Human Resources Specialist in Williston, ND

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Human Resources Specialists considering a move to Williston, North Dakota.

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The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the salary for a Human Resources Specialist in Williston is a study in regional contrasts. While the city’s economy is heavily tied to the energy sector, which can be volatile, the stability of HR roles in essential services like healthcare and education creates a solid baseline. According to the most recent data, the median salary for an HR Specialist here is $66,229/year, which breaks down to approximately $31.84/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $67,650/year, but the story isn't complete without looking at the cost of living.

When you compare this to other North Dakota cities, Williston sits in a unique middle ground. It’s not as high-paying as the state capital, Bismarck, or the major hub of Fargo, where larger corporate headquarters and financial institutions push salaries higher. However, it’s also not as low as some of the state’s smaller agricultural towns. The trade-off is the local economy’s unique driver: the Bakken oil fields. This means HR professionals here often work in industries with specific, high-stakes compliance needs, which can be a valuable niche.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level, based on aggregated local job postings and industry standards.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$48,000 - $55,000	Benefits administration, basic employee records, assisting with onboarding.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$62,000 - $72,000	Full-cycle recruiting, handling employee relations, managing compliance (OSHA, FMLA), initial training programs.
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	Strategic HR planning, leading talent acquisition, complex labor relations, policy development, supervising junior staff.
Expert/Manager (12+ yrs)	$90,000+	HR Director, VP of HR. Oversees entire department, budget management, long-term workforce strategy, executive partnership.

Comparison to Other ND Cities

While Bismarck and Fargo offer slightly higher top-end salaries, the cost of living in Williston is significantly lower. The Cost of Living Index is 93.0 (compared to a US average of 100), meaning your dollar stretches further here than in many other metro areas. This often offsets the marginal salary difference you might see in larger cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $66,229/year sounds solid, but what does it mean for your day-to-day life? I'll break this down with a realistic monthly budget for a single person.

First, deductions:

• Federal Tax: Approximately $1,250/month (varies with withholdings)
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): ~$510/month
• State Tax (ND has progressive rates): ~$275/month
• Health Insurance (employer plan): ~$400/month (pre-tax)

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,300

Now, let's apply this to the local market. The average 1BR rent in Williston is $837/month. However, this is an average. I’ve seen 1BR apartments in older buildings closer to the core city for as low as $650, while newer complexes in areas like the Williston Square or near the Missouri River can push $1,100+. Let’s use a conservative $900/month for a decent place.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $3,300
• Rent (1BR): -$900
• Utilities (incl. internet): -$250 (electricity can be high in winter)
• Car Payment/Insurance: -$450 (car is a necessity here)
• Groceries: -$400
• Gas/Transport: -$150
• Misc/Entertainment/Savings: -$1,150

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Williston hovers around $250,000. With your monthly take-home and a median salary, you’re in a strong position to qualify for a mortgage. In fact, many HR professionals here choose to buy within 2-3 years of moving. The lower rent burden is a key advantage.

Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

Williston’s job market is a mix of energy, healthcare, and education. As an HR Specialist, you’ll find openings in these sectors. The job count in the metro area is 55 for HR roles, which means competition is moderate but the roles are stable. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Medical Center: The largest hospital in the region. They have a constant need for HR Generalists and Recruiters to manage their diverse staff of nurses, doctors, and support personnel. Hiring trend: Steady, with a recent focus on recruiting for specialized nursing roles.
2. Williston Public School District 1: With a growing student population, the district needs HR professionals to handle teacher and staff recruitment, certification, and union negotiations. Hiring trend: Consistent, tied to school year cycles and budget approvals.
3. City of Williston: The municipal government is a major employer. HR roles here are focused on public sector compliance, pension management, and public safety recruitment (police/fire). Hiring trend: Cyclical, often tied to city budget seasons.
4. Trinity Health (Minot-based, major regional presence): While their main campus is in Minot, Trinity operates several clinics in Williston. They often look for HR Business Partners to support their local healthcare operations. Hiring trend: Growing, especially with their recent expansions in western ND.
5. MTU Services (A Caterpillar Dealer): A key player in the equipment servicing for the energy and agricultural sectors. Their HR needs are focused on skilled technicians and administrative staff, offering a different angle on industrial recruitment. Hiring trend: Stable, with occasional spikes during high-demand periods for equipment.
6. Williston State College: The local community college. HR roles here are more specialized in academic hiring, faculty relations, and managing student employee programs. Hiring trend: Slow and steady, with positions rarely opening but offering great work-life balance.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not require a specific state license to work as a HR Generalist. However, professional certifications are highly valued and can significantly boost your earning potential.

• Key Certifications: The most recognized are the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or SHRM-CP (SHRM Certified Professional). These are national certifications administered by HRCI and SHRM, respectively.
• Costs: Exam fees range from $395 to $495 for members and $495 to $595 for non-members. Study materials and courses can add another $300 - $800.
• Timeline: Preparation typically takes 3-6 months of dedicated study. The exams are offered year-round at testing centers. You don't need a specific state application; you simply register and take the exam. Having a certification can make you a top candidate in the smaller Williston job market.

