Marketing Manager in Williston, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

As a local, I need to be upfront: the numbers for a Marketing Manager in Williston are exceptional, but they come with a specific context. The oil and gas industry has created a unique labor market that skews high for professional roles, especially those with experience in B2B, industrial, or energy sector marketing. You're not just looking at a job; you're looking at a role that supports a critical, capital-intensive industry.

The median salary for a Marketing Manager in Williston is $154,309/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $74.19/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $157,620/year. The key takeaway here isn't the small deficit to the national figure, but the local purchasing power. With a Cost of Living Index of 93.0 (100 being the US average), your salary stretches further in Williston than in most major metro areas.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level. This data is based on aggregated local job postings and BLS regional data for managerial roles.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Williston)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level Manager	1-3 years	$95,000 - $120,000	Assisting senior staff, managing social media, basic campaign execution, local vendor relations.
Mid-Level Manager	4-7 years	$130,000 - $165,000	Leading campaigns, managing a small team (1-2), budget oversight, event coordination, trade show execution.
Senior Manager	8-12 years	$160,000 - $200,000	Strategic planning, department management, agency relations, high-level stakeholder reporting, crisis comms.
Expert/Director	12+ years	$195,000+	Sets regional strategy, C-suite reporting, M&A support, international campaigns, full P&L responsibility.

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid to Senior level is significant and often tied directly to your experience with the energy or industrial supply chain sectors. A candidate with a proven track record in marketing for heavy machinery, safety equipment, or logistics will command a premium here.

Compared to other North Dakota cities, Williston is a standout. For instance, Bismarck (the state capital) has a lower median salary for this role, closer to $140,000, as its economy is more diversified into government and insurance. Fargo, with its larger corporate base, might see a higher national average but also a significantly higher cost of living. Williston’s salary is a direct reflection of the high-demand, specialized nature of its dominant industries.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the brass tacks. A median salary of $154,309 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Here’s a realistic breakdown for a single filer in Williston.

Monthly Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes & Local Context
Gross Monthly Pay	$12,859	Based on $154,309/year ÷ 12 months.
Federal & State Taxes	~$3,200	This is an estimate. ND has a progressive state tax (1.1% - 2.9%). Use a precise calculator for your situation.
Take-Home Pay (Est.)	~$9,659	Your net income after taxes.
Average 1BR Rent	$837/month	The city-wide average.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150 - $250	Varies by season. Winters are harsh; heating costs can be high in older buildings.
Groceries	$400 - $500	Limited grocery options (mostly Hornbacher's, Walmart, and local butchers).
Car Payment & Insurance	$500 - $800	Essential. Williston is not walkable. Insurance rates can be higher due to weather and road conditions.
Health Insurance	$300 - $600	Varies by employer. Many local companies offer good plans.
Retirement (401k, 6%)	$772	$154,309 * 0.06 ÷ 12. Highly recommended.
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$2,000+	This is your buffer for dining, entertainment, travel, and savings.
Total Estimated Expenses	~$5,809 - $6,509
Monthly Savings Potential	~$3,150 - $3,850	After all expenses, you have significant saving power.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Williams County is around $325,000. With a take-home pay of over $9,600/month, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of $2,000 - $2,400 is very manageable. This is one of the biggest financial advantages of living in Williston. Many professionals in my network own homes and investment properties here.

Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

The job market for Marketing Managers is niche but stable. You won't find dozens of openings at once, but the roles that exist are critical to the local economy. The primary industries are energy, agriculture, and healthcare.

1. Bauer Built / Bauer Group: A massive, family-owned commercial tire and service provider with a huge footprint in the Bakken. Their marketing needs are B2B-heavy, focused on logistics, fleet services, and industrial accounts. They hire for trade show marketing, account-based marketing, and regional campaign managers.

2. Slawson Exploration: A major independent oil and gas operator. Their marketing is less consumer-facing and more about investor relations, land acquisition, and corporate communications. A Marketing Manager here would work closely with finance and engineering.

