Firefighter in Mandan, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Mandan Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you're budgeting for a move. For a Firefighter in the Mandan, ND metro area, the median salary is $55,337 per year. On an hourly basis, that breaks down to $26.6 per hour. It’s important to contextualize this figure. Nationally, the average salary for firefighters is slightly higher at $57,120 per year. So, while Mandan pays a bit below the national average, the local cost of living makes that paycheck go much further, a point we'll dive into later.

The job market itself is stable but limited in size. The Mandan metro area has roughly 48 jobs in this field. This isn't a bustling metropolis with dozens of departments, so competition for openings can be steady. However, the 10-year job growth projection is a modest 4%. This indicates a stable, predictable market rather than one experiencing explosive growth. New hires typically come from retirements or departures, not massive expansion projects.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for the region. These are generalized estimates based on local and state data patterns, reflecting the progression you'd see within a department like the Mandan Fire Department or nearby rural districts.

Experience Level	Years of Service	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level / Firefighter I	0-3 years	$48,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level / Firefighter II	4-8 years	$53,000 - $58,000
Senior / Engineer	9-15 years	$59,000 - $65,000
Expert / Captain/Deputy Chief	16+ years	$66,000 - $75,000+

Compared to other North Dakota cities, Mandan sits in a middle ground. Bismarck, its immediate neighbor and the state capital, often has slightly higher pay scales due to a larger city budget and more specialized units, but the cost of living is also higher. Fargo, the state's largest city and economic hub, typically offers the highest salaries for professional firefighters, often exceeding $60,000 for experienced personnel, but with a much more competitive job market and higher housing costs. In contrast, smaller rural towns in western ND may offer lower base salaries but sometimes include housing allowances or other incentives for live-in firefighters.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $55,337 seems solid, but the real story is in the take-home pay after the essentials. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single firefighter earning the area median.

First, taxes. Assuming you're a single filer with standard deductions (this is a general estimate; consult a tax professional), your take-home pay would be approximately $3,400 to $3,500 per month. This is after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax (North Dakota has a progressive tax rate, but it's relatively low).

Now, housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mandan is $806/month. This is a key advantage. Mandan's Cost of Living Index is 89.6, meaning it's over 10% cheaper than the national average (100). Your paycheck stretches further here than in most places.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single firefighter at the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,450	After taxes, based on $55,337 salary
Rent (1BR)	$806	Citywide average; can vary
Utilities	$150	Electricity, heat, water, internet (highly variable in winter)
Groceries	$400	Single person, moderate spending
Transportation	$300	Gas, insurance, maintenance (owning a car is essential)
Health Insurance	$200	If not fully covered by employer (varies by department)
Retirement/Savings	$300	Important to contribute, especially to deferred comp
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$300	Eating out, hobbies, personal items
Remaining Buffer	$394	For unexpected expenses or extra savings

Insider Tip: Winter heating bills can spike. An older apartment might have higher utility costs. Always ask about average heating costs when apartment hunting. Many newer buildings are more energy-efficient.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of over $3,400 and an average mortgage payment for a modest home in the area often being comparable to or less than rent (especially with a good down payment), homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in Bismarck-Mandan is around $300,000, but you can find smaller homes or older properties in Mandan itself for closer to $200,000 - $250,000. A $220,000 home with a 20% down payment ($44,000) would have a principal and interest payment of roughly $1,100 (depending on interest rates), plus taxes and insurance. This is very manageable on the median firefighter salary, especially if you have a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Mandan's Major Employers

The firefighter job market in Mandan is centered around a few key public employers. The 48 jobs in the metro are mostly concentrated in the following entities:

