Firefighter in Wahpeton, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Wahpeton Stands

As a career analyst who’s watched the local market for years, I can tell you that firefighting in Wahpeton isn’t a path to riches, but it’s a stable, community-focused career with a lower cost of living that makes the math work. The median salary for firefighters here is $55,920/year, or $26.88/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, but in a city with a Cost of Living Index of 93.0 (where the US average is 100), that salary stretches further than it would in most metro areas.

Wahpeton operates in a small, rural context. The metro population is just 7,996, which translates to only 15 firefighting jobs in the entire metro area. This means competition is low, but so is turnover. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is modest but positive, indicating steady demand for replacements as current firefighters retire.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically progress for firefighters in the region, based on local department structures and state data:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (FF I/Probationary)	$42,000 - $48,000	Starting pay after academy and probation. Often includes EMT-B certification.
Mid-Career (FF II/Driver-Operator)	$52,000 - $60,000	Requires additional certifications (e.g., EMT-A, Driver-Operator). Meets median.
Senior (Lieutenant)	$62,000 - $72,000	Leadership role with shift supervision duties. Requires experience and testing.
Expert (Fire Captain/Chief)	$75,000+	Administrative and command roles. Limited openings; highly competitive.

Comparison to Other ND Cities

Wahpeton’s salary sits in the middle of the pack for North Dakota. Here’s how it stacks up:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Notes
Wahpeton, ND	$55,920	93.0	Lower COL, stable small-city market.
Fargo, ND	$58,500	95.5	Larger metro, more opportunities, slightly higher pay.
Bismarck, ND	$57,000	96.0	State capital, more government roles, similar COL.
Grand Forks, ND	$56,800	94.0	University town, steady demand, moderate pay.
Minot, ND	$54,200	98.5	Higher COL due to oil boom history, slightly lower pay.

Insider Tip: While Fargo pays slightly more, the cost of living difference is minimal. The real advantage in Wahpeton is the tight-knit community feel and the ability to live comfortably on a single income, which is harder in Fargo.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the real numbers for a firefighter earning the median salary of $55,920. We’ll use average 1BR rent of $837/month and typical tax rates for North Dakota.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross Monthly: ~$4,660)

• Federal Taxes (est. 12% bracket): -$559
• FICA (7.65%): -$356
• ND State Income Tax (est. 3.5%): -$163
• Health Insurance (est. employer contribution): -$200 (common for public sector)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,382

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1BR): -$837
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$180
• Car Payment/Insurance: -$350
• Groceries: -$400
• Personal/Entertainment: -$300
• Savings/Retirement (IRA/457b): -$500
• Remaining Buffer: ~$815

This leaves a healthy $800+ monthly buffer for unexpected expenses, home maintenance, or vacation savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is where Wahpeton shines for first responders. The median home price in Wahpeton is approximately $175,000. With a 20% down payment ($35,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~6.5%) would have a monthly payment of roughly $890 (including taxes and insurance). This is only about $50 more than the average rent, making homeownership very achievable on this salary.

Insider Tip: Many local firefighters buy homes within 2-3 years of starting, often in the Northside or Eastside neighborhoods where home prices are most affordable. The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency offers down payment assistance programs for public servants, which is a huge advantage.

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Where the Jobs Are: Wahpeton's Major Employers

In a city of this size, public-sector firefighting is the primary employer. The job market is dominated by a few key agencies.

1. Wahpeton Fire Department (WFD): The main employer, operating from Station 1 downtown and Station 2 on the east side. They run a combination of career and paid-on-call firefighters. Hiring is infrequent but transparent. They typically have 1-2 openings per year.
2. Breckenridge Fire Department (MN): Located just across the Red River, this Minnesota-based department often hires from the Wahpeton pool. The pay is comparable, but MN has different certification requirements.
3. Richland County Sheriff’s Office (ND): While not a fire department, they have a small fire/EMS unit for county areas outside the city limits. They occasionally cross-hire firefighters with EMT certifications.
4. North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS): The campus fire department is small but stable. They serve the college and surrounding areas. It’s a great entry-point for recent academy graduates.
5. Glynn’s Creek Fire Department (Rural): A volunteer-based department covering the rural areas southeast of Wahpeton. They offer paid-on-call opportunities, which is a common way to get local experience before a full-time spot opens up.
6. City of Wahpeton Parks & Recreation: Occasionally hires for seasonal fire-related roles (e.g., fire prevention education), but not a primary source of career firefighter jobs.