Best Neighborhoods for Human Resources Specialists

Choosing where to live in Williston depends on your lifestyle. The city isn’t huge, but each area has a distinct feel. Commutes are generally short—10-15 minutes at most—unless you live on the far edges.

1. Downtown/South Williston: The historic heart of the city. You’ll find older, charming homes and apartments here. It’s walkable to local shops, cafes, and the Missouri River. Great for those who want character and a central location. Rent Estimate: $700 - $950 for a 1BR.
2. The "East End" (Near Williston Square): This is the hub for modern apartments and newer townhomes. It’s close to the shopping centers, grocery stores, and the hospital. Very convenient for a busy professional. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
3. Northwest Williston (Near the Rec Center): A quieter, more residential area with single-family homes and townhouses. Ideal if you prioritize space, green areas, and a family-friendly environment. It’s a short drive to everything. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100 for a 1BR (mostly 2BR rentals).
4. The "Sunset" District: A well-established neighborhood with mid-century homes and great municipal amenities. It’s known for its community feel and proximity to parks and schools. A solid choice for long-term living. Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000 for a 1BR (older rentals).

The Long Game: Career Growth

Williston offers clear advancement paths for motivated HR professionals. Your career trajectory will likely move from a generalist role to a specialist or management position.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing in key areas can increase your value. Safety and OSHA compliance is a huge premium in Williston due to the energy and industrial sectors. An HR pro with this expertise can command a salary 10-15% above the median. Talent Acquisition for niche, hard-to-fill technical roles (like process technicians or engineers) is another high-value specialty.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is HR Generalist → HR Business Partner (often in a specific department like healthcare or construction) → HR Manager. For those in larger organizations like the hospital or school district, the next step is HR Director. Given the small pool of senior talent, internal promotion is common.
• 10-Year Outlook (8% Job Growth): The 10-year job growth is projected at 8% for this metro area. This is a positive, stable outlook, driven by the continued need for HR in the essential services that underpin the community. While the oil boom creates volatility, the core institutions (hospital, schools, city) provide a bedrock of opportunity. In a decade, expect to see more demand for HR tech and data analytics skills, even in this smaller market.

The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

Deciding to move to Williston is a trade-off between opportunity and lifestyle. Here’s a straightforward look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living (Index 93.0)	Harsh Winters - can be long and intensely cold.
Affordable Housing (Rent $837 avg, homes under $300k)	Remote Location - 3+ hours to Bismarck or Minot; flights to major hubs are limited and expensive.
Stable Core Employers (Hospital, Schools, City)	Economic Cycles - the economy is sensitive to oil prices, which can affect job security in some sectors.
Low Competition for Jobs (55 openings in metro)	Limited Cultural/Entertainment Scene - fewer options compared to larger cities.
Clear Career Advancement with low turnover at senior levels	Small Professional Network - can be harder to find mentors or change jobs without leaving the city.
Short Commutes & Easy Access to Outdoors	Growing, but still a small town - population under 30k.

Final Recommendation: Williston is an excellent choice for HR Specialists who are financially motivated, adaptable, and value a strong work-life balance with easy access to outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, hiking). If you are early in your career and want to gain broad experience quickly in a stable environment, this is a great place to start. For those who thrive on constant big-city amenities and a vast professional network, the isolation and size might be challenging. The median salary of $66,229 combined with the low cost of living can offer a quality of life that is hard to match in more expensive metros.

FAQs

1. Is it really that cold in Williston?
Yes. Winters are severe, with an average low of 11°F in January and frequent sub-zero days. A reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicle and a good winter wardrobe (parka, insulated boots, layers) are non-negotiable. The upside? The summers are gorgeous, warm but not overly humid, and the dry air makes the cold more tolerable.

2. How do I find a job in Williston before moving?
Start with the job boards of the major employers: CHI St. Alexius, Williston School District, and the City of Williston websites. Also, check North Dakota’s state job board (jobs.nd.gov). LinkedIn is useful for connecting with HR managers at local companies. Be upfront in applications that you are planning to relocate; many employers are used to recruiting from out of state.

3. What is the healthcare scene like?
The primary care and emergency services are robust, centered around CHI St. Alexius Health Williston. For highly specialized care, residents often travel to Minot (CHI St. Alexius Health) or Fargo (Sanford Health). It’s important to check if your preferred health network is in-network for local employers.

4. Are there professional networking opportunities?
Yes, but they are smaller and more informal than in major cities. The North Dakota SHRM (NDSHRM) has active chapters, and the Williston area often hosts local HR roundtables. Networking often happens through community events, alumni groups from local colleges, or industry-specific gatherings (e.g., for energy or healthcare). Building a local network is key for career growth.

5. Can I rely on public transportation?
No. Williston has a public bus system (CityBus), but it has limited routes and hours. It is not practical for a daily commute, especially in winter. A personal vehicle is essential for living and working in Williston.