaries around $60,000 - $65,000, but the cost of living (especially rent) is significantly higher. More job openings (over 100 in the metro area) due to multiple departments (Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead).
• Bismarck-Mandan: State capital. Similar pay to Fargo, maybe a touch lower. Strong state-based opportunities. Rent is higher than Jamestown's.
• Grand Forks: Home to UND. Salaries are comparable to Jamestown, but with a larger student population and different call types (more structure fires in older housing stock).
• Minot: Similar size to Jamestown. Pay is in the $53,000 - $58,000 range. Slightly higher cost of living due to the Air Force base and oil boom spillover.

Jamestown sits in a sweet spot for those valuing affordability and a less hectic pace. You're not going to command the highest salary in the state, but your dollar goes further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's crunch the numbers for a firefighter earning the median $55,920/year. This is where Jamestown's affordability shines.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $55,920 / 12 = $4,660
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~22% = -$1,025 (This is a rough estimate; consult a tax pro).
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$3,635/month

Now, let's layer on expenses.

• Average 1BR Rent in Jamestown: $837/month (Zillow, Rentometer data). This is for a decent apartment in a safe neighborhood. You can find studio apartments for under $700, or a 2BR for around $1,000-$1,100.
• Utilities (Heat, Electric, Water): $150 - $250/month (Highly variable with North Dakota winters. Older apartments can be less efficient).
• Car Payment & Insurance: $400 - $600/month (Essential in Jamestown. Public transport is limited).
• Groceries: $350 - $450/month (For one person).
• Fuel: $100 - $200/month (Depending on commute and winter idling).
• Health Insurance (if not covered by the city): $200 - $400/month (This can vary widely. Many city employees have good plans).

A sample monthly budget for a single firefighter:

Expense Category	Low End Estimate	High End Estimate
Take-Home Pay	$3,635	$3,635
Rent (1BR)	-$837	-$837
Utilities	-$150	-$250
Car/Insurance	-$400	-$600
Groceries	-$350	-$450
Fuel	-$100	-$200
Health Insurance	-$200	-$400
Remaining	$1,598	$898

Insider Tip: The key here is the "Remaining" column. With a budget of $898 - $1,598 leftover each month, you have room for savings, retirement contributions, or discretionary spending. This is a comfortable margin in Jamestown.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Jamestown is roughly $180,000 - $220,000. Let's run the numbers on a $200,000 home with a 20% down payment ($40,000). This is a significant upfront cost, but achievable with disciplined saving over 3-5 years.

• Mortgage (Principal & Interest, 30-yr, 7% rate): ~$1,065/month
• Property Taxes (ND avg ~1.2%): ~$200/month
• Homeowners Insurance: ~$100/month
• Total Mortgage Payment: ~$1,365/month

Compare that to the $837/month rent. While a mortgage is more expensive, you're building equity. A firefighter at the median salary can comfortably afford this home, especially if they have a partner with an income. Many firefighters here do own homes, often in the $150,000 - $250,000 range.

Where the Jobs Are: Jamestown's Major Employers

Jamestown is a small city, so the employer list for firefighters is straightforward. The vast majority of primary employer opportunities are with the city itself.

1. Jamestown Fire Department (JFD): This is the primary employer. JFD operates from one main station (Station 1 on 1st Ave N) and a smaller satellite station (Station 2 on 5th Ave NW). They cover the city and provide mutual aid to Stutsman County and surrounding rural fire districts. They run a paid on-call model alongside career firefighters.
2. Stutsman County Sheriff's Office / County Fire: While primarily law enforcement, the county sheriff's deputies are often cross-trained as firefighters/EMTs for rural calls. There can be opportunities for part-time or on-call roles here, especially if you live outside the city limits.
3. Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC): The primary hospital for the area. While not a firefighter employer, EMS is a huge part of the job. JFD has a formal EMS contract with JRMC. Understanding their protocols and building a good relationship with their ER staff is crucial for career success.
4. North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) - Jamestown Campus: They offer a Fire Science program. While not an employer, it's a key hub for training and networking. Many JFD firefighters teach adjunct courses here.
5. Rural Fire Districts: Rural districts like Kensal, Courtenay, or Ypsilanti are often volunteer or paid on-call and may offer a stipend. These are great for gaining experience while waiting for a full-time spot with JFD or for supplemental income.
6. Jamestown College (University of Jamestown): Their athletic events and campus require fire safety oversight. JFD provides coverage, and there can be opportunities for part-time event safety roles or campus security cross-training.
7. Local Industries (Agri-Processing & Manufacturing): Companies like Dakota Growers Pasta (now part of a larger conglomerate) or John Deere (agricultural electronics) have on-site safety teams. These roles are rare, but they value firefighting/EMS experience for industrial safety specialist positions.

Hiring Trends: Hiring at JFD is slow and competitive. They typically post openings every 1-2 years when someone retires. The process is rigorous: written exam, physical ability test, oral board, background check, medical exam, and a psychological evaluation. Insider Tip: Getting on as a paid on-call firefighter with JFD or a rural district is the single best way to get your foot in the door. It builds local connections and proves your commitment to the community.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has clear, state-mandated requirements. You cannot work as a career firefighter here without meeting these.