Hiring Trends: Turnover is low, so openings are created by retirements. The next wave is expected in 2025-2027 as several senior firefighters hit retirement age. The best way to get hired is to get your EMT-Basic license and apply for paid-on-call positions to build local experience and connections.

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Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has clear, but specific, requirements for professional firefighters.

Step-by-Step Licensing Process:

1. High School Diploma or GED: The minimum requirement.
2. EMT-B Certification: Most departments, including Wahpeton, require this before you even apply for a firefighter position. You can get this through NDSCS (in Wahpeton) or other approved programs. Cost: ~$1,200-$1,500 (including exam fees).
3. Firefighter I & II Certification: You must graduate from a state-certified Fire Academy. The North Dakota Firefighter Training Association (NDFTA) oversees this. The most common path is the NDSCS Fire Academy in Wahpeton—a 16-week intensive program. Cost: ~$2,500-$3,500 (often covered by a hiring department if you’re already employed as a paid-on-call).
4. State Certification Exam: After academy, you must pass the state written and practical exams. Cost: ~$200.
5. Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations: Often combined with FF I/II training. Cost: Included in academy.
6. Driver-Operator Certification: Required for promotion. Offered by the state or through department-specific training. Cost: ~$500-$1,000 if not employed.

Timeline: From starting EMT to being job-ready can take 9-18 months, depending on your path. A full-time firefighter with the city will often cover the academy costs if you commit to a paid-on-call role first.

Insider Tip: The NDSCS Fire Academy is your golden ticket. It’s right in town, has a stellar reputation, and local departments frequently recruit directly from its graduation classes. If you’re moving to Wahpeton, plan to enroll in the next academy cycle.

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Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Commuting in Wahpeton is a non-issue; you can cross town in under 10 minutes. Lifestyle, however, varies by area.

1. Northside: The heart of the city. Walking distance to downtown, shops, and the WFD Station 1. Most homes are older, affordable, and well-maintained. Rent (1BR): $750-$850. Best for: Those who want to be close to the action and have a short walk to work.
2. Eastside: More residential and family-oriented. Closer to the high school, parks, and the smaller Station 2. A mix of older homes and new developments. Rent (1BR): $800-$900. Best for: Firefighters with families or those seeking a quieter, suburban feel.
3. Southside: The most affordable area for buying a home. A bit farther from the core, but still only a 5-7 minute drive. More industrial, fewer amenities. Rent (1BR): $700-$800. Best for: First responders on a tight budget looking to buy a starter home soon.
4. Westside (Near NDSCS): Popular with students and younger professionals. Close to the college, which offers recreation and a vibrant social scene. Rent (1BR): $750-$850. Best for: Recent graduates from the NDSCS Fire Academy who want to stay connected to that network.
5. The “Country” Areas (Just Outside City Limits): Rural areas like Moorhead (MN) or Wyndmere offer lower property taxes and more space. Commute is 10-20 minutes. Home prices much lower, rent varies. Best for: Those who want a large yard, quiet nights, and don’t mind a short drive.

Insider Tip: If you’re hired by the Wahpeton FD, you’ll likely be assigned to either Station 1 (Northside) or Station 2 (Eastside). Living nearby isn’t mandatory, but it’s convenient for shift work and community engagement.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Career progression in Wahpeton is structured but slow due to the department’s small size.

Advancement Paths & Specialty Premiums:

• Driver-Operator (Engineer): A critical promotion. Requires additional training and certification. Pay bump: ~$5,000-$8,000 annually.
• Lieutenant: First-line supervisor. Must pass a rigorous testing process. Pay bump: ~$10,000-$15,000 above senior firefighter.
• Captain: Command officer for a shift or station. Highly coveted. Pay bump: ~$15,000+ above lieutenant.
• Fire Chief: The top administrative role. Often filled internally after long service. Salary can exceed $90,000.

