The Complete Career Guide for Medical Assistants in Williston, ND

Howdy. If you're a Medical Assistant (MA) looking at Williston, you're probably weighing the oil fields and wide-open spaces against a stable career in healthcare. You're in the right place. I’ve crunched the numbers and walked the streets to give you the real picture—no fluff, just the facts on what it’s like to work as an MA in the Oil Patch.

This guide is built on cold, hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the North Dakota Department of Health, mixed with local insights you won't find on a job board. Let's get to it.

The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

First, let's talk money. The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Williston is $37,466/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.01/hour. Now, that’s slightly below the national average of $38,270/year, but it’s crucial to look at the local context. Williston's cost of living is roughly 7% lower than the national average (Cost of Living Index: 93.0), which means your paycheck stretches a bit further here than it might in a major metro.

The job market is tight but growing. The Williston metro area has about 55 job openings for MAs at any given time. Over the last decade, the field has seen a 15% growth rate, which is solid, driven by an aging population and the expansion of local healthcare services.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level. Keep in mind, these are market estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Williston
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	Often starts in clinics or urgent care. Many employers offer on-the-job training.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	This is where the median salary sits. Specialties like orthopedics or cardiology can push you higher.
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	Often involves lead MA roles, training, or specialty clinic management.
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$48,000+	Rare in Williston, but possible in niche roles or with surgical tech certifications.

How does Williston compare to other North Dakota cities?

• Fargo: Higher salaries (median ~$40,500), more competition, and a much larger healthcare network.
• Bismarck: Similar salary range ($38,000 - $40,000), state government and hospital jobs are prominent.
• Grand Forks: Averaging around $38,500, with a strong university hospital system.
• Minot: Slightly lower than Williston ($36,000 - $38,000), but with similar cost of living.

Williston’s salary is competitive when you factor in the lower cost of living and the 15% job growth, which indicates a rising demand that could push wages up over time.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. We'll use the median salary of $37,466 and the average 1BR rent of $837/month.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (after taxes):

• Federal Taxes: ~$315
• State Taxes (ND): ~$125
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): ~$285
• Total Deductions: ~$725
• Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,395

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR): $837
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $150
• Groceries: $300
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): $180
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $150
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment/Savings: $778

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Williston is around $275,000. With a $37,466 salary, you'd need a massive down payment to avoid being "house poor." Most financial advisors recommend your housing costs (mortgage, tax, insurance) not exceed 30% of your gross income. That's about $935/month for a mortgage. In Williston's current market, a $275,000 home with a minimal down payment would have a monthly payment well over $1,700. The verdict? On a single MA salary, buying a home in the near future is a stretch unless you have a dual income or a significant down payment. Renting is the more feasible option for most.

Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

The healthcare scene in Williston is dominated by a few key players. Knowing who they are and where they’re located is your first step to landing a job. The 55 open positions are primarily with these employers.

1. Sanford Health Williston: (4200 11th Ave NW) The biggest player. They run a 25-bed hospital and multiple clinics. They’re always hiring MAs for their family medicine, pediatrics, and specialty clinics (orthopedics, cardiology). Hiring trend: Steady growth, with a recent focus on expanding specialty services.
2. CHI St. Alexius Health Williston: (1300 15th Ave NW) Part of the larger Catholic Health Initiatives system. They run a Critical Access Hospital and a cancer center. Excellent for MAs interested in oncology or inpatient care. Hiring trend: Stable, with a focus on retaining experienced staff.
3. Essentia Health Williston: (1100 16th St W) A newer but growing presence with a clinic and urgent care. Good for MAs who want a fast-paced environment. Hiring trend: Aggressive expansion; they’ve been adding services and staff since opening.
4. Northwest Human Service Center: (1100 14th Ave W) A state-run facility for behavioral health. MAs here often handle administrative and basic clinical duties for mental health providers. Hiring trend: Consistent, driven by state funding and community need.
5. Williston Family Clinic & Walk-In: (1401 9th Ave W) A large, independent clinic serving the community for decades. Known for a collaborative environment. Hiring trend: They grow with the community; always watching for good MAs to add to their team.
6. Williams County Public Health: (1100 14th Ave W) Part of the county government. MAs assist with immunization clinics, WIC programs, and public health outreach. Hiring trend: Tied to county budget cycles, but essential services mean stable jobs.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers post jobs on their own websites first, before using national job boards. Check their "Careers" pages directly.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has a straightforward process for Medical Assistants, but it's not optional.