1. Mandan Fire Department: The primary employer. A professional, full-service department serving the city of Mandan. They handle structure fires, medical calls (as first responders), vehicle accidents, and other emergencies. They operate several stations across the city. This is where the majority of career firefighter positions are located.
2. Burleigh County Fire Department: This department covers areas outside the Mandan city limits but within Burleigh County, including rural areas and some suburbs. They often have a mix of volunteer and paid-on-call (POC) firefighters, but they also hire for some full-time positions, especially for their station leadership and specialized roles.
3. Bismarck Fire Department: While located just across the river in Bismarck, it's a major employer for the entire metro area. Many Mandan residents commute to Bismarck for work. The Bismarck FD is a larger, more complex department with more opportunities for specialization (Hazmat, Technical Rescue, etc.). The commute is short, typically 15-20 minutes.
4. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park / North Dakota Parks & Recreation: This historic park near Mandan occasionally has positions for firefighters or emergency response personnel, particularly during peak fire season or for special events. It's a niche but potential opportunity.
5. Federal Agencies (US Forest Service, BLM): While not directly in Mandan, the region has federal lands. During summer fire season, there are temporary firefighting positions with federal agencies that may have bases within a reasonable commute. These are often seasonal but can be a foot in the door.
6. Private Industrial Fire Brigades: Some large industrial facilities in the region (e.g., in the energy or manufacturing sectors) maintain their own fire brigades. These positions are rare and highly specialized, usually requiring prior experience.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is typically tied to retirements. The 4% job growth reflects this. Departments often host promotional exams and hire from within. For external candidates, being flexible to apply to both Mandan and Bismarck FDs is key. Having your North Dakota EMT-B certification is almost a non-negotiable requirement, as most departments expect it for initial hiring.

Getting Licensed in ND

To work as a firefighter in North Dakota, you need specific state certifications. It's a two-part requirement: firefighter certification and, usually, EMT certification.

1. Firefighter Certification (NDFFC):

• Requirements: You must complete a state-approved Firefighter I & II certification program. This typically involves a combination of coursework and practical skills training.
• Costs: Tuition for a community college program (like at Bismarck State College, which is the primary provider for the region) can range from $3,000 to $5,000 for the full program, not including books and gear. Some departments may sponsor new hires for this training.
• Agency: The certification is administered through the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (DES).
• Timeline: A full-time academy can take 4-6 months. Part-time or evening programs may take 12-18 months to complete.

2. EMT-B Certification:

• Requirements: Almost all career departments in ND require EMT-Basic licensure. You must complete an EMT-B course and pass the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam.
• Costs: Courses typically cost $1,000 - $1,500.
• Agency: The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Emergency Medical Services, oversees this.
• Timeline: EMT-B courses are usually 1 semester (about 4-5 months).

The Pathway:

1. Get your EMT-B first. It's a shorter, less expensive commitment and is a prerequisite for many jobs.
2. Enroll in a Firefighter I/II program. Bismarck State College is the most logical choice for Mandan/Bismarck area candidates.
3. Apply for jobs. Many departments will hire you as a "firefighter/EMT" and may even help you through the training process. Having both certifications upfront makes you a top candidate.
4. Pass the state certification exams. The DES will administer the practical and written exams for firefighter certification.

Insider Tip: The Bismarck State College program is highly regarded and is the standard for the region. Making connections with instructors there, who often have ties to local departments, can be invaluable.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Mandan is a community-oriented city with distinct neighborhoods. Commute times are generally short, but lifestyle preferences vary.

1. East Mandan (Near Mandan High School):

   • Vibe: Established, family-friendly, quiet. Close to parks and schools. This is the "classic" Mandan residential area.
   • Commute to Station 1 (Downtown): 5-10 minutes.
   • Average Rent (1BR): $750 - $850.
   • Best For: Those looking for a stable, affordable neighborhood with a strong community feel.

2. West Mandan (Near the Mandan Community Center):

   • Vibe: Growing, with newer developments and more modern amenities. Close to shopping centers and restaurants.
   • Commute to Station 1: 5-15 minutes.
   • Average Rent (1BR): $800 - $950 (slightly higher for newer buildings).
   • Best For: Those who want newer housing stock and easy access to retail and services.

3. Downtown/Riverfront Area:

   • Vibe: Historic, with a mix of older apartments, townhomes, and a burgeoning scene of local bars and restaurants. The Mandan Fire Department headquarters is here.
   • Commute to Station 1: Walk or 2-3 minute drive.
   • Average Rent (1BR): $700 - $900 (varies widely by building age).
   • Best For: Younger professionals who want to be in the heart of the action and minimize commute. Insider Tip: Parking can be limited in some downtown areas.

4. South Mandan (Near the Airport):

   • Vibe: More open, with some newer subdivisions and easy access to Highway 10 for commuting to Bismarck.
   • Commute to Station 1: 10-15 minutes.
   • Average Rent (1BR): $775 - $875.
   • Best For: Those who work for a county or federal department and might have a slightly longer commute to rural stations or who are commuting to Bismarck.