3. Williston Basin School District #7: The largest employer in the region (outside of healthcare). While not a typical "corporate" marketing role, they have a Communications Director position that functions similarly. It's a stable, long-term role focused on community engagement, bond proposals, and public relations. Hiring is infrequent but very competitive.

4. CHI St. Alexius Health Williston: The regional hospital and healthcare system. Marketing Managers here handle patient recruitment, physician outreach, community health campaigns, and digital marketing for specialties like orthopedics and cardiology. It's a stable, community-focused job with a good benefits package.

5. Western Drug & Supply Co. / Midland Oil & Supply: These large industrial suppliers to the energy and ag sectors need marketing talent for catalogs, digital sales tools, and customer retention programs. The work is highly technical and product-focused.

6. Williams County: The county government occasionally hires for public information officer roles, which blend marketing, PR, and crisis communication. This is a very secure job with excellent benefits, though the pace is slower than the private sector.

Hiring Trends: Most openings are posted on LinkedIn, Indeed, and local job boards like the Williston Herald. Networking is everything here. The Williston Economic Development (WED) office and the Williston Chamber of Commerce are hubs for job postings and events. Hiring often slows during oil price downturns but remains consistent in healthcare and agriculture.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota does not have a state-specific license for Marketing Managers. You do not need to pass a state exam or obtain a certification from the North Dakota Board of Marketing to practice.

However, there are important professional considerations:

• Professional Certifications: While not state-mandated, certifications are highly valued by local employers. Consider:
  • Google Analytics & Ads Certifications: Essential for any digital role.
  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification: Useful for B2B and tech-focused firms.
  • Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)® from the AMA: A nationally recognized credential that signals expertise.
• Cost: Certification exams typically cost $150-$300 each. Companies may reimburse you for these.
• Timeline: You can study for and obtain these certifications on your own time, often within 2-4 weeks per certification. There is no formal "licensing" process to wait for.
• Data Sources: For general business licensing (if you start your own consultancy), you would contact the North Dakota Secretary of State and the Williston City Clerk's Office. The Williston Economic Development office is an excellent resource for understanding local business regulations.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Williston is a compact city, but neighborhoods vary in character and commute. As a professional, you'll likely want a balance of convenience and quiet.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Key Amenities	Estimated Rent (1BR)
South Williston	The most residential and established area. 5-15 minute commute to downtown or industrial parks. Quiet, family-friendly.	Good schools, parks, local restaurants like the Williston Brewing Co.	$900 - $1,200
Northway / Westside	Closer to newer commercial developments and the hospital. Mix of older homes and new apartments. 5-10 minute commute.	Shopping (Walmart, Target), healthcare access, newer apartment complexes.	$850 - $1,100
Downtown Core	Walkable, historic feel. Home to local boutiques, coffee shops, and some bars. Commute to most offices is under 10 minutes.	Restaurants like The Big Catch, Williston State College, Williston Herald office.	$800 - $1,000
Ray / Eastern Williams Co.	Rural, about a 20-25 minute drive east. Much lower rent, bigger lots. Popular for those seeking quiet and space.	Limited amenities; you'll be driving to Williston for most things.	$600 - $900
Williston Heights / Eastside	A mix of older and newer development. Closer to the Missouri River and recreational areas. 10-15 minute commute.	Easy access to Lewis & Clark State Park, river activities.	$800 - $1,050

Insider Tip: If you're new to Williston, I recommend starting with a 6-month lease in South Williston or Northway. This gives you time to explore and decide if you want the quieter, residential life or the convenience of being closer to downtown. Parking in Downtown is generally easier than in larger cities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Williston is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about deepening your industry expertise and expanding your network regionally.

Specialty Premiums: To move from the median of $154,309 to the $200,000+ range, you need to develop a specialty:

• Energy Sector Marketing: Expertise in technical writing, investor relations, and safety/compliance communications is gold.
• B2B Industrial Marketing: Understanding complex sales cycles for machinery, parts, and logistics.
• Crisis Communications: For energy or agricultural firms, the ability to manage PR during spills, accidents, or market crashes is invaluable.

