Firefighter in Williston, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

If you're checking the pulse of the firefighter job market in Williston, the first thing you need to know is that the numbers here are a mixed bag, but they can be manageable if you understand the local context. Let's get right to the data.

The median salary for a firefighter in the Williston metro area is $55,920/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.88/hour. That's slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, but the real story is in the cost of living. Williston is 7% cheaper than the U.S. average, with a cost of living index of 93.0 (US avg = 100). This means that $55,920 in Williston often feels like more than $57,120 in many other parts of the country. The Williston metro population is 27,964, and there are currently only about 55 jobs in the metro area, with a modest 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't a booming market, so you need to be strategic.

Let's break down experience levels. It's important to note that these are estimates based on regional data and local department structures. Entry-level firefighters often start on a probationary period, while senior roles come with years of service and often additional certifications like EMT or Paramedic.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Williston)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$48,000 - $52,000	Probationary firefighter, EMT-Basic, basic suppression duties.
Mid-Career	$53,000 - $60,000	Firefighter/EMT, specialized training (e.g., hazmat ops), crew lead.
Senior	$61,000 - $75,000	Senior Firefighter/Paramedic, driver/operator, training officer.
Expert/Command	$75,000+	Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief (requires extensive experience & education).

Compared to other North Dakota cities, Williston's salary is competitive. Bismarck and Fargo may have slightly higher median salaries (around $58,000-$59,000), but their cost of living is also higher, especially for housing. Minot, a smaller city, often has salaries very similar to Williston. The key advantage in Williston is the lower rent, which we'll get into next. Insider Tip: The real earning power often comes from overtime and special duty pay, which can add 10-20% to your base salary, especially during peak summer fire season or for events like the Williston Basin Petroleum Expo.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $55,920 sounds modest, but in Williston, it can go further than you think. Let's run the numbers for a single person with no dependents, using simple estimates for taxes (federal, state, FICA). This is a rough calculation, not financial advice.

• Gross Annual Salary: $55,920
• Estimated Monthly Gross: $4,660
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (22-25% effective rate): ~$1,050
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,610

Now, the biggest expense: rent. The average 1-bedroom rent in Williston is $837/month. That's remarkably low for a city with its economic profile. Let's build a sample monthly budget for a single firefighter.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$837	Can vary by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150	Williston's climate affects heating/cooling costs.
Groceries	$350	Basic, cook-at-home budget.
Transportation	$300	Car payment, insurance, gas. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies by department plan.
Retirement Savings (IRA/401k)	$300	Start early, even if small.
Discretionary/Other	$400	Dining out, entertainment, gear.
TOTAL	$2,587
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	~$1,023	Leftover for savings, student loans, etc.

This budget is tight but doable. The $1,023 surplus is significant for debt repayment or building an emergency fund. The real question is homeownership.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Williston has fluctuated with the oil industry but is relatively affordable compared to national averages, often hovering around $250,000-$300,000. With a take-home pay of ~$3,610, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,500-$1,700 for a $275,000 home with a standard down payment. That's 41-47% of your take-home pay, which is high but not impossible, especially with a dual-income household or after a few years of service and pay increases. Personal Insight: Many local firefighters are homeowners, often starting with smaller homes in established neighborhoods or newer builds on the city's outskirts. Patience is key—wait for stability in your career before taking on a mortgage.

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Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

The job market for firefighters in Williston is small but stable. There are only 55 jobs in the metro, so competition can be fierce for openings. The primary employer is the city itself, but there are other avenues.

1. Williston Fire Department (City of Williston): The largest employer. They operate five stations: Station 1 (Downtown), Station 2 (East Williston), Station 3 (West Williston), Station 4 (North of town, near the airport), and Station 5 (South, near the rail lines). They handle all EMS calls, fire suppression, and rescue. Hiring is typically done through the city's HR department, and they often run competitive civil service exams. Hiring Trend: Steady. They replace retirees but aren't expanding rapidly. They value EMT and Paramedic certifications heavily.

2. Williams County Fire Department / Emergency Services: Covers the areas outside the Williston city limits. They have several volunteer and paid-on-call positions, which can be a great foot in the door. Some full-time roles exist, especially for night shifts. Hiring Trend: Moderate growth as the county population slowly increases.

3. Essentia Health Williston: While not a fire department, the hospital's ER and EMS coordination often leads to partnerships. Some paramedics work dual roles or provide critical care transport. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a need for skilled paramedics.

4. Sanford Health Williston: Similar to Essentia, a major healthcare provider. They have urgent care and emergency services. They sometimes seeks EMTs/paramedics for clinic security or patient transport roles. Hiring Trend: Stable.

5. Private Industrial Safety (Oil & Gas): Companies like EOG Resources, XTO Energy, and pipeline contractors have safety personnel. These are not traditional firefighter roles but often require firefighting and emergency response training. Pay can be higher but is tied to the volatile oil industry. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, booming with oil prices, down during slumps.

6. Williston State College: They offer EMT and Paramedic programs. While not a primary employer, they are a critical pipeline for training. Hiring Trend: Consistent.

7. Williston-Basin International Airport (XWA): Has its own fire/rescue crew, which is a specialized and competitive role. Requires additional aviation fire training. Hiring Trend: Stable.