5. Rural Fringe (e.g., Near Ft. Lincoln):

   • Vibe: Very quiet, with more space and larger lots. You'll need to drive for most amenities.
   • Commute to Station 1: 15-20 minutes.
   • Average Rent (1BR): Hard to find; more likely to find a small house or trailer to rent for $600 - $800.
   • Best For: Those who prioritize space and quiet over convenience. Not ideal for someone without reliable transportation.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career advancement in Mandan follows a structured path, with opportunities for specialization that come with pay increases.

• Specialty Premiums: The Mandan Fire Department and Bismarck FD offer differential pay for holding advanced certifications. You can expect a 5-10% base pay increase for obtaining:
  • EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic: Highly valuable, as medical calls are a huge portion of the workload.
  • Technical Rescue Technician (Rope, Confined Space, Trench, etc.).
  • Hazmat Operations/Technician.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator certification.
• Promotion Paths: The standard path is Firefighter -> Engineer (driving/operating apparatus) -> Captain (company officer) -> Battalion Chief (shift commander). Each promotion comes with a significant pay bump and increased responsibility.
• 10-Year Outlook (Based on 4% Growth): Over the next decade, the outlook is stable but slow-paced. Expect gradual turnover due to retirements. The biggest growth opportunities will be in specialized roles—paramedics, fire prevention officers, and training officers will be in higher demand as departments focus on community risk reduction and efficiency. There will likely be 1-2 new openings per year in the Mandan area, with slightly more in the larger Bismarck FD. Building a strong reputation, pursuing advanced certifications, and networking within the local fire service community are the keys to long-term growth.

The Verdict: Is Mandan Right for You?

Pros (The Advantages)	Cons (The Considerations)
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $55,337 salary goes much further, with rent at $806 on average.	Limited Job Market: Only 48 jobs in the metro; you may need to commute to Bismarck or be patient for openings.
Stable, Predictable Employment: Government jobs with good benefits, pensions, and job security.	Slower Career Growth: The 4% growth rate means advancement is often based on seniority and retirements, not rapid expansion.
Strong Community Feel: Mandan is known for its tight-knit neighborhoods and community events.	Harsh Winters: North Dakota winters are long, cold, and snowy, adding physical and mental challenges to the job.
Short Commutes: A 15-minute commute is considered long in Mandan.	Limited Specialization: Compared to a major metro, you may have fewer opportunities for niche specialties (e.g., urban search and rescue, ARFF).
Outdoor Recreation: Proximity to the Missouri River, lakes, and hunting grounds.	Weather-Related Risks: The job can be physically demanding in extreme cold, requiring specialized gear and training.

Final Recommendation:
Mandan is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values stability, affordability, and community over high salary and rapid advancement. It's ideal for someone starting a family, who wants a manageable cost of living, and doesn't mind a "slow and steady" career pace. The proximity to Bismarck for entertainment and additional job opportunities is a major plus. If you are seeking a dynamic, fast-paced fire service with endless specialized units, a larger city like Fargo or a major coastal city might be a better fit. However, for a quality of life that balances a rewarding public service career with a comfortable, affordable lifestyle, Mandan is a standout option.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a North Dakota resident to apply?
No, you do not need to be a resident. However, you must have the required certifications (ND FF I/II, EMT-B) or be enrolled in a program. Out-of-state applicants should expect to attend any required testing and interviews in person.

2. How competitive are the hiring processes for Mandan FD and Bismarck FD?
They are moderately competitive. Having your state certifications, EMT-B, and a clean driving record is the baseline. Departments give strong preference to candidates with local connections (e.g., who've done ride-alongs or volunteer work) and who perform well in the written exam and physical ability test. It's not uncommon for applicants to test for several years before being hired.

3. What is the cost of living like compared to a national average?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.6, Mandan is about 10.4% cheaper than the U.S. average. This is primarily driven by housing costs. Groceries and utilities are also slightly below average, while transportation and healthcare are close to the national average. Your $55,337 salary will feel more like $60,000+ in a national-average city.

4. Are there volunteer opportunities to get my foot in the door?
Yes. The Burleigh County Fire Department and some smaller rural departments in the area rely heavily on paid-on-call (POC) firefighters. This is an excellent way to gain