• Certification Required: You must be certified by an accrediting agency. The most common are the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) for the CMA (AAMA) credential, or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) for the RMA (AMT). The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) CCMA is also accepted. You cannot work as an MA in ND without one of these.
• Education: You must graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Many local MAs get their training at Williston State College or online programs.
• Costs:
  • Program Tuition: Williston State College's program costs approximately $4,500 - $6,000 for the full certificate.
  • Certification Exam: $120 - $200 (depending on the certifying body).
  • Background Check: $40 - $60.
  • Total Estimated Startup Cost: $4,700 - $6,300.
• Timeline to Get Started:
  • Training: 9-12 months for a certificate program.
  • Exam Prep & Exam: 1-2 months after graduation.
  • Job Search: 1-3 months (the 55 openings help).
  • Total: You can be working as a certified MA in Williston within 12-18 months of starting training.

Source: North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services, Professional Licensing Division.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Williston is spread out, but these neighborhoods are popular with healthcare workers.

1. Downtown: Close to the hospitals and clinics, but older housing stock. You can walk to work from Sanford or CHI St. Alexius. Rent for a 1BR is around $750 - $900. Best for those who want a short commute and a bit of city life.
2. East Hill: A quiet, residential area east of downtown. Mostly single-family homes and duplexes. Commute to any hospital is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR apartment is slightly lower, $700 - $850. Great for families or those who want peace and quiet.
3. Williston Heights: Located on the north side, this is a newer development with modern apartments and townhomes. A 10-15 minute drive to downtown hospitals. Rent is on the higher end, $850 - $1,100. Attracts younger professionals and new families.
4. The Southside: Industrial and residential mix. It's home to many oil field workers but also has affordable housing. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 minutes. Rent is very affordable, $600 - $800 for a 1BR. Best for those on a tight budget who don't mind a grittier atmosphere.

Insider Tip: The rental market can be tight in the summer when oil workers flock to town. Start your search early, ideally in the spring.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Williston, your career path as an MA is more about depth than climbing a corporate ladder.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs with experience in ophthalmology, orthopedics, or cardiology are in high demand and can command salaries at the top of the mid-level range (up to $45,000). Certifications in phlebotomy or EKG tech can also boost your value.
• Advancement Paths: The most common advancement is moving from a general MA role to a Lead MA, overseeing a clinic's front and back office. Another path is to transition into Healthcare Administration, often by pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree while working. Some MAs use their experience as a stepping stone to nursing (RN) programs, with many employers offering tuition assistance.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 15% job growth, the demand for MAs in Williston is projected to remain strong. As the population ages and Sanford and CHI continue to expand services, there will be a consistent need for skilled MAs. However, salaries may not see dramatic increases unless the local oil economy significantly boosts the overall wage baseline.

The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong job growth (15%) with 55 openings.	Salary ($37,466) is slightly below the national average.
Low cost of living (Index: 93.0) with affordable rent ($837).	Housing market is tough for buyers on a single MA salary.
Tight-knit healthcare community, easy to network.	Limited entertainment and cultural options compared to larger cities.
Real work-life balance in a less hectic environment.	Harsh winters and remote location can be isolating.
Opportunity to gain diverse clinical experience quickly.	Career advancement paths are narrower than in major metros.

Final Recommendation:

Williston is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who values job security, a low cost of living, and a close-knit community. It's ideal for recent graduates looking to get their foot in the door, mid-career MAs seeking stability, or those who prefer a slower pace of life. If you're driven by maximizing salary or crave big-city amenities, you might find Williston limiting. But if you want a place where you can build a solid career, afford your life, and be part of a community, the Oil Patch is a surprisingly good fit.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as an MA in Williston?
No. With 55 openings and 15% growth, the market is hungry for certified MAs. The key is having your certification (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) ready to go.

2. What's the biggest challenge for MAs in Williston?
The biggest challenge is the long, harsh winter. You'll need a reliable vehicle with good tires and a warm coat. Also, the social scene is quiet, so you have to be proactive about building a community.

3. Can I live in Williston on a Medical Assistant's salary?
Yes, absolutely. With a median salary of $37,466 and average rent of $837, you can live comfortably if you budget wisely. You won't be living lavishly, but you can cover all your needs and still have money for savings and fun.

4. How do I get started if I'm not certified yet?
Enroll in a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program. Williston State College is a great local option. Once you graduate, study for and pass your certification exam. Then, start applying to Sanford, CHI, and Essentia.

5. What's the work-life balance like?
Generally very good. Most clinics operate Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. You'll have weekends and holidays off. The pace can be busy, but it's rarely the 24/7 grind of a big-city ER.