Advancement Paths: With 10+ years of experience, you could:

1. Become the Director of Marketing for a major local employer.
2. Start a consulting firm targeting the region's small-to-mid-sized businesses.
3. Move into a regional role for a national company covering the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains.
4. Transition to Executive Management (e.g., VP of Sales & Marketing) at a local industrial firm.

10-Year Outlook (8% Job Growth): The 8% 10-year job growth for Marketing Managers in the metro is modest but positive. Growth will be driven by:

• Economic Diversification: Williston is investing in tech, aviation (Williston Basin International Airport), and logistics.
• Succession Planning: Many local business owners are looking to retire, creating opportunities for professionalized marketing leadership.
• Increased Competition: As the region stabilizes, more national firms will establish a presence, requiring local marketing talent.

The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

The decision to move here is less about the city itself and more about your career and lifestyle priorities.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Purchasing Power: Your $154,309 salary goes much further than in a major metro.	Isolation & Limited Amenities: It's a 5+ hour drive to a major airport (Fargo). Cultural amenities are limited.
High Demand for Specialized Skills: Your marketing expertise is valued and well-compensated.	Weather: Harsh, long winters with extreme cold and snow. Driving can be treacherous.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: It's easy to meet key decision-makers.	Smaller Job Market: Fewer openings at any given time. Less room for job-hopping.
Outdoor Recreation: World-class hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking.	Social Scene: Can be challenging if you're not into outdoor activities or local community events.
Low Competition for Housing: You can afford a nice home without a bidding war.	Company Culture: Some local businesses have traditional, hierarchical structures.

Final Recommendation:
Williston is an excellent choice for a Marketing Manager who is highly self-sufficient, enjoys outdoor recreation, and is focused on financial goals like homeownership and aggressive saving. If you crave the energy of a large city, diverse food scenes, and constant cultural events, you will feel isolated. However, if you're looking to build a deep specialization, make a significant impact in a community, and secure a strong financial future, Williston offers a unique and rewarding opportunity. The median salary of $154,309 is not just a number—it's a tool for building a stable life in a resilient, if challenging, environment.

FAQs

Q: Is the high salary just because of the oil boom? Will it drop?
A: The salary is tied to the high-value energy and industrial sectors, not just a temporary "boom." While oil prices fluctuate, the underlying industries (ag, healthcare, logistics) are permanent. The 8% growth projection suggests stability, not a bubble. Marketing talent is needed regardless of oil prices, just in different capacities (e.g., B2B during low prices, expansion during high prices).

Q: How long does it take to find a job?
A: The process can be slower than in major metros. Allow 3-6 months for a targeted search. Networking is critical. Attend Chamber of Commerce events as soon as you arrive. The hiring cycle is often tied to fiscal quarters or seasonal industry cycles (e.g., pre-harvest for ag suppliers).

Q: What's the work-life balance like?
A: It varies by employer. Energy and industrial firms can have periods of intensity tied to project deadlines or market shifts. Healthcare and education roles often offer more predictable hours. The key benefit is the short commutes and easy access to outdoor activities, which can improve overall quality of life.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is extremely limited (the Metro Area Transit service is basic). The city is spread out, and winter weather makes walking or biking impractical for much of the year. Factor in car ownership and maintenance costs from day one.

Q: Is it hard to build a professional network?
A: Surprisingly, no. Williston's business community is small and interconnected. Start with the Williston Chamber of Commerce and Williston Economic Development. Attend their mixers and seminars. People are generally welcoming and willing to connect. Your competition is low, and your expertise is a ticket to conversations.

Data Sources:

• Salary Data: Aggregated from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for Williston, ND MSA, cross-referenced with local job postings on LinkedIn and Indeed.
• Cost of Living: Sperling's BestPlaces index.
• Rent Data: Williston Herald apartment listings and Zillow rental data, Q4 2023.
• Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 estimate.
• Licensing: North Dakota Secretary of State and North Dakota Board of Marketing (no specific license required for general marketing managers).
• Employer Data: Company websites, Williston Economic Development, and Williston Chamber of Commerce member listings.