Insider Tip: The best route is often to get your EMT license first, apply for paid-on-call with Williams County, and then take the city exam when it opens. Networking at the Williston Fire Department's open houses or community events is crucial.

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Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has a clear but demanding path to becoming a certified firefighter. The state adheres to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

1. Minimum Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and possess a valid driver's license. A clean criminal background check is mandatory.
2. Firefighter I & II Certification: This is the core. You must complete a state-approved training academy. The Williston State College and Bismarck State College are the primary providers. The program is approximately 200-300 hours, covering everything from hose lays to vehicle extrication. Tuition can range from $2,500 to $5,000, plus fees for gear (firefighter boots, helmet, etc.). Some departments may sponsor you if you're hired, but you often need the certification to get hired.
3. EMT-Basic (EMT-B) License: Almost all departments in ND require EMT-B. In Williston, you’ll be dual-role: firefighter and EMT. The course is ~180 hours and can be taken concurrently or after Firefighter I/II. Cost: $1,200 - $2,000. You must pass the National Registry EMT exam.
4. Paramedic License (Optional but Recommended): For advancement to senior roles or command, a Paramedic license is a huge advantage. This is an additional 1,200+ hours of training and is a significant investment ($8,000 - $15,000). Williston State College offers this program.
5. Physical Fitness Test: You must pass a CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) or similar. It's rigorous—practice for it. Many local gyms in Williston have firefighters training for it.
6. Certification: After training, you apply for certification through the North Dakota Firefighters Association (NDFFA) - Training Division. There are exam fees, but the bulk of the cost is in the training itself.

Timeline: From zero to being job-ready (with EMT-B and Firefighter I/II) typically takes 6-12 months of full-time study. Starting in the spring and finishing by fall aligns with many department hiring cycles.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Career growth in Williston is not about rapid promotion; it's about building expertise and taking on specialized roles. The 10-year job growth of 4% means openings are slow, so you must be patient and strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: These are small bumps in pay for additional certifications. In Williston, you can expect:
  • EMT-B Premium: ~$0.50-$1.00/hour.
  • Paramedic Premium: ~$2.00-$3.50/hour (a significant boost).
  • Driver/Operator (Engine/Pumper): Requires additional training and offers a premium.
  • Hazmat Technician/Investigator: Highly valued, especially in an industrial area.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is Firefighter → Engineer (Driver) → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires time in service, exam scores, and leadership training. Williston Fire Department typically follows this structure.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but not explosive. The city's economy is diversifying beyond oil, which should support steady population growth. The 4% growth translates to a handful of openings per year, mostly from retirements. Fire departments are public entities, so budgets are tight. Your best bet for career advancement is to specialize in areas where the department has gaps, like aquatic rescue (given the nearby Missouri River) or technical rescue for agricultural incidents.

Insider Tip: Volunteer or paid-on-call time in rural areas around Williston counts for seniority and experience. It's a common path for those waiting for a full-time spot.

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The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

Pros for a Firefighter	Cons for a Firefighter
Lower Cost of Living: Rent and housing are very affordable.	Small Job Market: Only 55 jobs, slow growth (4%).
Manageable Commute: City is easy to navigate; stations are well-placed.	Isolation: It's remote; long drives to major cities.
Diverse Call Volume: From structure fires to industrial incidents.	Harsh Winters: Extreme cold and snow can make firefighting more dangerous and physically taxing.
Strong Sense of Community: Fire service is tight-knit in ND.	Economic Dependence: Tied to oil industry volatility.
Clear Career Path: Structured hierarchy for advancement.	Limited Entertainment: Fewer cultural/nightlife options.

Final Recommendation:
Williston is an excellent choice for a firefighter who is budget-conscious, values a tight-knit community, and is patient with career growth. It's ideal for those starting out who can live on a modest salary while building experience, or for senior firefighters looking to stretch their pension. It is not the place for someone seeking rapid promotion, a bustling urban environment, or who is deeply concerned about the isolation of the northern plains. If you're willing to get your EMT license, apply for paid-on-call roles, and be patient, Williston offers a stable, affordable life in fire service.

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FAQs

1. Is it easy to get hired at the Williston Fire Department?
It's competitive due to the small number of openings. You need to be at the top of the applicant list, which means scoring high on the civil service exam, having EMT-B at a minimum, and passing a rigorous physical and interview. Having local ties or prior volunteer experience in the area can help.

2. What is the call volume like?
Williston Fire runs a mix of calls. You'll respond to structure fires, medical emergencies (the majority), motor vehicle accidents, and occasional industrial or agricultural incidents. The volume is moderate compared to big cities, allowing for good training and crew bonding time.

3. Do I need to know how to drive a fire truck?
Not initially. You'll start as a firefighter. To become a Driver/Engineer, you need to pass a specific state certification exam after gaining experience. It's a highly sought-after promotion.

4. How do winters affect the job?
Significantly. You must be prepared to work in temperatures as low as -30°F with wind chills. Firefighting is more hazardous due to frozen water and equipment, and hypothermia is a constant risk. You'll need high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) and excellent physical conditioning.

5. Is there a union?
Yes, Williston firefighters are represented by a union, which affects pay, benefits, and working conditions. It's important to understand their contract and benefits package during the hiring process.