1. Firefighter Certification:

• Authority: North Dakota Firefighters Association (NDFFA) and the North Dakota State Fire Marshal.
• Requirement: You must complete a state-approved Firefighter I (FFI) and Firefighter II (FFII) course. The most common provider is the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Jamestown. Their program is accredited and highly respected.
• Cost: The full FFI/FFII course can cost between $2,000 and $3,500, depending on materials. Some employers may reimburse part of this cost. For JFD, they often hire candidates who are already certified or will sponsor them through training.
• Timeline: The course is typically a condensed 6-8 week program, often held in the summer. You must also pass the state certification exam.

2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License:

• Authority: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.
• Requirement: Most North Dakota fire departments require EMT-Basic (EMT-B) or EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) certification. JFD requires EMT-B at a minimum. You must complete an accredited EMT-B course (often 6-8 months) and pass the NREMT exam, then get licensed in ND.
• Cost: EMT-B course tuition is typically $1,200 - $2,500. The NREMT exam fee is $250, and the ND state license fee is minimal.
• Timeline: 6-8 months for the course, plus study time for the exam. The state license is valid for 2 years and requires continuing education.

3. Physical Fitness Standards:

• JFD uses the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) or a local equivalent. This is a pass/fail test involving a stair climb, drag, hose pull, and other fireground tasks. You must train for this specifically. Insider Tip: Start training months in advance. The CPAT is brutal if you're unprepared.

4. Driver's License:

• A valid North Dakota Class D driver's license is required. You will need to obtain this upon moving. You may also need to complete a commercial driver's license (CDL) training course for driving fire apparatus, which JFD will typically provide once hired.

Total Initial Licensing Cost (if paying out-of-pocket): $3,200 - $6,000 for FFI/FFII and EMT-B. This is a significant investment, but it's the ticket to the career in North Dakota.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Jamestown is a city of distinct neighborhoods. When choosing where to live, consider your commute to Station 1 (downtown), your lifestyle, and your budget.

1. North Hill / College Town:

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Station 1.
   • Vibe: Collegiate, youthful, and affordable. Home to the University of Jamestown. You'll find older, smaller houses and duplexes converted into student housing. It's quiet during the summer.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $850/month for a 1BR apartment or studio. A 2BR house can be $900 - $1,100.
   • Best For: Single firefighters, young couples, those who want a short commute and a lively (but not loud) atmosphere.

2. Jamestown Heights / Southwest:

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Station 1.
   • Vibe: Family-oriented, established, and stable. This is where many teachers, nurses, and city workers live. You'll find 1950s-70s ranch-style homes on quiet streets. It's safe, with good access to parks and schools.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month for a 1-2BR apartment. Renting a small house is common here, running $1,100 - $1,400.
   • Best For: Firefighters with families, those seeking a suburban feel with a short drive to work.

3. Downtown / Historic District:

   • Commute: Walking distance or 2 minutes to Station 1.
   • Vibe: Urban, charming, and walkable. You're in the heart of the action near the Stutsman County Courthouse, the Arts Center, and local shops. Housing is a mix of historic apartments above storefronts and older homes.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $950/month for an apartment. Parking can be a challenge in winter.
   • Best For: Those who want to be in the center of everything, enjoy walkability, and don't mind the quirks of an older building.

4. East Side / Industrial Park Area:

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Station 1.
   • Vibe: More industrial and working-class. Close to the Jamestown Regional Airport and some manufacturing plants. Housing is more affordable but can be less updated. It's a no-frills, practical area.
   • Rent Estimate: $600 - $750/month for a 1BR apartment. $750 - $900 for a 2BR.
   • Best For: Firefighters on a tight budget, those who prioritize saving money over neighborhood aesthetics.

5. Outlying Rural Areas (e.g., Spiritwood, Buchanan):

   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Station 1.
   • Vibe: Rural, quiet, and spacious. You get more land for your money. Many firefighters live here and work in the rural fire districts as paid on-call to supplement their income.
   • Rent/Mortgage: While rent is less common, you can rent a small house for $800 - $1,000. Home buying is a better option here, with prices in the $150,000 - $250,000 range for a decent older home on 1-2 acres.
   • Best For: Those who want country living, don't mind a longer commute, and are interested in rural fire service.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career progression in Jamestown is tied to the department's hierarchy and your willingness to specialize. Growth is limited due to the small size of the department (about 20-25 career firefighters), but it's predictable.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• EMT-Intermediate/Paramedic: This is the most common path for advancement. JFD often pays a monthly premium for advanced certifications (e.g., an extra $100 - $200/month for EMT-I). Becoming a paramedic ($65,000 - $75,000/year base) is a significant pay bump and opens doors to shift supervisor roles.
• Fire Inspector/Investigator: Requires additional state certification. This moves you out of the daily firefighting grind and into code enforcement and post-fire inspection. Pay is similar to a senior firefighter, but with a more regular schedule.
• Training Officer: A senior firefighter (or Lieutenant) who takes on the training role for the department. This is a command-track position.
• Officer Promotion (Lieutenant to Captain to Battalion Chief): This is the standard advancement path. It's based on seniority, exam scores, and demonstrated leadership. A Lieutenant at JFD might earn $65,000 - $72,000, a Captain