Specialty Roles (with pay incentives):

• EMT-Paramedic: While not standard in Wahpeton, having a Paramedic license (additional 12-18 months of training, ~$8,000-$12,000 cost) makes you invaluable for medical calls. Some neighboring MN departments offer $5,000-$10,000/year premiums.
• Fire Inspector/Investigator: Requires additional state certification. Involves code enforcement and fire investigation. Premium: ~$3,000-$5,000.
• Hazmat Technician: Advanced certification for complex chemical incidents. Premium: ~$2,000-$4,000.

10-Year Outlook:

With 4% job growth, the market is stable but not booming. The key driver will be retirements. Over the next decade, expect 3-5 openings in the Wahpeton metro. The best strategy is to get in early as a paid-on-call, gain experience, obtain your EMT-A or Paramedic license, and be ready to apply for a full-time spot when it opens. Cross-border opportunities in Minnesota (Breckenridge, etc.) provide additional options.

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The Verdict: Is Wahpeton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $55,920 salary goes much further here.	Very Limited Job Market: Only 15 jobs in the metro. You must be patient.
Achievable Homeownership: Buy a home within 2-3 years on a firefighter’s salary.	Modest Growth: Only 4% growth over 10 years; fewer advancement tiers.
Strong Community: Tight-knit departments; you’re a local hero, not just an employee.	Isolation: Limited big-city amenities, nightlife, or professional sports.
Excellent Training: NDSCS Fire Academy is a top-notch, local resource.	Weather: Harsh winters with heavy snow and extreme cold.
Cross-Border Opportunities: Easy commute to MN departments for more variety.	Smaller Department: Fewer specialty roles (e.g., no full-time hazmat, dive team).

Final Recommendation:

Wahpeton is an excellent choice for firefighters who prioritize community, affordability, and stability over rapid advancement or a bustling city life. It’s ideal for:

• New firefighters willing to start as paid-on-call to get their foot in the door.
• Couples or families where a single income can comfortably support a household and home purchase.
• Those seeking a slower pace of life with a strong sense of belonging.

It’s likely NOT the best fit for firefighters seeking high salaries, fast promotions, diverse specialty teams, or a vibrant urban nightlife. If your goal is to climb the ladder quickly in a large, complex department, you’d be better served in Fargo or Minneapolis.

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FAQs

1. How competitive is the hiring process for the Wahpeton Fire Department?
Given the small size (15 jobs), it’s not overly competitive in terms of applicant volume, but the bar is high. Most successful candidates have already completed the NDSCS Fire Academy and have EMT-B certification. Getting hired as a paid-on-call first is almost a prerequisite.

2. Can I live in Minnesota and work as a firefighter in Wahpeton, ND?
Yes, you can. Cross-border commuting is common (e.g., living in Breckenridge, MN, working in Wahpeton, ND). However, you must meet North Dakota’s certification requirements. Some departments, like Breckenridge, may require their own specific training, even if you’re ND-certified.

3. What’s the typical schedule for a Wahpeton firefighter?
Most career departments in ND use a 24-hours on, 48-hours off schedule (sometimes called a “48/96” or similar). This is standard for small cities and allows for a better work-life balance compared to traditional shifts. Paid-on-call firefighters are called in as needed for incidents.

4. Is the cost of living really 93.0? What does that mean for my budget?
Yes, according to state and BLS data. A Cost of Living Index of 93.0 means Wahpeton is 7% below the US average. For a firefighter earning $55,920, this is equivalent to making ~$60,150 in an average-cost US city. Your biggest savings will be on housing and utilities.

5. What’s the first step if I’m moving to Wahpeton to become a firefighter?
Enroll in the NDSCS Fire Academy or an EMT program immediately. Contact the Wahpeton Fire Department to express interest in their paid-on-call program. This shows initiative and helps you build local connections. The city also has affordable apartment complexes, so you can secure housing while in training.